Check where your computer is actually sending the sound.
Start with the volume, then check the selected audio output, disconnect Bluetooth devices you aren't using, test another app, restart the computer, reconnect your headphones or speakers, and check for updates.
A computer with no sound doesn't automatically mean the speakers are broken.
In fact, one of the most common audio problems is simply that the computer is sending sound to the wrong device.
Maybe it decided your monitor has speakers. Maybe it's still connected to Bluetooth headphones in another room. Maybe one app is muted while everything else is fine.
The goal is to figure out whether this is a volume problem, output-device problem, app problem, connection problem, or system problem.
Is there no sound anywhere — or only in one place?
8 things to check
Check the obvious volume controls.
Start with your computer's main volume control.
Make sure it isn't muted and turn the volume up enough that you can clearly test it.
If you're using external speakers or headphones, check whether they have their own physical volume control too.
Check the selected audio output.
Your computer may be producing sound perfectly — just not through the device you're expecting.
Open your sound settings and look for the current output device.
Choose the speakers, headphones, monitor, docking station, or other device you actually want to use.
Check the app's own volume.
Many programs control their audio separately from your computer's main volume.
Check the video player, music app, game, meeting app, or browser tab you're using.
Make sure the media itself isn't muted.
Disconnect Bluetooth audio you aren't using.
Your computer may still be connected to wireless headphones, earbuds, or a speaker.
That means your sound can be playing somewhere you aren't even listening.
Temporarily turn Bluetooth off or disconnect audio devices you aren't currently using.
Reconnect your speakers or headphones.
If you're using wired audio equipment, unplug it and reconnect it firmly.
If possible, try another headphone jack, USB port, or cable.
For USB headsets, docks, or speakers, give the computer a few seconds to recognize the device after reconnecting it.
Try another app or website.
Play audio somewhere completely different.
For example, if a video has no sound, try music or another website.
If audio works elsewhere, your speakers and system audio are probably fine.
That points back toward the original app, website, media file, or its settings.
Restart the computer.
If your audio device or sound service got stuck, a full restart can reload it.
Save your work, restart the computer, and test sound again before making more changes.
This is especially worth trying if the problem appeared suddenly even though everything was working earlier.
Don't start deleting audio drivers randomly.
Driver troubleshooting can be useful when simpler fixes fail, but uninstalling or replacing audio drivers without knowing what hardware you have can create additional problems. Start with updates and built-in troubleshooting first.
Check for system and audio updates.
Check your computer for operating-system updates.
Depending on your device, updates may also include fixes for sound hardware, Bluetooth, docking stations, or other connected devices.
Install legitimate pending updates, restart if required, and test the audio again.
Now we narrow down where the failure is happening.
If none of the basic fixes worked, ask these questions:
- Do headphones work even though the built-in speakers don't?
- Do the built-in speakers work when external devices are disconnected?
- Does sound work in some apps but not others?
- Does the computer detect your intended audio device?
- Did the problem begin after connecting a monitor, dock, or Bluetooth device?
- Did the problem begin after a system update?
- Does another pair of headphones or speakers work?
Those answers help determine whether the problem is software, settings, a connected accessory, or the computer's audio hardware.