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Windows 10 sound error: Failed to play test tone and everything

Anonymous
2023-08-15T09:36:49+00:00

Hi, I need some help with my sound on Windows 10. Everything is ok but I can’t hear any sound from my speakers or headphones. When I go to the Sound settings and try to play a test tone, it says “Failed to play test tone”. This error started yesterday after I updated Windows 10.

I have tried the following steps to fix it, but none of them worked:

  • Restarted my computer several times.
  • Checked the volume and mute settings on my computer and speakers.
  • Plugged and unplugged my speakers and headphones.
  • Ran the audio troubleshooter and followed its recommendations.
  • Updated my audio drivers from the Device Manager.
  • Changed the default sound format from the Sound properties.
  • Disabled all audio enhancements from the Sound properties.

My audio device is Realtek High Definition Audio and my speakers are Logitech Z313. I don’t know what else to do. Can anyone please help me? Thank you in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-03T21:29:49+00:00

    I had the same issue as you all have (or had). Windows cannot output sound to the headset, the headset is verified to work on other devices. Simply the solution for me was no re-install, update or restarting the PC. Those steps are in my opinion, especially re-installing and updating are overrated, as they often do not solve the actual cause.

    Simply what you need to do is:

    1. Press [Windows Key / Command Key] and R (Win + R), then there will popup a field
    2. In that you write services.msc and press enter
    3. Search "Windows Audio" and stop that process and start it again
    4. Then the problem is solved.

    Alternatively without using Win + R, you can go by Task Manager to the tab Services (you might need to press on bottom left, more details in order for those tabs to show up) and then go from there and stop Windows Audio and start it again. A PC restart won't help, since it probably caches some data and remains in the failing state.

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-09T14:48:12+00:00

    I'm having the same issue and I've tried installing the sound drivers many times but still it doesn't work. Please help me..

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-09T22:19:54+00:00

    Hello,

    I am having the same issue. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the sound driver. I have restarted the sound services. I cannot see anything physically wrong, and there was no warning. No interruptions, or clicking or buzzing. It just stopped. This makes me think something is misconfigured. When attempting to play a test tone, it says test failed. Plugging in headphones, the headphones are not recognised. If trying to play music, it says the music source is not recognised. Again this makes me think something has become mis configured, rather than the speakers have failed. Sometimes I get a brief clicking noise, but nothing else.

    9 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2024-05-21T22:00:58+00:00

    None of those above suggestions worked for me, but this one did:

    Opne Device Mgr, delete the sound devices (but keep the drivers).

    Reboot. Sound finally works!

    7 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2023-08-15T12:13:22+00:00

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

    I suggest you reinstall the audio driver as instructed below and see if your PC audio works again.

    Download the latest Realtek audio driver available from the support area of your PC manufacturer's website, uninstall the current driver, restart your PC, and install the driver you downloaded.

    You should be able to uninstall the current Realtek driver in "Settings > Apps > Apps & features". It should be named "Realtek Audio Driver" or "Realtek High Definition Audio Driver".

    If you can't find the correct driver, let me know the manufacturer and model of your PC.

    If you prefer, you can send 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.

    Feel free to ask back any questions.

    6 people found this answer helpful.
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