Get to know the possible reasons Why Is There no Sound on Computer. Also, explore the tips to fix each one of them on both Windows and Mac:
Windows and Mac are excellent for laptops. But with all their plus points, most of us have come across a few issues sometimes, like no sound on the computer. I am more of a Windows user, and I can vouch that this has happened a handful of times. But, being a computer nerd, I have been able to resolve it by myself.
And that makes me wonder, how many of you know that the issue of computer audio not working can be solved with a few tweaks? Well, never mind now. After going through this article, everyone will know how to fix the sound not working problems on both Windows and Mac.
In this article, you will find all the possible reasons why there is no sound from the computer and how to fix each of them. We will talk about both Windows and Mac computers. By the end of this article, you will no longer wonder “why isn’t my sound working?”
Table of Contents:
How to Fix No Sound on Computer Issues
This issue has often troubled Windows user readers. So, let’s see why your Windows sound might act up and what you can do to fix it.
#1) PC Volume
To make you understand how easy it is to oversee the most obvious, I need to recount this one story to you. I spent an entire day trying to figure out why couldn’t I hear anything on my computer. I went through the driver settings, uninstalled and reinstalled it, and did everything possible. But nothing worked.
So, I called a friend who is an IT geek. And in seconds, my speakers were working again. I was amazed and curious. So, I asked him what was wrong and how he fixed it in seconds. He said with a serious face, “I unmuted it.” Then, he laughed his heart out, looking at my sheepish look. So, yes. Start with the most obvious reason – your volume controls.
Click on the speaker icon and make sure there isn’t a cross sign. If there is, click on the speaker icon. If there isn’t, try sliding the volume bar up and down. Check if there’s a sound.
#2) Right Sound Device
If you have multiple speakers connected to the system, ensure you have the correct sound output selected in volume control.
- Right-click on the speaker icon.
- Select Volume Control Options.
- Check the box beside the right speaker.
- Click on Apply.
- Select OK.
#3) Connectivity
If you are using an external device, make sure the cable isn’t damaged or excessively bent. Also, make sure it is correctly inserted into the jack. You can also check with another external device to ensure that the issue isn’t with the device itself.
If everything works fine and yet if you are still wondering, “why isn’t my volume working” maybe it’s time to see if your current device is enabled and set as default.
- Right-click on the speaker icon.
- Click on Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab.
- You will see a green tick sign beside your default device.
- If there isn’t a green tick beside your device, right-click on the device.
- Click on Connect or Enable.
- Right-click on the device.
- Select set as default.
#4) Audio Enhancements
Sometimes, the problem of computer audio not working is due to audio enhancements. Try disabling them to resolve the issue.
- Right-click on the speaker icon.
- Select Sound.
- Go to the Playback tab.
- Double-click on the device you are using.
- Go to the Enhancements tab.
- Uncheck all the boxes.
- Click OK.
Suggested Reading =>> Fix Realtek HD Audio Manager missing in Windows 10
#5) Troubleshoot
If nothing works, you can always rely on Windows built-in Troubleshooter to identify and fix the problems on your computer, including sound not working.
- Press Windows+I.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select Troubleshooter.
- Click on Additional Troubleshooters.
- Select Playing Audio.
- Click on Run the Troubleshooter.
For Other Window versions,
- Press Windows+I.
- Go to the Control Panel.
- Under System and Security, click on Find and Fix the problem.
- Click on Troubleshoot Audio Playback.
- Click Next.
- Select the sound device you want to troubleshoot.
- Click Next.
Now sit back and relax while Windows finds and fixes your sound problems.
#6) Audio Drivers and Sound Card
Usually, they don’t cause much trouble after the drivers are installed. However, sometimes, they need to be updated, or a bug might corrupt them. To sort out the no sound on the computer due to audio driver issues, you might need to update or reinstall these drivers.
- Press Win + R.
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter.
- Find your audio driver under the Audio inputs and outputs option.
- Double-click on the driver.
- Go to the Driver tab.
- If the problem starts after updating the driver, click on Roll back driver if available.
- If you haven’t updated in a while, click on Update Driver.
- Click on search automatically.
In the general tab, you can see if your sound card is working correctly or not.
- If no updates are available, click on uninstall the device.
- Click Uninstall or Ok.
- Restart your system to reinstall the drivers automatically.
Check your computer audio now.
Also Read =>> Comparison of the Best Driver Updater Tools
#7) Audio Services
Now, if you are still having sound working issues, try to restart the audio services from the service panel.
- Press Win + R.
- Type services.msc and hit enter.
- Double-click on Windows Audio.
- Click Stop.
- Click on Apply and then Ok.
- Double-click on Windows Audio again.
- Click Start.
- Click on Apply and then Ok.
- Repeat the same with Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
#8) Windows System Files
Sometimes corrupt Windows system files can also lead to no sound on the computer. To check and remedy this problem, you will need to run an SFC scan from your administrator account.
- Click Windows+R.
- Type cmd and hit enter.
- Type sfc/ scannow
- Hit enter.
This will scan and fix errors in Windows system files. If you are facing sound issues due to this, it will be fixed as well.
One of these options will fix your audio not working problem on Windows. If not, it’s time to use the service center of your laptop brand or buy a new one.
How to Fix Computer Audio Not Working on Mac
Mac is a fantastic computer, but I have often received queries from Mac users like, “why can’t I hear anything on my computer?” The bad news is that even the mighty Mac is not untouched by issues. The good news is these issues are usually inconsequential and can be fixed easily.
So, let’s start troubleshooting the sound not working problem on your Mac.
#1) Hardware and Connectivity
Make sure your peripherals are connected and working properly. Sometimes, it’s just an issue of a loose connection or damaged wiring. Also, if you are using an external sound system, make sure it is working fine. Check it with other devices as well. If you have found no fault and there is still no sound from the computer, move to the next step.
#2) Sound Settings
You can lose the Mac sound if you have changed its sound settings. It can happen accidentally or because of an installation. Here’s how to fix it:
- Click on Finder.
- Go to System Preferences.
- Select Sound.
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- Go to the Output tab.
- Make sure the correct sound device is selected as the default.
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#3) Sound Controller
The sound controller in the Mac plays audio files. No sound on a computer Mac can be because the sound controller didn’t boot or isn’t working properly.
Here’s how to restart the sound controller:
- Go to Finder.
- Click on Applications.
- Select Utilities.
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- Open the Activity Monitor.
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- Look for the Core Audio process.
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- Select it
- Click on cross close it.
- Wait for a while and play the sound again.
#4) PRAM
If the essential components of your Mac are not initiated properly, you will get issues like computer audio not working. Resetting PRAM will resolve these issues. PRAM is a non-volatile RAM that carries information about booting and connected devices.
To reset it, restart your system, and press the Command + Option + P + R keys together. Let go of them when you hear the chiming sound while booting. Let your system restart and check if the sound is back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q #1) Why does my computer have no sound?
Answer: There could be many reasons why your computer doesn’t have sound. Check the volume control and make sure your default sound device is the one you are trying to use.
Q #2) How do I turn the sound back on?
Answer: Click on the speaker icon on your computer and in the volume bar click on the speaker icon again if there is a red cross on it. If not, slide the volume slider up to increase the volume.
Q #3) Why can’t I hear anything on my computer on Windows 10?
Answer: If you have recently updated the sound driver, roll back the update and check if the sound is working now. If you haven’t updated the driver yet, click on update driver. If nothing works, uninstall your sound driver and restart your laptop to reinstall it again. See if the sound is working now.
Q #4) Why is sound coming from the computer and not speakers?
Answer: Make sure your speakers are properly connected and are inserted into the right jack. Also, check for faulty wiring. Make sure your speakers are set as the default sound device for your system.
Q #5) Why does it say Bluetooth connected but no sound?
Answer: Make sure Bluetooth is connected to the right device and turn on the Media Audio settings. Connect your Bluetooth device, then go to the Bluetooth option from settings. Click on your Bluetooth device and turn on the Media Audio.
Conclusion
Although I have covered more common issues that can cause the issue of no sound on a computer, this isn’t an exhaustive list of every possible reason for that problem. Before going to a service center or buying a new laptop, make sure you have tried all the troubleshooting tips.
Check your sound device and connection, check your sound drivers, and make sure the sound device you are using is set as default. There are many more tips I have included in the article for both Windows and Mac. Hope one of them works for you.