While Windows 11 is a joy to use with redesign UI, apps, and a new Start menu, the update might break the basics for you. We have seen users complaining about Bluetooth not working and some are reporting issues with sound in Windows 11. Here’s how you can fix sound not working in Windows 11.
1. Unmute Your PC
Do you see an x mark beside the speaker icon in the Windows 11 taskbar? That indicates that your PC is on mute mode, and you need to unmute it to hear sound.
Click on the speaker icon and unmute the speaker. Try playing a song or video and you should be able to hear audio.
2. Check Volume Level
Are you working with a low sound setting on your computer? Although it sounds like a simple troubleshooting trick, you should still go ahead and check the volume level.
Click on the volume icon in the taskbar and drag the slider to the higher volume.
3. Check Volume Output
When you connect external speakers with the computer, you need to make sure the device is detected as the default audio output.
Step 1: Open Settings app on Windows (Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Go to System and select Sound.
Step 3: Select Choose where to play sound and select your speaker name on it.
4. Unmute Speakers
Most external speakers come with a dedicated mute button. If you have speakers on mute, the sound simply won’t work. Unmute speakers and try playing audio again.
At times, you might have muted the browser tab as well. When a browser tab is playing audio, you shall see a speaker icon. Click on it and unmute it as well.
5. Run Audio Troubleshooter
Windows 11 comes with a built-in audio troubleshooter to fix sound-related issues on the computer. Let’s use it and see if the sound is working or not.
Step 1: Launch Windows 11 Settings app.
Step 2: Go to System and select Troubleshooter.
Step 3: Click on other troubleshooters.
Step 4: Run Playing Audio troubleshooter and let Windows handle the issue.
6. Restart Windows Audio Service
If the trick above hasn’t fixed the audio issue, you need to restart the Windows Audio service on your computer. Go through the steps below.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Services.
Step 2: Hit Enter and open the Services menu.
Step 3: Scroll down to Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder options.
Right-click on each menu and select Restart from the context menu. Reboot your computer and test the audio again.
7. Enable Playback Device
Windows 11 bug can lead to audio issues with the connected device as well. Let’s enable the audio device from the Control Panel menu. Shall we?
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys and open the Run menu.
Step 2: Type mmsys.cpl and hit Enter to open the Sound menu.
Step 3: Right-click on the audio output device and select Enable from the context menu.
Step 4: You can also select Test from the context menu and try playing audio through speakers.
8. Disable Enhance Audio
Windows 11 offers an option to automatically improve sound quality. If you are facing an audio issue due to that, you need to disable the option from the Settings menu.
Step 1: Open Settings and go to the System menu.
Step 2: Select Sound and click on the default sound output device.
Step 3: From Output settings, disable Enhance audio toggle.
While you are at it, you should also disable Spatial sound from the same menu.
9. Reinstall Audio Drivers
Reinstalling audio drivers can fix sound issues for you. Use the steps below.
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows key and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Scroll down to Sound, video, and game controllers and expand the menu.
Step 3: Right-click on the audio device and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
Confirm your decision and reboot your computer. Don’t worry, the OS will install the required drivers during the restart process.
10. Update Windows 11
Outdated Windows 11 build can also result in sound issues on your PC. Head to Settings and open the Windows Update menu. Install the newest Windows 11 build and you are good to go.
Fix Sound Issues on Windows 11
You should also check the Bluetooth speaker’s left battery charge. You should fully charge the speaker and try connecting it with the computer. Which trick worked for you to troubleshoot sound issues on Windows 11? Share your findings with others in the comments below.
