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How do I fix my PC sound when I have suddenly lost all sound through speakers and microphone?

Carin Smit 25 Reputation points
2025-11-08T12:36:12.2933333+00:00

I did updates recently on Windows 11. Now I have no sound coming from my speakers, and my microphone doesn't work.

WA shows it is set to "do not disturb" but when I check in Windows setting, the active tabs are greyed out for any notifications. I don't understand what happened.

I tried to run a diagnostic, and Windows sent a beep, which was heard, but nothing more worked - it told me to contact support, and then to ask this community.

Thank you for your help.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings

5 answers

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-08T12:36:25.17+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To troubleshoot the sound issues on your Windows 11 PC, you can follow these steps:

    1. Check Audio Connections: Ensure that your speakers and microphone are properly connected to the PC. Check for any loose cables.
    2. Verify Sound Settings:
      • Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Open Sound settings.
      • Ensure that the correct output device is selected under Output.
      • Check the Input section to ensure your microphone is selected and not muted.
    3. Run the Audio Troubleshooter:
      • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
      • Scroll down and click on Troubleshoot under the Advanced section. Follow the prompts to diagnose and fix the audio issues.
    4. Update Audio Drivers:
      • Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select it).
      • Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
      • Right-click your audio device and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
    5. Reinstall Audio Drivers: If updating doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver:
      • In Device Manager, right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC, and Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.
    6. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your system is fully updated. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.
    7. Registry Edit (if necessary): If the problem persists and you are comfortable with it, you might consider modifying the registry as a last resort. However, be cautious and back up the registry first. You can refer to the specific registry modification steps in the context provided.

    If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be a more complex hardware or software problem, and contacting support may be necessary.


    References:

    3 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Lester Bernard Reyes 77,980 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-12T16:31:48.4933333+00:00

    Hi, thank you for replying. In this case, kindly download and install a Microphone and Audio driver from your manufacturer's website or run a system restore, wherein it will restore the PC. When it was working properly, kindly follow the steps below:

     

    Press the Windows key + R, then type in:

     

    rstrui

     

    Then hit OK.

     

    Follow the prompts and select the time and date when the PC is working fine.

     

    Follow the prompts again until it restores.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Lester Bernard Reyes 77,980 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-08T13:12:09.5333333+00:00

    Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

    Based on your inputs, it seems that there is an incompatibility with the Microphone and Audio driver. Moreover, kindly follow the steps below for us to sort out the issue:

    Method 1. Roll back the Microphone driver:

    -Press the Windows key + X

    -Go to Device Manager

    -Expand the Audio inputs and Outputs

    -Look for your Microphone

    -Right-click and click Update Driver

    -Select Browse my computer for drivers

    -Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer

    -Choose an old driver or other name of driver then select it and hit next until it installs.

    Method 2. Roll back Audio driver:

    -Press the Windows key + X

    -Go to Device Manager

    -Expand the Sound, video and game controller

    -Look for Realtek (R) Audio or High Definition audio

    -Right-click and click Update Driver

    -Select Browse my computer for drivers

    -Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer

    -Choose an old driver or other name of driver then select it and hit next until it installs.

    Note: If the issue persists, please download and install a Microphone and Audio driver from your manufacturer's website or run a system restore.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  4. Cynthia 0 Reputation points
    2025-11-17T11:44:14.8+00:00

    fix them for me

    0 comments No comments

  5. Sana Ahmad 0 Reputation points
    2025-11-17T10:57:22.9833333+00:00

    my sound system is not working


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