Best Fixes for Computer Speakers Not Working

Are your speakers not working, causing issues like a lack of notification sounds, distorted audio during calls and playback, or no sound from the computer in videos or music? Then, there is nothing to worry about, as even if frustrating, this issue is easily fixed. 

In this article, you will learn exactly how to make your speakers work again to get the computer audio back. However, before we start, it is important to understand what may have caused the issue in the first place so that you can troubleshoot correctly. 

Hence, let’s begin by answering the commonly asked question: Why is my audio not working? 

Why Are Computer Speakers Not Working

Multiple factors may be a reason why there is no sound on the computer, such as cable and connection problems, incorrect software settings, or outdated/corrupted audio drivers. Below is a detailed look at all these factors. 

• There may be physical connection and volume issues, such as improperly plugged speaker cables, incorrect volume, and inappropriately plugged external speakers.

• Incorrect software settings, such as improper output device selection and a muted device.

• Problems with drivers and system services, for example, temporary software glitches and outdated or corrupted audio drivers.

Now that you have the answer to your question: Why does my PC suddenly have no sound, please ensure your headset, external speakers, etc., are correctly connected, unmuted, and working properly before we answer the question: How do I fix my speaker not working? 

How to Fix the Computer Speakers Not Working Issue

There are multiple workable solutions for the computer audio or speakers not working problem, such as enabling the Enhance Audio feature, updating Windows, updating the audio driver, running the audio troubleshooter, restarting the computer’s audio services, disabling the audio enhancements, and setting the speaker as the default audio device. 

Below are all these fixes described in detail. However, please note that you are not required to try them all, as you can begin troubleshooting with the first fix and stop when the speaker starts working. 

Fix 1: Enable Enhance Audio feature

The Enhance Audio feature has fixed the no sound on the computer for many users. Hence, you can also turn on Enhance Audio to check if it works for you. Here is how. 

• First, use the Windows key+I key shortcut to open Settings.

• Second, choose System from the on-screen Settings.

• In this step, click All sound devices and then choose your device.

• Lastly, scroll down to the Enhance Audio feature and toggle it on.

Fix 2: Update Windows

Windows keeps solving common problems, such as computer audio not working, through Windows updates. Hence, you can follow the steps below to update Windows. 

• In the first step, click on the Windows icon or Start button on the Taskbar.

• Next, type check for updates in the search bar on your screen.

• In this step, choose Check for updates from the on-screen search results.

• Next, click on the Check for updates button to allow Windows to find the latest updates available for your system.

• You can now click on the Download & Install button to get the suggested updates downloaded and installed.

• Lastly, restart your computer to complete the Windows update process.

Also know: How to Solve Windows + Shift + S Not Working Problem in Windows 11/10

Fix 3: Perform an audio driver update

Outdated audio drivers cut off the communication between your speakers and the system, making it challenging for the system to execute your commands correctly and leading to issues such as speakers not working. Hence, you are required to update the audio driver on your computer by following the steps below. 

• First, right-click the Start button located in the extreme left corner of your Taskbar.

• Next, choose Device Manager from the options on your screen.

• In the Device Manager, double-click on the Sound, video, and game controllers section to expand it.

• Next, right-click on your audio device and choose Update Driver from the options that appear.

• In this step, search automatically for drivers.

• Follow the on-screen wizard to complete the audio driver download and installation process.

• Lastly, restart your computer to allow the new driver to take effect.

Fix 4: Try the audio troubleshooter

Windows boasts a built-in troubleshooting utility to fix common problems, such as no sound from the computer on Windows 11 or older versions. This utility allows your system to detect the issue and recommend actions to get rid of it. Thus, you can follow the steps below to run the audio troubleshooting tool. 

• First, launch Settings by applying the Windows key+I key shortcut.

• Next, choose Update & Security from the on-screen options (Windows 11 users need to select System from the left panel of the Settings window).

• In this step, click on the Troubleshoot option.

• Next, navigate to the Additional troubleshooters or Other troubleshooters and then click on Playing Audio.

• Click Run the troubleshooter button to begin the troubleshooting process.

• Lastly, follow the on-screen instructions and restart the computer after everything is done.

Fix 5: Restart your computer’s audio services

You may experience no sound on your computer if the Windows audio services are not running or automatically get disabled for no reason. Hence, below is how to check and enable this service (if it is not already running) and restart the service (if it is running but you are experiencing sound issues). 

• In the first step, access the Run tool by applying the Windows key+R key shortcut.

• Second, type services.msc in the on-screen Run box and then click OK.

• Once the Windows Services appear, scroll down to the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint services.

• Next, right-click on each of these services and choose Restart from the on-screen menu.

• Wait until the process is complete.

• Restart your computer after completing the above steps.

Note: Ensure to check the Startup type of these services. The startup type for these services should be Automatic by default. 

Fix 6: Disable audio enhancements

Sometimes active audio enhancements can lead to audio issues. Thus, below is how to disable them to solve your problem.

• Begin by right-clicking on the Volume icon on your Taskbar.

• Next, choose the option to Open Sound Settings from the on-screen menu.

• In this step, select your audio device from the Output section.

• Next, navigate to the Advanced settings and then turn the Audio enhancements off.

Also know: Fix Windows Key Not Working Issue Easily on Windows 10 and 11

Fix 7: Set the speaker as your default audio device

Setting the speaker as your default audio device on Windows may help fix the computer audio not working problem. Hence, below is how to perform this action. 

• In the first step, open the Run dialog box using the Win+R keys.

• Then, type Control in the Run box and press Enter to open the Control Panel.

• Change the Control Panel view to Small icons.

• Next, choose Sound from the on-screen options.

• In this step, navigate to the Playback tab, click on your speaker, and then click on Set as Default.

• Lastly, click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Computer Speakers Not Working Fixed

This write-up covered many fixes for speakers and computer audio not working problems. Hopefully, you can now hear sound on your speakers. 

However, if we missed out on anything related to the speakers’ not working issue or have any other questions, feedback, or suggestions about this article, feel free to let us know in the comments.