Windows 11
Fix No Sound on Windows 11 (Speakers or Headphones)
Run the DevicePrep Speaker Test, then fix output selection, Volume mixer routing, and driver issues on Windows 11.
Verify left and right audio channels in the browser before changing Windows settings.
When Windows 11 goes silent, the cause is often a muted output, the wrong device, or an app stuck in the Volume mixer. Start with the DevicePrep Speaker Test to confirm your speakers or headphones can play audio in the browser, then line up Windows output and app volume so sound comes back.
What this guide covers
- Windows 11 shows volume output but your speakers are silent
- Sound works in some apps but not in the browser, Zoom, or Teams
- Windows 11 keeps switching output devices (HDMI, Bluetooth, headset)
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Run the DevicePrep Speaker Test to confirm your speakers or headset can play sound.
- Click the taskbar volume icon and make sure the output device is set to the one you are using.
- Open the Volume mixer and raise both the master volume and the app volume that is silent.
- Unmute your keyboard, headset, or monitor; some devices ship muted by default.
- Unplug and reconnect USB, HDMI, or Bluetooth audio devices, then pick them again as the output.
- Restart the app that is silent after changing output devices so it reloads audio routing.
Step-by-step fix
- Play the DevicePrep Speaker Test and confirm you can hear both left and right.
- Taskbar volume -> output selector -> choose your headphones or speakers by name, not a disconnected device.
- Settings -> System -> Sound -> Volume mixer -> raise the app volume and set the correct output device for that app.
- If you use HDMI or a dock, check the monitor or dock volume and switch outputs once to refresh routing.
- Settings -> System -> Sound -> All sound devices -> open your output and disable enhancements while troubleshooting.
- Device Manager -> Sound, video and game controllers -> update the audio driver, then reboot if the device shows warnings.
- Restart Windows, then rerun the Speaker Test to confirm audio is back and balanced.
Deep fixes
Check the output device and mute in 30 seconds
Start the DevicePrep Speaker Test. If you hear it, the speakers and Windows output path work. If you do not, open the taskbar volume menu and pick the correct output device; many setups have multiple outputs like speakers, headphones, HDMI displays, and docks. Also check physical mute buttons and volume knobs on headsets, monitors, and keyboards.
Fix per-app routing in the Volume mixer
Windows 11 can route one app to a different output than the system default. Open Settings -> System -> Sound -> Volume mixer and look for the app that is silent. Raise its slider and confirm its output device matches the one you selected in the taskbar. After changing the device, restart the app so it rebuilds its audio stream.
Avoid HDMI, docks, and Bluetooth traps
HDMI monitors, USB docks, and Bluetooth headsets often take over as the default output when they connect. If sound disappears after you plug something in, switch outputs once, then switch back. For Bluetooth, disconnect and reconnect the headset, then pick it again as the output so Windows stops sending audio to a stale profile.
Driver and enhancement fixes that bring sound back
In Settings -> System -> Sound, open your output device and turn off enhancements while you troubleshoot. Some driver effects can mute output entirely. If your device shows warnings in Device Manager, update the audio driver or uninstall the device and reboot so Windows reloads it. Rerun the Speaker Test after each change so you can see what fixed the issue.
Confirm stereo and balance
Once sound returns, use the Speaker Test to verify left and right channels play evenly. If one side is quiet or silent, center the balance sliders in Windows, reseat the cable, and retest. When stereo looks correct in the browser but not in your app, the app may have its own output selection; set it to match Windows.
Quick checklist
- Speaker Test plays in both ears or speakers
- Correct output device selected in the taskbar
- App volume raised in Volume mixer
- Output not muted on the device itself
- Enhancements disabled if they cause silence
- Driver shows no warnings in Device Manager
FAQs
Why do I have sound in some apps but not others?
Windows Volume mixer can mute a single app or route it to a different output device. Open the mixer, raise the app volume, and confirm the output selection.
Why does sound go to my monitor instead of my headphones?
HDMI outputs often become the default when you plug in a display or dock. Switch the output in the taskbar volume menu back to your headphones or speakers.
Is it safe to disable audio enhancements?
Yes. Enhancements are optional effects that can break audio on some drivers. Turn them off during troubleshooting and re-enable only if you need them.
Why is audio only playing in one ear?
Balance sliders or a damaged cable can cut one channel. Center the balance in Windows Sound settings and rerun the Speaker Test to confirm stereo.
Sources
Documentation referenced while maintaining this guide.
Wrap up
When the DevicePrep Speaker Test plays cleanly, open your meeting app and confirm call audio works there too. If you join calls often, run the Pre-Call Test so mic, camera, speakers, and network are checked together.