How to resolve sound issues on your computer?

If you're experiencing issues with the sound on your PC, check out our guide to understand their origin and how to resolve them.

Before anything else, it's important to check your setup's cables: If you have external speakers or headphones, make sure they are properly connected to the correct audio port on your computer. Also, ensure that the cables are not damaged (sometimes simple wear and tear can render a pair of headphones unusable), and if there is a power source, make sure it is also securely connected.
If, on the other hand, sound is not coming from your laptop as it should, check if it's not connected to an external audio system other than its built-in speakers or that the volume is set correctly and not muted. You can go to "Start" and type "Adjust volume" to easily access the relevant setting.
Also, make sure that the sound output device is set to your internal speakers. Again, use "Start" and search for "Manage audio devices" to reach the right window. From the dropdown that appears, select your speakers and apply the changes.
Note: If the sound is too loud/soft only in specific applications and software on your PC, check for a volume slider and its level in those to adjust it accordingly.


If you have checked the above points but your computer still encounters sound problems, here is a list of potential causes and solutions. And don't forget, the troubleshooting utility included in Windows is also capable of finding and fixing the root cause, so don't hesitate to use it! (by going to "Audio settings" and clicking "Troubleshoot")

Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes your system may be outdated and hasn't yet installed the latest updates, which can lead to sound issues as not all elements are correctly linked, and communication between components is disrupted. For this solution, make sure you are connected to the Internet.
To ensure that your system is up to date, type "Check for updates" in the "Start" menu and click on the result. You will reach a settings window: let the search take place; this may take some time. When it's done, install the updates and remember to restart your computer so that all changes take effect.



If no updates need to be done, or if the sound problem persists even after the post-update restart, move on to the next solution.

Check Drivers

Having sound issues with your hardware may result from an outdated or faulty audio driver, an unexpected event that can impact your computer's registry and other important data. As the main cause of audio problems on your PC, we will explore two ways to resolve them:
First, go to "Device Manager" (using the "Start" menu through a search) and find the "Sound, video and game controllers" line. Expand its content by clicking the arrow and look for the different audio elements of your PC: headphones, speakers, sound card... For each of these elements, right-click and choose "Update driver." Windows will automatically start the process that you need to follow.
In case Windows cannot find the drivers on its own, use the information obtained in Device Manager to know the model and name of the component in question. Then, go to the manufacturer's website to obtain the driver directly from its database and install it yourself, following the installation instructions.
After the updates are done and the customary restart of your computer is performed, the sound problems should be resolved. If not, here is the second solution: consider uninstalling the components and their faulty driver altogether. Go back to the Device Manager and right-click on the audio hardware. This time, select "Uninstall device" and follow the process. Don't worry, the subsequent restart will automatically reinstall the audio driver, potentially resolving the sound issues.

Modify Audio Formats

Restart Audio Services