Sound and microphone stopped working in Windows 11

Question

Sound and microphone stopped working in Windows 11

Pamela Grant 115

My sound was working fine with and without my headset up until a couple of days ago. I no longer have sound and people cannot hear me. I have done the troubleshooting. I have un-installed and re-installed drivers with no avail. I have gone into device manager to make sure my sound was running....what else can I do?

Thank you.

Cássio José 0 Reputation points

2026-01-11T18:36:56.7266667+00:00

Gostaria de receber uma ajuda depois que instalei o windows 11 ele sempre tem o problema de não aceitar meu fone

Esse é o meu sistema que está instalado, gostaria muito que alguém pudesse me ajudar a resolver esse problema, sim antes que me esqueça meu notebook também não aceita o fone pela entrada P2 e nem Bluetooth. Desde de já agradeço!!
alfie l 0 Reputation points

2026-01-14T20:31:51.83+00:00
Hi, am not sure if you have fixed it yet, but i had the same issue and this guide from reddit solved it instantly for my microphone:

Right-click on the sound icon ( speaker ) in the notification area at the bottom right, then click on Sound

Go to the Recording tab, your microphone should be there

Select it and click Properties

In Levels, you can adjust the sound settings, but more importantly, there is a speaker icon. If it is crossed out, click on it. It may be disabled even if the sound is not at 0%

i dont understand as to why but for me it just seems that one day i turned on my computer and it was crossed out

hope this helps!!
alfie l 0 Reputation points

2026-01-14T20:32:26.99+00:00

9 answers

Your answer

Cássio José 0 Reputation points

2026-01-11T18:36:56.7266667+00:00

Gostaria de receber uma ajuda depois que instalei o windows 11 ele sempre tem o problema de não aceitar meu fone

Esse é o meu sistema que está instalado, gostaria muito que alguém pudesse me ajudar a resolver esse problema, sim antes que me esqueça meu notebook também não aceita o fone pela entrada P2 e nem Bluetooth. Desde de já agradeço!!
alfie l 0 Reputation points

2026-01-14T20:31:51.83+00:00

Hi, am not sure if you have fixed it yet, but i had the same issue and this guide from reddit solved it instantly for my microphone:

Right-click on the sound icon ( speaker ) in the notification area at the bottom right, then click on Sound

Go to the Recording tab, your microphone should be there

Select it and click Properties

In Levels, you can adjust the sound settings, but more importantly, there is a speaker icon. If it is crossed out, click on it. It may be disabled even if the sound is not at 0%

i dont understand as to why but for me it just seems that one day i turned on my computer and it was crossed out

hope this helps!!

Answer 1

Ramesh G 30

Pease show e how to reset my sound

0 comments

Answer 2

David-M 113.6K Independent Advisor

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

When you reinstalled the audio driver, did you let Windows install it automatically, or did you use an installer to install it manually?

If you used an installer, where did you download it from?

You can leave the link to the download page if you want.

Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

I await your reply.

Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-06T17:03:53.9833333+00:00

I had used automatic install.

Thank you
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-06T17:18:15.82+00:00

Thanks for the clarification.

This type of reinstallation rarely resolves issues like this. The recommended approach is to reinstall the driver using the latest audio driver package provided by your computer/motherboard manufacturer.

Unfortunately, the screenshot you shared doesn't include the manufacturer and model of your computer/motherboard. The manufacturer probably didn't include this information in the BIOS.

Do you know the manufacturer and model of your computer or motherboard?

This information is required to identify the correct recommended driver. A generic driver will probably not work.

I await your reply.
Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-06T17:23:29.0966667+00:00

Jumper Laptop, 530SU Processor. Bought on Amazon to work from home.
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-06T17:37:37.31+00:00

Thanks for the clarification.

Unfortunately, it's not always possible to determine the model based solely on the processor.

See the link below for the models listed by Jumper and see if any of them are familiar to you.

https://en.jumper.com.cn/en/download/index_page_1.html

I await your reply.

Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.
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Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-06T18:24:42+00:00

EZbook S7Hi
Weldon Beauchamp 0 Reputation points

2026-01-09T15:55:59.25+00:00

I am using powered Bose Speakers that plug into the 2.3 mm jack on the back of my desktop pc. Sound does not work and speakers are not recognized. Sometimes I can re-boot and they will work, but most of the time they do not.
Weldon Beauchamp 0 Reputation points

2026-01-09T15:56:12.5266667+00:00

3.5 mm jack
Effiong Brooks 0 Reputation points

2026-01-13T16:15:33.8266667+00:00

all along the microphone was working perfectly. All of a sudden when I speak, no one hears me, when people speak I hear them. The mic icon is not muted with a slash {/} but with reddish circle. A the speakers were perfect yesterday but today no sound.

Answer 3

David-M 113.6K Independent Advisor

Thanks for the clarification.

On the second page of the link I shared earlier, you'll find the Audio Driver for the EZbook S7 Hi. Click the download icon to download it.

It's a compressed ZIP file. Extract the ZIP file, and double-click the installer to run it. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

After installing the driver, I recommend restarting (not shutting down) your PC. And see if the audio and microphone work.

If you have a headset connected, you may need to disconnect and reconnect it.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-06T19:19:13.61+00:00
Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-06T19:19:56.27+00:00

There's a lot going on in there. Not sure what to click on as I don't see an .exe file
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-06T19:56:36.5066667+00:00

The first screenshot shows a script named "install", which should install all the drivers if it was correctly developed by the manufacturer.

Double-click "install" to run it. If a window appears, follow the instructions. If no window appears, wait a few minutes and restart your PC.

See if the audio and microphone work after doing this.

Remember: If you have a headset connected, you may need to disconnect and reconnect it.

Feel free to ask back any questions.
Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-08T17:40:58.6666667+00:00

Unfortunately that did not solve my sound problem.
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-08T17:45:07.19+00:00
Please share a screenshot of the devices under the "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" category in Device Manager.

Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager";

Expand "Sound, Video and Game Controllers".

Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

I await your reply.
Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-08T17:56:44.2833333+00:00
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-08T18:08:45.5433333+00:00
Thanks for the screenshot.

I don't see any device that I know of that is responsible for the audio in the headphones or the internal speaker. Maybe it's the "ESAuDriver Device", but I'm not sure. Perhaps the manufacturer did not include all the audio drivers in the package you downloaded and installed.

See if there are any devices labeled "Unknown Device" or with any warning signs in the other categories of the Device Manager.

Share a screenshot of what you find.

Also, please do the following:

Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager";

Expand the "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" category;

Right-click on the "ESAuDriver Device" and select "Properties";

Select the "Driver" tab and click on "Driver details".

Share a screenshot of the driver details window.

I await your reply.
Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-08T18:22:18.6933333+00:00

It was working fine since April when I got it up until last week or so..so frustrating. Thank you for helping. I really appreciate it.

Answer 4

If your sound and microphone have stopped working in Windows 11, here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

Check for Windows Updates: Make sure your system is fully updated. Sometimes, updates include crucial driver fixes that can resolve audio issues.
Update Audio Drivers: Since you've already tried uninstalling and reinstalling drivers, ensure that you are using the latest version of the Intel® Smart Sound Technology (Intel® SST) drivers. Check for updates via Windows Update or the manufacturer's website. If your device is using an affected version of the Intel SST driver (versions 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152), you will need to update to version 10.30.00.5714 or later.
Device Manager Check: Open Device Manager and verify that your audio devices are enabled and functioning properly. Look for any warning icons that might indicate issues.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter: Use the built-in audio troubleshooter in Windows 11 to automatically identify and fix problems. You can find this in Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot.
Sound Settings Review: Navigate to Settings > System > Sound and ensure that the correct output device is selected. Also, check the input settings for your microphone to confirm they are set correctly.
Registry Changes: If you're comfortable with advanced troubleshooting, you can modify the registry to address certain audio issues. However, be sure to back up the registry before making any changes.
Manufacturer Support: If the problem persists, consider reaching out to your device manufacturer for additional support, especially if the issue relates to specific hardware configurations.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the sound and microphone issues you are facing in Windows 11.

References:

Answer 5

David-M 113.6K Independent Advisor

Thanks for the screenshot.

Perhaps the ESAuDriver Device is your PC's audio device. But I don't see its driver in the package provided by the manufacturer.

Have you checked if there are any devices labeled "Unknown device" or showing warning signs in other categories of Device Manager? Are there none?

I await your reply.

Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-09T16:12:34.9666667+00:00

I do not see anything unknown or any errors
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-09T16:15:53.11+00:00

Thanks for the clarification.

When you uninstalled and allowed the driver to reinstall automatically, was it the "ESAuDriver Device" that you uninstalled, or another device?

I await your reply.
Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-09T16:26:58.0266667+00:00

I honestly don't even know anymore. Perhaps I should uninstall and re-install again and see.
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-09T16:30:59.0066667+00:00
Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

Yes. Do that. Right-click on "ESAuDriver Device", select uninstall, and confirm the uninstallation. Then, restart (not shutdown) your PC.

After the PC restarts, the driver should be reinstalled. See if the audio and microphone work again.

If the problem persists, please share a screenshot of the "Playback" tab of the sound options.

Press "Windows + R", type mmsys.cpl and press Enter;

Select the "Playback" tab and take the screenshot.

Feel free to ask back any questions.
Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-09T18:53:37+00:00

Still not working. It shows that it is making a sound during the test but there s no sound coming out of the computer
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-10T13:33:07.98+00:00

Thanks for the screenshot.

In this case, I believe the problem isn't with Windows itself. It's a driver or hardware issue.

Are you trying to play audio via internal speakers, external speakers, or headphones?

If it's an internal speaker, can you connect an external speaker or headphones to see if it works?

I await your reply.
Pamela Grant 115 Reputation points

2026-01-10T18:07:51.03+00:00

I tried my headset and there's no sound there either.
David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-11T13:28:43.92+00:00

Thanks for the clarification.

In this case, the most likely issue is driver-related. Since the manufacturer apparently did not include the driver for the "ESAuDriver Device (Everest Semiconductor)" audio controller in the package available on the official website, I suggest contacting the manufacturer's support and requesting instructions on how to download the audio controller driver.

If the problem persists even with the driver provided by the manufacturer, it is most likely a hardware problem.

If the problem were with Windows, the system wouldn't show that there's sound in the test you did before.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

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Sound and microphone stopped working in Windows 11

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