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Hyper-V Windows 11 Pro no sound on virtual machine

Nick Boddington 0 Reputation points
2026-03-29T11:00:18.16+00:00

I have a Dell XPS13 laptop running Windows 11 Pro Version 25H2 Build 26200.8039.

I have used Hyper-V to create a virtual machine with a separate Windows licence.

The problem I have is that I cannot get the sound to play through the virtual machine.

I know how to get to the Connect Options screen, but when I set the Sound options on this screen and click Connect it starts up what appears to be a second virtual machine with no logon options.

When I click the Power option to shut it down it tells me someone else is logged on the machine. I close it anyway.

If I try using RDP it prompts me for my MS account password. I have just reset it and saved, but when I enter it tells me it is the wrong one.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can resolve this sound problem

TIA

Nick

Windows for business | Windows 365 Business
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Nick Boddington 0 Reputation points
2026-03-29T20:29:50.4133333+00:00

Thanks again for your help. I finally found the solution.

Create a local user account (non-Microsoft) on the virtual machine which allows RDP. Start the machine using Hyper-V, and then use RDP to connect to it.

Nick

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  1. Tan Vu 2,735 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-29T13:38:44.4766667+00:00

    Hi Nick,

    You can try this:

    Press Ctrl + Alt + End and select "Log out" to completely log out of the VM. Then reconnect using Elevated Session Mode.

    If the login prompt still doesn't appear, try completely restarting the VM and reconnecting directly using Elevated Session Mode (don't connect in basic mode first).

    Also, make sure:

    • The VM is running a supported version (Windows 10/11 Pro or later)
    • Remote Desktop is enabled inside the VM
      TV

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  2. Tan Vu 2,735 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-29T11:52:41.1833333+00:00

    Hi Nick,

    By default, virtual machines do not have direct access to the host’s audio hardware. To get sound working, you need to use Enhanced Session Mode (which uses RDP in the background).

    First, make sure Enhanced Session Mode is enabled on the host: Open Hyper-V Manager -> Go to Hyper-V Settings -> Enable both: Enhanced Session Mode Policy and Enhanced Session Mode

    Then start the VM again. When connecting, you should see an option to configure local resources (including audio).

    If the option appears, select: "Play on this computer"

    Important point about your issue:

    • When you click Connect and see what looks like a “second session”, that is actually normal, it’s the RDP-based enhanced session. It may appear different from the basic console session.
    • The "someone else is logged on" message happens because you are switching between: basic session (console) and enhanced session (RDP)

    Regarding the password problem:

    • Enhanced Session Mode uses Windows credentials. Make sure: you are using the VM’s local account (not your Microsoft account unless it’s linked) and try using: .\username or VMNAME\username

    If Enhanced Session Mode does not work, you can use Remote Desktop (RDP) as an alternative. First, make sure Remote Desktop is enabled inside the virtual machine. Then, on your host (physical computer), press Windows + R and run: mstsc. Enter the name or IP address of the virtual machine and connect to it. Before connecting, open “Show Options” -> “Local Resources” and set audio to: "Play on this computer". This will redirect the sound from the virtual machine to your host device.

    Summary:

    • Hyper-V does not provide audio in basic mode
    • You must use Enhanced Session Mode or RDP
    • The “second window” behavior is normal

    If this was helpful, please click "Accept Answer". If you have any further questions, you can leave a comment. I hope this helps and wish you success in resolving your issue.

    Have a great day!

    TV

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