Audio & Headset Troubleshooting
If you have no sound, distorted audio, or a non-working microphone, follow this guide to quickly identify and fix the problem.
💡 Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11, wired and wireless headsets, speakers, and Bluetooth devices.
🔊 Step 1: Check Connections & Output Device
- Ensure your headset or speakers are properly connected.
- Click the sound icon in the taskbar → select the correct output device.
- For USB headsets, unplug and reconnect to a different port.
- If using Bluetooth, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices to confirm it’s connected and paired.
🎚️ Step 2: Check Volume & Mute Controls
- Press Win + A (or click the sound icon) → ensure volume isn’t muted or set too low.
- Check any **physical mute switch** or inline volume controls on the headset.
- For microphones, right-click the **sound icon → Sound settings → Input** and verify the correct input device is active.
🧰 Step 3: Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter
- Press Win + I → open **Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters**.
- Run the **Playing Audio** and **Recording Audio** troubleshooters.
- Follow on-screen prompts to apply fixes automatically.
🔄 Step 4: Restart Audio Services
- Press Win + R → type
services.msc→ press Enter. - Find and restart these services:
- Windows Audio
- Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
- Right-click each → Restart.
⚙️ Step 5: Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
- Press Win + X → open Device Manager.
- Expand **Sound, video and game controllers**.
- Right-click your audio device → Update driver → Search automatically.
- If the issue persists, choose Uninstall device, then restart your PC to reinstall automatically.
🎧 Step 6: Check Sound Settings
- Right-click the **sound icon** → select Sound settings.
- Scroll to Advanced sound options → confirm apps are using the correct input/output device.
- For microphones: click Device properties and ensure **Allow apps to access your microphone** is enabled.
📶 Step 7: Bluetooth & Wireless Audio Fixes
- Unpair and re-pair your Bluetooth headset.
- Keep the headset within **3 feet (1 meter)** of your PC.
- Turn off nearby wireless devices to avoid signal interference.
- Ensure your PC’s Bluetooth and audio drivers are up to date via **Windows Update**.
🧼 Step 8: Test with Another App or Device
- Try audio in another app (e.g., YouTube or Teams) to isolate app-specific problems.
- Connect your headset to another computer or phone to confirm it works properly.
✅ After following these steps, most audio issues are fixed.
If problems continue, run Windows Update and consider reinstalling your sound drivers.