How to Fix Sound Issues on Windows 10

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Your system's sounds may be low in volume or not have any sound at all. This guide will help you resolve sound issues with your Windows 10 system.

2. Select Playback Device

You may wish to verify which playback device your computer is using if you can't hear sound from your speakers, or if you simply wish to change output to another device like a headset.

1. Left-click the speaker icon.
   

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2. Click the arrow.
   

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2. Select your preferred playback device.
   

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2. Make sure your correct playback device is selected.

3. Speakers

1. If you have a set of external speakers, ensure the power is on.
2. Set the volume mid-way. Speakers should be ON and the volume high enough to be heard.
   

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2. If you are using a desktop PC, check the back to ensure the speakers are plugged in correctly. The default jack is normally colored light-green. Surround sound speakers and sub-woofers will be color coded. Match up the colored cable with the appropriate jack.
   

4. Audio Levels

1. Opening the volume slider found near the time and date.
   

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2. Set the level of the audio by moving the slider.
   

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2. You can also set specific audio levels for each application:
3. For touch-screen, long-press the volume icon.
4. For mouse users, right-click on the volume icon.
   

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2. Select Open Volume Mixer.
   

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2. You can set each application's audio level from here.
   

5. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

• Using the Mouse
• Select the Start menu.
  

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• By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
• Select Power, then select Restart.
  

• Using the Keyboard
• Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
  

• Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
  

• Select Restart, then OK.
  

6. Insert Headset or External Speakers

1. If your device or computer has a 3.5mm audio jack, get a pair of headphones and plug them in. This will help determine where the issue is coming from.
   

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2. Go ahead and open an application that you know plays sound.
3. If sound plays through the headphones or speakers, you may have a hardware issue with the internal speakers.

7. Work-Around

It would appear that your computer's internal speakers or supplied external speakers (whichever you have been troubleshooting) have failed. Since the previous test was able to produce sound, you can still obviously connect headphones or a set of external speakers in the same exact way to use for audio until you are able to get your machine serviced.

8. What's next?