No sound on laptop
No sound often means your laptop is sending audio to the wrong output device or a control is muted. Run the speaker test first; nothing leaves your device.
Run the test first
Speaker test
What the speaker test checks
The speaker test plays sound through the selected output device and checks whether the page can detect it. Listen for the test sound, then check the result shown on the page. A detected sound means the output worked during the test; no detected sound means the laptop may be muted, disconnected, using another output, or affected by a system problem.
The test can narrow down the issue, but it cannot identify every cause by itself. If you hear sound in the test but not in one app, the problem may be that app's volume or output choice. If the test detects no sound, use the case shown on the page to choose the next checks.
Tell which case you have
Run the speaker test linked on this page. If it reports NotFoundError, the selected output device could not be found. Follow the NotFoundError steps shown on the page to choose an output, set the default playback device, or address the audio driver.
If the result is general, the test did not identify a missing output device. Follow the general steps shown on the page to check mute and volume controls, connections and power, app settings, device status, sound settings, audio services, and system updates. These checks cover common reasons sound may not come through even when an output device is present.
Why laptop sound stops
A laptop can send sound to an output you are not using, such as a different playback device. An output may also be unavailable or not set as the default. That fits the NotFoundError case, so check the device selection and driver steps shown for that case.
In the general case, sound may be muted at the laptop, app, or another volume control. A loose cable, no power, disabled device, audio enhancement, or sound format issue can also interrupt playback. System audio services or pending updates may be involved, which is why the general steps include checking those settings too.
What to do if checks do not help
Use the steps that match your test result, then run the speaker test again. If it detects sound, try the app where the problem first appeared. If it still detects no sound after the listed checks, the cause may need a repair or replacement assessment; the steps on this page do not include repair or warranty instructions.
By the error your test showed
Not found
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Choose the right output device
Select the speakers or headphones you want to hear, and make sure the sound is not muted and the slider is up.
Source: Fix audio issues when no sound plays from speakers or headphones in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Set the default playback device
Choose the device you want to hear. In Windows 11, selecting it under Output also makes it the default.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Update, roll back or reinstall the audio driver
Update the driver first. If sound broke after an update, roll the driver back. Another option is to uninstall the device and restart, or to pick the generic High Definition Audio Device driver.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Blocked
Access was refused: the permission prompt was dismissed or denied, or the system does not let this browser use the device.
Interrupted
Something stopped the device while it was starting. Try again; if it happens again, restart the browser.
Other checks
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Run the Windows audio troubleshooter
The automatic troubleshooter checks common audio problems and tries to fix them.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Check cables, power, mute and every volume control
Check that cables are in the right jacks, power is on, and nothing is muted. Raise every volume control, including those on the speakers and in apps. Try another USB port, and unplug headphones in case they silence the speakers.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Open the volume mixer and unmute apps
Anything marked with an x or a red circle is muted. Adjust it or use the Unmute icon.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Turn off audio enhancements
Audio effects can cause audio problems. Turn them off and test again.
Source: Fix audio issues when no sound plays from speakers or headphones in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Make sure the device is enabled
Open the properties of your device and check that Use this device (enable) is selected.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Try another audio format
Change the default format, press OK, and test the sound.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Restart the audio services
Restart Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and Remote Procedure Call (RPC): right-click each one and choose Restart.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Install Windows updates and restart
Install available updates, then restart. If an update is pending, choose Update and restart.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Questions
Is the speaker test a hearing test?
No. It checks whether the selected output plays a sound the page can detect. It does not assess hearing or hearing health.
What does NotFoundError mean in the speaker test?
It means the selected output device could not be found. Check the output selection, default playback device, and driver using the steps shown for this case.
What does a general result mean?
The test did not report a missing output device. Check volume, mute, connections, app settings, device status, and the other general steps shown on the page.
Why can I hear sound in one app but not another?
The app without sound may be muted or may use a different output. Check that app's volume and the output choice, then run the speaker test to see whether the output works.
What if the test detects sound but my laptop still has no sound?
The output worked during the test, so check the app or content where you noticed the problem. Make sure its volume is on and that it is using the output you tested.
When should I seek repair?
If the listed checks do not restore sound and the test still detects none, seek a repair assessment. This page's steps do not include repair or warranty guidance.