sound says not allowed and unable to allow on PC 11

Question

In sound for PC it says not allowed and I can't change it to allowed.

Linda

Answer 1

Hi! Let me help you with this issue.

May I please know the brand and model of your PC?

Thanks!

Answer 2

"Not allowed" for sound on Windows 11 usually means audio input/output is blocked by policy or the device is disabled.

Try these checks in order:

1. Verify the device is not muted or disabled
   1. Right‑click the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
   2. Click the arrow next to the volume slider to see all output devices.
   3. Open More mixer settings (settings icon) and make sure the device volume is not muted.
   4. Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   5. Under Advanced, select More sound settings.
   6. On the Playback and Recording tabs, select the device, click Properties, and under Device usage make sure Use this device (enable) is selected.
2. Set the correct default audio device
   1. In Settings > System > Sound, under Output, select the speakers/headset that should play sound. Selecting it sets it as default.
   2. If using an external monitor without speakers, make sure that monitor is not selected as the default output device.
3. Check hardware and basic controls
   1. Confirm speakers/headphones are firmly plugged in and powered on.
   2. If using 3.5mm jacks, verify cables are in the correct output jack.
   3. Try another USB port if using a USB audio device.
   4. Unplug headphones to see if built‑in speakers start working.
4. Run the audio troubleshooter
   1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   2. In the Audio section, select Run and follow the prompts.
5. Make sure updates and drivers are OK
   1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install all available updates, then restart.
   2. In Device Manager, confirm the audio device has no warning icon. If it does, update or reinstall the audio driver from the PC or motherboard manufacturer.

If “Not allowed” appears specifically inside a sandboxed or managed environment (for example Windows Sandbox or a corporate policy), an admin may have applied a policy that blocks audio input or changes to sound settings. In that case, the policy must be changed by the administrator.

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References:

• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
• Your speaker and microphone are not working
• Troubleshoot Lync audio
• Policy CSP - ADMX_ControlPanelDisplay
• Policy CSP - WindowsSandbox
• Logitech G560 Speakers detect audio (volume bar moves) but no sound comes out - Microsoft Q&A
• How to get Win 11 to permanently recognise a sound output source (or not recognise one permanently) - Microsoft Q&A
• Audio issues after win11 25h2 update - Microsoft Q&A
• How to fix this. no audio device is installed - Microsoft Q&A
• I don't see an audio input device - Microsoft Q&A