How to Fix Windows Speaker Audio Issues

Resolve audio output issues on Windows with these step-by-step troubleshooting techniques. Get your system speakers working again in under 5 minutes.

1. Verify the correct output device. Click the Volume icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. Click the arrow icon next to the volume slider and ensure your preferred output device is selected rather than a display monitor or inactive peripheral.
2. Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter. Open Settings by pressing Win + I. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Locate Playing Audio and click the Run button to initiate the diagnostic scan.
3. Restart the Windows Audio service. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Locate Windows Audio in the list, right-click it, and select Restart. Do the same for the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service.
4. Reinstall the audio driver. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your audio device, and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC to allow Windows to automatically reinstall the driver upon reboot.