Simple ways to resolve sound problems in Windows 10

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Sound problems are the most common issues, irrespective of the platform you are on. However, such issues are comparatively more frequent on Windows 10. Almost every Windows 10 user has faced the same issue when playing a video game or streaming a movie. Most of the time, it is easy to fix sound problems in Windows 10.

Common troubleshooting tips

Windows 10 users often face sound issues after a major update. As said above, most of the time, one can easily fix the issue as the problem could be with third-party software, the underlying hardware or Windows 10 itself.

Listed below are some ways to help you fix sound problems in Windows 10.

Ensure the basic settings are okay – The first thing you should do is check to make sure the sound isn’t muted on the PC. To do this, press the volume control key on the keyboard or use the slider to see if the volume bar raises and lowers. You can also check the speaker icon in the taskbar. An X next to the speaker icon means the audio is muted.

If the above things are okay, then check to make sure the sound isn’t muted on the hardware being used. For instance, if you are using speakers, then check if they are connected to the PC and power source. Also check the volume buttons. If you are using a headset or microphone, then you should also check the volume buttons or volume dials and make sure it is connected to the PC.

If you are not getting any sound even after checking the hardware, you should check the app or program that you are using. It is possible that the audio is muted from within the app itself.  For example, if you are using YouTube, then make sure that the audio isn’t muted.

If the audio issue still persists, then try restarting your PC or installing all Windows 10 updates.

How to fix sound problems in Windows 10

If you are still facing the audio issue after trying the above things, then it’s time to try these more advanced tricks.

Check for default audio device – The list of external devices installed on your PC may grow over time, possibly including a headset, wireless Xbox controller, HTC Vive and more. Thus, it is possible that when you switch devices, Windows 10 still outputs through the device that isn’t connected. Make sure that the default audio device is the one you are currently using. You can check this either from the taskbar or through the Control Panel.

Update sound card drivers – Often, poor communication between the sound card or chip and Windows 10 is the source of the problem. If such is the case, then the audio won’t work at all on your PC. To fix such an issue, all you have to do is find the right updates by following these steps:

  1. Click on the Start menu and then go to the Device Manager.
  2. Once you are inside the Device Manager, there will be a list of icons. From the options, select “Sound, video and game controllers.”
  3. Double-click on “Sound, video and game controllers and go to the Driver tab and look for the “Update Driver” option. Clicking it will direct Windows to search and download driver updates.
  4. After the update is installed, restart your PC to see if the audio issue is fixed or not.

A point to note is that Windows may not always find the right drivers. If the automatic update does not work, then try downloading the relevant updates manually by visiting the sound card manufacturer’s website.

More tricks to fix audio issues

If the audio issue is still not fixed, then you should try some even more advanced tricks to fix sound problems in Windows 10.

Run the troubleshooter – Windows 10 is equipped with a built-in troubleshooter which scans the system to offer possible fixes. To run the Troubleshooter, tap the Windows key and type “Audio” in the search field. From the results, select “Find and Fix Problems with Playing Sound” to open the troubleshooter in the Control Panel.

Alternatively, you can access the troubleshooter by heading to Start > Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot. Once the troubleshooter scans the audio devices, select the device you want to troubleshoot, and then click the “Next” button. The system will now scan for issues. Follow any on-screen instructions to resolve the issue.

Reboot audio services – Tap the Windows key and type “Services” in the search field of the taskbar. From the results, select the Services desktop app. Now restart three services from the Services window: Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.

You will have to restart each of the three manually. To do so, select each service and then right-click to open the menu. From the menu, select the “Restart” or “Refresh” option.

If you are still unable to fix the sound problems in Windows 10 after trying the above tricks, then you will need to visit a technician.

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