Hello BARRY PETERS ****,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!
Thank you for your post. I understand that you are having issue with lost sound on laptop. I truly understand how you feel. Let me assist you go through this situation.
For me to provide the most accurate solutions, could you please answer some clarifying questions:
- Is the sound missing everywhere or just in specific apps? For example, does it work in YouTube or system sounds, but not in Microsoft Teams or Outlook?
- Are you using external speakers, headphones, or just the built-in laptop speakers?
- Do you see any error messages or warnings in the sound settings or Device Manager?
- Did your laptop install any updates recently (Windows or drivers)? Sometimes updates can affect audio drivers.
- What is the model of your laptop?
In the meantime, you can also try these steps to fix the issue:
- Check and Set the Correct Output Device
Sometimes Windows switches the audio output device.
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar → Sound settings.
- Under Output, make sure the correct device (e.g., "Speakers (Realtek)", "Headphones", etc.) is selected.
- Test sound by clicking "Test" next to the device.
2. Restart Audio Services
Windows audio services may have stopped.
- Press
Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find these services:
- Windows Audio
- Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
- Right-click each → Restart.
3. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Drivers may have become corrupted or outdated.
- Press
Windows + X → Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your audio device → Update driver.
- Or choose Uninstall device, then restart your laptop to reinstall it automatically.
4. Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter
Let Windows detect and fix the issue.
- Go to Settings → System → Sound.
- Scroll down and click Troubleshoot under Advanced.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
I am looking forward for your respond. Please feel free to let me know if the suggestion helped. Thank you so much for your times.
Best Regard,
Katerina- MSFT | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist