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If Windows 11 says “No speakers or headphones are plugged in,” shows “No audio output device is installed,” or leaves your device out of Settings > System > Sound > Output, Windows is not detecting an audio output device. Check Device Manager first, then install the driver made for your PC or sound card. These steps address detection; if Windows lists your device but you still hear nothing, use the separate no-sound checks below.
What the message means
Windows may fail to detect an output device when its required audio driver is missing, outdated, disabled, or not loading correctly, according to Microsoft Support. The message can appear after a Windows update or driver change, or when audio hardware or driver files are corrupted. It does not identify which cause applies to your PC.
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Check whether Windows detects or disables the audio device
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Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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If your audio device appears, right-click it. If Enable device is available, select it.
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If it is not listed, select View > Show hidden devices, then Action > Scan for hardware changes.
If the device remains absent, continue with the manufacturer driver and Windows troubleshooter. Device Manager can help distinguish a disabled device from one Windows is not currently detecting.
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Install the driver for your PC or sound card
When an audio driver is missing or incompatible, get the latest driver for your Windows version from the support website of your PC maker or sound-card manufacturer. The correct driver depends on the hardware; do not install a driver intended for a different model. Install the manufacturer’s driver and restart the PC.
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Run the Windows 11 audio troubleshooter
Microsoft recommends starting the automated Audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Open Get Help, search for audio troubleshooting, and follow the prompts for the problem. The available diagnostic steps and results can depend on the device and driver.
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Restart Windows
Restart the PC if you have not already done so. Microsoft notes that a restart can resolve temporary issues that prevent audio devices from being detected.
If the device appears but there is still no sound
A device listed under Sound > Output is a different case from one Windows cannot detect. If it is present but silent, check these separately:
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- Select the intended output device in Settings > System > Sound > Output. HDMI or USB audio may require selecting that output.
- Check that the device is powered on and its cable or plug is connected to the correct port. Try another connection if available.
- Check mute, volume, and whether the device is enabled.
- Turn off audio enhancements as a diagnostic step.
For Microsoft’s guidance on these checks, see Fix audio or sound problems in Windows.
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If audio stopped working immediately after a Windows update, Microsoft’s general audio guidance recommends rolling back the audio driver. Otherwise, its troubleshooting guidance includes updating or reinstalling the driver and, where appropriate, trying Windows’ generic audio driver. The right option depends on the PC and its driver; follow the steps for your device in Microsoft’s audio troubleshooting guide.
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When to contact the device maker
If Device Manager still does not show the output device after scanning, or the correct manufacturer driver does not restore it, contact the PC or sound-card maker’s device-specific support. The Windows message alone cannot establish whether the remaining problem is a driver, hardware, or another device-specific issue.
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