Sound is OK with headphones, but not without such phones; no direct sound from the laptop

Question

I do not hear sound from the laptop, only via headphones.

Answer 1

Hi!

Sound is OK with headphones, but not without such phones;

• With the headphones disconnected, press Windows + X > Device Manager > Check if there is an exclamation mark ⚠️ on any device.

Usually, sound problems are related to the sound drivers, but it could be that your laptop's speaker is damaged.

1. Have you ever used the laptop's speaker?
2. Did you buy this laptop recently? Is it a new product or second-hand goods?
3. What is the manufacturer and model of the laptop?

• Press WINDOWS + R > Type "msinfo32" > In System Summary, send me a screenshot.

I await your response.

Answer 2

Try these steps in order:

1. Check the selected output device
   1. Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
   2. Select the arrow next to the volume slider to open the list of audio devices.
   3. Make sure the laptop’s built‑in speakers (not headphones, monitor, or HDMI) are selected as the output device.
2. Unplug headphones and check hardware
   1. Physically unplug the headphones.
   2. If the laptop has separate audio jacks, make sure nothing else is plugged into the headphone jack.
   3. Turn volume up and confirm the system is not muted.
3. Check volume mixer and sound settings
   1. Right‑click the Speakers icon on the taskbar and select Open Volume mixer.
   2. Make sure none of the device or app sliders are muted or set very low.
   3. Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   4. Under Output, select the laptop speakers, then choose Device properties and ensure the Disable checkbox is cleared.
4. Set the laptop speakers as default device (Windows 10)
   1. In the taskbar search box, type control panel and open it.
   2. Select Hardware and Sound > Sound.
   3. On the Playback tab, right‑click the laptop speakers and select Set as Default Device, then OK.
5. Set the laptop speakers as default device (Windows 11)
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   2. In the Output section, select the laptop speakers. This also sets them as the default output device.

If sound still only works with headphones after these steps, the built‑in speakers or their connection may be faulty and may require hardware service.

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References:

• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
• No audio with Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A
• I have no sound on an new LG Gram laptop - Microsoft Q&A