no audio device access

Question

tried to change audio from HDMI to audio output. Now, "no audio device found"

Answer 1

Dear Gary McAleer, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I understand how inconvenient it is when audio devices suddenly disappear after switching the output from HDMI. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in both the AI generated answer and the Independent Advisor’s answer on your thread. Those replies typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow down, could you please share the details below? 

• What is the brand and exact model of your device? 
• Are you currently connected to an external monitor/TV via HDMI/USB‑C dock? If yes, does that monitor/TV have built‑in speakers? 
• Do you see a red X on the speaker icon in the taskbar, or does it show normal volume? 
• In Device Manager, do you see any errors (yellow ! / error code) under Audio inputs and outputs or System devices? 
• Is the audio expected from built-in laptop speakers, a 3.5mm headset, Bluetooth, or monitor speakers? 

In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try: 

1. Check for disabled playback endpoints in Sound panel 

• Press Win + R, type: mmsys.cpl and press Enter 
• Go to the Playback tab 
• Right‑click in an empty area and enable Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices 
• If you see Speakers / Headphones greyed out > Right‑click > Enable > Right‑click again > Set as Default Device (if available) 

2. Restart Windows audio components  

• Press Win + R > type services.msc > Enter 
• Locate these services Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder 
• Right‑click each one > Restart 
• Restart the PC once after doing this. 

3. Check Windows Update “Optional updates”  

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates 
• Expand Driver updates 
• If you see Audio, Chipset, or System related drivers, install them 
• Restart the PC 

4. Repair system audio components (DISM + SFC) 

• Right‑click Start > Windows Terminal (run as Administrator) 
• Run these commands one by one: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and sfc /scannow 
• Restart the PC after both complete. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope these steps help bring your audio devices back and restore sound on your Windows 11 system. Wishing you a smooth setup and stable audio output going forward. 

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Answer 2

Hi,

If it's a laptop or desktop, if possible, could you provide the laptop model or your desktop configuration?

Access Device Manager > Graphics adapters and take a screenshot.

Thanks

Answer 3

Use these steps to restore access to an audio device in Windows 11.

1. Check that devices are not muted/disabled

• Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Open Volume mixer.
• Make sure none of the volume sliders show a red muted icon; if they do, click to unmute.
• Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
• Under Output, select your desired audio device and then select Device properties.
• Ensure the Disable checkbox is not selected for the output device.

2. Set the correct default output device If Windows switched to HDMI (for a monitor with no speakers), sound may stop.

• Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
• In the Output section, select the speakers/headphones that should play sound. Selecting them here also sets them as the default device.

3. Verify/update/reinstall audio drivers If no devices appear or they show as not working, repair the driver.

• In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager and open it.
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
• Right-click the sound card or audio device (for example, speakers or headphones) and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. Follow the prompts.
• If that does not help, right-click the device again and select Uninstall device, check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select Uninstall.
• Restart the PC; Windows will attempt to reinstall the audio driver automatically.
• If the issue started after an update and sound previously worked, open the device Properties > Driver tab and use Roll Back Driver if available.

4. Run the built-in audio troubleshooter

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Run Playing Audio and apply any fixes it suggests.

If after these steps no audio devices appear at all, install the latest audio driver directly from the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support site, then restart and recheck Settings > System > Sound.

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References:

• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
• How to fix this. no audio device is installed - Microsoft Q&A