While Microsoft frequently updates Windows 11 with new features and bug fixes, these upgrades can turn into a nightmare for some. Many have complained about speakers not working after the latest Windows 11 22H2 update. If you have experienced the same, here are the best ways to troubleshoot the problem.
Speakers not working after Windows 11 update is never a desirable situation. It breaks your workflow too. We will start with the basic solutions and move to advanced tricks to fix the problem.
1. Download Optional Windows 11 Updates
When your Windows PC acts up after the major Windows 11 update, Microsoft recommends installing optional updates. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Press Windows + I keys to open Settings.
Step 2: Select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Open Advanced options.
Step 4: Select ‘Optional updates’.
Step 5: Download and install driver updates from the following menu.
You should complete the installation and restart your Windows PC. Check your PC speakers again, and if it’s still acting up, move to other tricks.
2. Uninstall Sound Drivers
When sound drivers develop incompatibility with the latest Windows 11 version, speakers may stop working. You need to uninstall the sound drivers and try again.
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows key and open the Device Manager menu.
Step 2: Expand ‘Sound, video and game controllers’.
Step 3: Select the built-in speaker and right-click on it. Click ‘Uninstall device’ and confirm your decision.
Restart your PC, and the system will install the required drivers during the reboot process.
3. Disable Bluetooth
If your Windows PC is connected to one of your TWS (total wireless stereo) or wireless headphones, the system will play sound on the connected device and not on built-in speakers.
Step 1: Click the connectivity icons in the Windows taskbar.
Step 2: Turn off Bluetooth and start playing audio again.
4. Run Audio Troubleshooter
Windows 11 comes with a built-in audio troubleshooter to fix issues like speakers not working. Here’s how you can use it.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings (Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Select System from the sidebar and open the Troubleshoot menu.
Step 3: Open ‘Other troubleshooters’.
Step 4: Run the audio troubleshooter from the following menu.
You can follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
5. Check the Sound Output
When your Windows laptop is connected to a monitor, you need to change the sound output from laptop speakers to external speakers. You can follow the steps below to change the sound output.
Step 1: Open the System menu in Windows 11 Settings (refer to the steps above).
Step 2: Select Sound.
Step 3: Expand the ‘Choose where to play sound’ menu and select a radio button beside a relevant output device.
6. Restart Windows Audio Service
You can restart Windows audio service to troubleshoot issues like speakers not working after Windows 11 update.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Services.
Step 2: Hit Enter to open the app.
Step 3: Scroll to Windows Audio. Double-click on it to open Properties.
Step 4: Hit Stop and select Start. Click Apply and select OK.
7. Reset Windows
If you still face speakers not working after Windows 11 update problem, it’s time to reset the PC. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Press Windows + I keys to open Settings.
Step 2: Select Recovery under System.
Step 3: Click ‘Reset PC’.
Step 4: Click ‘Keep my files’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
8. Check Your External Speakers’ Battery
Are you using wireless speakers with your Windows PC setup? You can check your speakers’ battery juice. If it’s low on battery, charge them before connecting to your PC. If you face Bluetooth connection issues, read our troubleshooting guide to fix such problems on Windows.
9. Unmute Video Player
Are you trying to stream the latest TV show from Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video? You should make sure to unmute the built-in video player on such services to get a flawless sound output.
Volume Up!
You should also look for the upcoming Windows 11 updates. If the speakers not working problem is widespread, Microsoft may release a troubleshooting firmware update in the near future.
