No audio/zoom,etc

Question

i did have audio 2 weeks ago, on zoom, but not now. I remember clicking on "sound check" {lower left corner) may have done something there. Troubleshoot didn't work. I see headphone symbol when I investigate issue. I do not use headphones

Answer 1

Hi! Let me help you with this issue.

Let's troubleshoot the Audio driver.

Since the Troubleshoot didn't work, please follow the steps below.

Here are the steps to completely remove a Device from your computer.

Step 1. Use the Windows key + X shortcut.

Step 2. Select Device Manager.

Step 3. Expand the entry Sound, Video, and Game Controllers. Right-click the problematic device, which is either Realtek Audio, or AMD High-definition Audio, or High-Definition Audio, depending on the audio device installed in your PC, and select Uninstall device.

Step 4. You need to check the option Delete the driver software for this device and then click the Uninstall button.

Step 5. Reboot the computer.

After the reboot, please see if the problem is fixed.

If that still does not work, please visit the support website of your laptop or desktop and then download and install the latest Audio driver, then restart the PC.

---

Answer 2

On Windows 10, Zoom is likely sending sound to a different audio device (for example, a “headphones” output) instead of the speakers.

Try these steps in Windows first:

1. Confirm the correct output device
   1. Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar (bottom‑right). If it’s in the overflow, select Show hidden icons.
   2. Select the arrow to open the list of audio devices.
   3. Choose the device that corresponds to the PC’s speakers (not headphones or a monitor that has no speakers).
2. Check hardware and volume
   1. Make sure speaker cables are firmly plugged in and powered on.
   2. If there are multiple 3.5 mm jacks, ensure the speaker plug is in the correct output jack (often green or labeled “headphone”/“speaker”).
   3. Confirm nothing is muted and turn up volume in both Windows and on the speakers.
   4. If using USB speakers, try a different USB port.
3. Check sound settings
   1. Right‑click the Speakers icon and select Open Volume mixer.
   2. Make sure none of the sliders are muted (no red circle with a line). Raise the volume for system sounds and for Zoom if it appears there.
   3. Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   4. Under Output, select the speakers you actually use, then select Device properties and ensure Disable is not checked.
4. Set the default audio device
   1. In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel and open it.
   2. Select Hardware and Sound > Sound.
   3. On the Playback tab, select the correct speakers, then select Set as Default Device and OK.

After confirming Windows audio works (for example, play a test sound or a video in Edge), open Zoom and in its audio settings make sure the same speakers are selected as the speaker/output device. If Zoom is set to a “headphones” device that is not actually connected, change it to the default speakers.

If there is still no sound at all in Windows (not just Zoom), run the Windows audio troubleshooter:

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & security.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Playing audio > Run the troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

---

References:

• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows