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I'm using Windows 10. The audio stopped working. What can I do to get it back?

Richard Candelora 50 Reputation points
2025-12-04T15:47:18.4266667+00:00

I'm using Windows 10. When I try to access a video on MSN or Yahoo, for example, I get the visual portion, but not the sound. This just started happening recently. For years before that, I got both video and sound. what can I do to correct this?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

Answer accepted by question author

AI answer

2025-12-04T15:47:31.5766667+00:00

If your audio has stopped working in Windows 10, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

  1. Check Audio Services: Ensure that the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services are running. You can do this by typing services.msc in the Run dialog (Win + R) and checking the status of these services.
  2. Uninstall and Reinstall Audio Device: You can uninstall the audio device from Device Manager. To do this:
    • Open Device Manager.
    • Find your audio device, right-click it, and select Uninstall Device. Make sure not to select Delete the driver software for this device.
    • Restart your computer, and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.
  3. Try Different USB Ports: If you are using a USB audio device, try connecting it to a different USB port. Sometimes, the issue may be related to the specific port being used.
  4. Update Audio Drivers: Ensure that your audio drivers are up to date. You can do this through Device Manager by right-clicking your audio device and selecting Update Driver.
  5. Check Playback Devices: Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray, select Playback devices, and ensure that the correct output device is set as default.
  6. Run Audio Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix audio issues. You can access it by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Playing Audio.

If you continue to experience issues after trying these steps, there may be a deeper problem with your audio hardware or configuration.

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Answer accepted by question author

David-M 114.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-04T16:22:14.7+00:00

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

Please clarify the following:

  • Does the problem only occur with browsers, or does it occur in other applications as well?
  • Are you trying to play audio via internal speakers, external speakers, or headphones?
  • If it is an external speaker or headphones, does it have a standard audio connector (Jack connector) or USB connector, or is it connected via Bluetooth?
  • Is there an X in the speaker icon next to the clock?

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.

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  1. jill Demoran 0 Reputation points
    2026-03-31T16:42:50.7133333+00:00

    AUDIO IS NOT WORKING

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  2. jill Demoran 0 Reputation points
    2026-03-31T16:46:06.63+00:00

    I cannot use internal or external speakers, and the is no X in the audio icon

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