Laptop Speakers Not Working on Windows? Try These Fixes

Jun. 24, 2025 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows 10

laptop-speakers-not-working-fixes

When using a Windows laptop, many users encounter the common issue of no sound from the built-in speakers. This can interfere with daily activities like watching videos, attending video conferences, or listening to music.

This article explains the common causes of speaker issues and provides practical solutions to help you quickly restore audio output.

1. Common Symptoms

No sound output but no error message from the system
Volume icon appears normal, but no response from the speakers
Sound works with headphones, but not after unplugging them
Error message: "No audio output device is installed"
Media playback proceeds normally, but there's no sound

2. Causes of Speaker Issues

Audio device is disabled or not set as default
Missing or incompatible audio driver
System updates causing audio service malfunctions
Loose hardware connection or damaged internal speakers
Conflicts from malware or third-party programs

3. Solutions to Fix Speaker Not Working

Method 1: Update the Audio Driver

Driver issues are among the most common causes of speaker malfunction. For users unfamiliar with manual driver updates, it's recommend to use Driver Talent, which can automatically detect and install the best drivers for your device.

Download Driver Talent

Download the latest version of Driver Talent and install it.

Launch the software and click "Scan" to detect driver issues.

Find the audio driver in the results and click "Update".

driver-update

Restart your computer to apply changes.

Method 2: Check Volume Settings

Click the volume icon in the bottom right and ensure it's not muted.
Adjust the volume slider to an audible level.
Go to Settings > System > Sound and make sure the output device is set to Speakers.

Method 3: Restart the Audio Service

Press Win + R, type "services.msc", and hit Enter.

Locate "Windows Audio", right-click, and select "Restart".

restart-the-audio-services

Make sure the startup type is set to "Automatic".

Method 4: Set the Correct Output Device

Right-click the volume icon > Open Sound Settings > Choose your output device.

Select "Speakers (Realtek Audio)" or the correct default output device.

set-the-correct-output-device

Method 5: Run the Audio Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Click "Playing Audio" and run the troubleshooter.

run-the-audio-troubleshooter

Follow the prompts to apply recommended fixes.

Method 6: Check for System Updates Settings

If the issue started after a Windows update, try rolling back the audio driver (Device Manager > Right-click sound card > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver).

Alternatively, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history, and uninstall recent updates if necessary.

4. Advanced: Check for Hardware Issues

Use headphones to check if the issue is with the internal speakers.
Try connecting an external Bluetooth speaker to test the system.
If hardware is confirmed faulty, contact a repair technician to inspect or replace the speaker module.