Windows 11 Sound Issue

Marty Safirstein 5 Reputation points
2026-06-12T15:55:52.44+00:00

When I reboot my cooputer (Windows 11), I have sound. But when I have to re-enter my PIN when the computer times out, there is no sound any longer. I have tried all the Microsoft recommendations, but nothing seems to work.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Lucus-V 9,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-16T19:25:51.05+00:00

    Hi Marty Safirstein,

    This problem is often related to the audio drivers.

    Please take AI answer suggestions to see if the problem can be resolved.

    Alternative, you may navigate to your laptop or motherboard support page to download and install the latest audio drivers for your system.

    If you have trouble finding them, please provide me your laptop or motherboard model.

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  2. David-M 118.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-12T16:31:40.7666667+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    Please reproduce the problem and see if any device shows a warning signal in the "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" category of Device Manager. (Do this when you are having the sound issue.)

    1. Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager";
    2. Expand "Sound, Video and Game Controllers".

    If a device is showing a warning signal, right-click on it and select "Properties". Then, see what message is displayed under "Device status".

    Also, please share a screenshot of your system information.

    • Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

    Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-06-12T15:56:16.4666667+00:00

    Follow these steps in order, testing after each sign-in (normal boot vs. PIN unlock):

    1. Confirm the correct output device after unlock
      1. Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
      2. Select the arrow to the right of the volume slider (Select a sound output).
      3. Make sure the intended speakers/headphones are selected. If an external monitor or a different device is selected, switch back to the desired output.
    2. Check hardware and volume controls
      1. Verify speakers/headphones are firmly connected and powered on.
      2. Make sure nothing is muted and all volume sliders (system, app, and device) are turned up.
      3. If using USB audio, try a different USB port.
      4. If headphones are plugged in, unplug them and see if the built‑in speakers work after unlocking.
    3. Check sound settings and device status
      1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Under Output, confirm the correct device is selected; this also sets it as default.
      3. Under Advanced, select More sound settings.
      4. On the Playback tab, select the device in use, choose Properties.
      5. Under Device usage, ensure Use this device (enable) is selected.
    4. Turn off audio enhancements
      1. Go to Start > Settings > Sound.
      2. In Output, select the audio device in use.
      3. Scroll to Advanced settings and set Audio enhancements to Off.
    5. Run the audio troubleshooter
      1. Go to Start > Settings > System.
      2. Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      3. In the Audio section, select Run and apply any fixes offered.
    6. Update or reinstall audio drivers
      1. Open Device Manager (Start > type "Device Manager").
      2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      3. Right‑click the audio device (e.g., Realtek, speakers, or headset) and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
      4. If no update is found or the issue persists, right‑click the device again and select Uninstall device, confirm, then restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the driver.
    7. Try the generic audio driver
      1. In Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      2. Right‑click the audio device > Update driver.
      3. Select Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
      4. Select High Definition Audio Device and then Next.
    8. Check Windows Audio services (helps when sound stops after session changes like unlock)
      1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
      2. Find and restart these services: Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
      3. Ensure their Startup type is set to Automatic.
    9. Install all Windows Updates (including optional driver updates)
      1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
      2. Select Check for updates and install everything offered.
      3. Restart and test whether sound survives a lock/unlock cycle.

    If the problem only appears after the screen locks, pay special attention to steps 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8, as they address default device selection and driver/service issues that can change between sessions.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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