Sounds on my computer no longer works

Question

My sound stopped working when I was listening t video

Answer 1

Welcome Helena Rosman,

I understand how frustrating it can be when the sound on your Windows 11 computer stopped working while you were watching a video. 

Before we proceed, I’d like to clarify a couple of points:    

• Do you see any red X icon on the speaker symbol in the taskbar? 
• Did this start happening after any update or change on your device? 

In addition to the previous suggestions, you could also explore these options:  

Option 1: Check the correct output device 

• Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar 
• Select Open Volume mixer 
• Make sure the correct output device (speakers or headphones) is selected 

Option 2: Disable audio enhancements 

• Go to Settings > System > Sound 
• Click your output device 
• Scroll to Enhancements and turn it off 

Option 3: Run System File Checker 

• Search for Command Prompt, run as administrator 
• Type: sfc /scannow 
• Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer 

I hope the steps above help you deal with your issue.  

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Answer 2

Hi,

Is the sound not working in just one app, or is it not working in general on your computer?

Please try the following methods that usually fix audio issues:

Run the Audio Troubleshooter:

1. Right-click the speaker icon on your taskbar
2. Select "Troubleshoot sound problems,"
3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Use an older driver or uninstalling then reinstalling the driver:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
3. Right-click on your audio driver(Realtek HD Audio, AMD High Definition Audio, etc.)and choose Update driver.
4. Choose "Browse my computer for driver software"
5. Click "Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer."
6. Select an older driver from the list and click 'Next.'
7. Follow the onscreen instructions.
8. if the problem continues, repeat 1-3 and hit uninstall device instead.
9. Restart your computer(not shutdown) then check if the issue is resolved.

Enable Windows Audio:

Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc and press Enter.

Scroll through the list and double-click "Windows Audio."

Click the "Start" or 'Restart' button to enable Windows Audio.

Double Click Windows audio, Choose Automatic from the Startup type, click Apply then Ok.

If the issue pesists, what is the make and model of your device?

1. In the search bar, type MSINFO32 and hit Enter.

Please share a screenshot of that window.