volume not working

Alanis Rosado 0 Reputation points
2026-08-07T17:16:53.1766667+00:00

my computer appears as if it muted. when i press to unmute, it doesnt work

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
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  1. David-M 128.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-07T17:55:06.8533333+00:00

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

    To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

    • Are you trying to play audio via internal speakers, external speakers, or headphones?
    • If it is an external speaker or headphones, does it have a standard audio connector (Jack connector) or a USB connector, or is it connected via Bluetooth?
    • Is there a red circle with an "X" over the speaker icon next to the clock? (When you hover your mouse over it, does it say "No audio output device is installed"?)

    Also, 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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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-07T17:17:10.83+00:00

    Try these Windows 11 checks in order:

    1. Verify the correct output device is selected.
      • Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
      • Select the arrow next to the volume slider.
      • Make sure sound is going to the correct device, such as Speakers instead of another output.
    2. Check whether the device or app is muted.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.
      • Make sure the System volume is up.
      • Make sure the affected app is also turned up and not muted.
    3. Confirm the audio device is enabled.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Advanced, select More sound settings.
      • On the Playback tab, select the output device and choose Properties.
      • Next to Device usage, make sure Use this device (enable) is selected.
    4. Turn off audio enhancements.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Sound.
      • Select the audio device under Output.
      • Under Advanced settings, set Audio enhancements to Off.
    5. Run the audio troubleshooter.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • In Audio, select Run.
    6. Check hardware basics.
      • Make sure speakers or headphones are connected correctly.
      • If using USB audio, try a different USB port.
      • If headphones are plugged in, unplug them and test the speakers.
      • Make sure any speaker power and hardware mute controls are off.
    7. Update or reinstall the audio driver.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the audio device and select Update driver.
      • Restart the PC.
      • If it still fails, uninstall the driver and reinstall the latest one from the device manufacturer’s website.

    If the volume icon changes but sound still does not come back, the most likely causes are the wrong output device being selected, the device being disabled, or an audio driver problem.

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

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