If Windows 11 has no sound, start with the automated audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Then check the selected output, mute and volume controls, connections, and audio settings. If the device is missing, Bluetooth is silent, or sound stopped after an update, follow the matching steps below.
1. Run the Windows 11 audio troubleshooter
- Open Get Help and search for audio troubleshooter.
- Allow diagnostics if prompted, let the scan finish, and follow the steps it gives you. Microsoft recommends starting here for Windows 11 audio problems: Microsoft’s sound troubleshooting guidance.
2. Check the output device, connections, and volume
Choose the device that should play sound
Select the sound controls on the taskbar and choose the intended output—such as the PC speakers, headphones, monitor, or Bluetooth device. A connected device may not be the one Windows is currently using.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check physical and volume controls
- Make sure speakers are powered on and cables or headphone plugs are fully seated. If you use USB audio, try another USB port.
- Check mute and volume on the device itself, in Windows, and in the affected app. Open Volume mixer to inspect system and individual app levels.
- If speakers are silent, unplug headphones and test again; headphones may be diverting sound from the speakers.
If available, testing with another output device, such as headphones you already own, can help distinguish a speaker or connection problem from a Windows setting. These checks follow Microsoft’s basic audio troubleshooting steps.
3. Turn off enhancements or test another audio format
Audio enhancements or the selected format can affect playback. Change one setting at a time, test the sound, and restore the original setting if it makes no difference.
#1 Best Overall
- IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTICE -- Based on extensive customer advises, we’ve rolled out two major upgrades to this desktop speaker. First, volume control buttons have been added. Second, we increased the product thickness for a larger sound cavity, bringing moderate improvements in sound quality and volume.
- HIGH-QUALITY SOUND -- This laptop speaker is equipped with Dual 3W High-Excursion Drivers & Passive Radiator, delivering louder sound, wider dynamic range, enhanced bass and reduced distortion.
- ONE CABLE FOR BOTH AUDIO & POWER -- No 3.5mm AUX jack needed. Just one USB cable delivers both audio signal and power for the computer speaker to cut down cable clutter.
- WIDE SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY -- This upgraded PC speaker works with Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS laptops & PCs, compatible with HP, Lenovo, ThinkPad, ASUS, Dell, Samsung, Acer, LG and more. Simply install the latest audio driver for smooth audio playback.
- PLUG-N-PLAY FOR SIMPLE SETUP -- For Windows PCs: Plug the speaker into your computer’s USB port, click the taskbar “Speaker” icon, then select “USB Speakers” as your playback device, and you’re ready.
- Open Settings > System > Sound and select the output device.
- Turn Audio enhancements off, if the option is available, and test playback.
- If sound remains low or distorted, open the device’s advanced settings, choose a different default audio format, and test again.
Microsoft describes these options for sound-quality problems in its guidance on low or distorted audio and general sound problems.
4. Check whether Windows detects and enables the device
Inspect Sound settings
Go to Settings > System > Sound and look for the relevant output or input device. Under Advanced, open More sound settings to view the Playback or Recording device properties. Check that the device is enabled for use.
Rank #2
- [COMPATIBLE WITH USB DEVICES] - Our USB Speakers are compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux, making them ideal for PC, laptop, and desktop computer. Incompatible Devices: Monitors TVs and Projector.
- [COMPATIBLE WITH USB-C DEVICES] - Thanks to the built-in USB-C to USB Adapter, our USB-C speakers are now compatible with devices that only have USB-C interface, such as the latest MacBook, Mac mini, iMac, iPad, Android phones, and tablets.
- [INCREDIBLE LOUD SOUND WITH RICH BASS] - Our small computer speaker is equipped with dual ultra-magnetic drivers and dual passive radiators, providing high-quality stereo sound with powerful volume and deep bass for an incredible audio experience.
- [ADAPTIVE-CHANNEL-SWITCHING WITH G-SENSOR] - Ensures the left and right sound channels remain correctly positioned whether the speaker is clamped to the top or bottom of your monitor.
- [CONVENIENT TOUCH CONTROL] - Three intuitive touch buttons on the front allow for easy muting and volume adjustment.
Look for a missing device in Device Manager
- Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- If the device appears but is disabled, enable it. Use the option to show hidden devices, then scan for hardware changes.
- If it remains missing or has a driver problem, get a driver for your Windows version from your PC maker or sound-card manufacturer, install it, and restart.
See Microsoft’s instructions for audio devices that are missing or not detected. Avoid third-party driver-updater utilities; the recommended source for a compatible driver is the computer or sound-card manufacturer.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute5. Follow the branch that matches the symptom
| What you see | What to try next |
|---|---|
| No sound, but devices appear | Check output selection, mute, connections, and system and app volumes; then turn off enhancements and run the troubleshooter. Microsoft sound guidance. |
| Sound is low or varies by app | Check each app in Volume mixer, turn off enhancements, and test another format. Microsoft low-audio guidance. |
| Crackling or distorted sound | Turn off enhancements and test another format; continue with Microsoft’s symptom-specific steps if the issue persists. Microsoft distortion guidance. |
| Output device is absent | Check Device Manager, hidden devices, and hardware scan; then use the PC or sound-card maker’s compatible driver. Microsoft device-detection guidance. |
| Bluetooth is connected but silent | Select the Bluetooth device as the output and run the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Get Help. Microsoft Bluetooth troubleshooting. |
| Sound failed after a Windows update | Use the post-update troubleshooting path; rolling back the driver may apply when the failure began immediately after the update. Microsoft post-update audio guidance. |
When the steps do not resolve the problem
Windows 11 settings and labels can vary across releases, and drivers are specific to the device. If the device still does not appear or work after detection and manufacturer-driver checks, these general steps cannot establish whether the hardware has failed. Consult the PC or audio-device manufacturer for device-specific support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- USB-powered (5V) speakers plug directly into your computer for portable convenience
- Turn the speakers on and adjust the volume using one simple control (located on the front of the speakers); volume control includes On/Standby
- Simple plug-and-play setup (no drivers needed); can be used with headphones via the 3.5mm jack connector
- Frequency range of 103 Hz - 20 KHz; 2.2 watts of total RMS power (1.1 watts per speaker)
- Measures 2.76 by 3.55 by 5.3 inches (LxWxH); weighs approximately 1.4 pounds;
Rank #4
- Balanced audio sound with depth - 2 Watts Peak/ 1.2 Watts RMS power produces immersive and crystal clear sound.
- Simple and quick USB connection. Just plug the speakers into your computer USB-A port. An orange LED stays lit when your speakers are on. Disconnect the USB-A cable to power off.
- Easy controls. You can easily control the volume or mute on the front of the right speaker to get great audio experience.
- They are slim, lightweight and easy to move around so you can accommodate your setup and get perfect sound wherever you are.
- Your long lasting product set with a solid build quality.
Rank #3
- External computer speaker in Black (set of 2) for amplifying PC or laptop audio
- USB-Powered from USB port of PC or Laptop
- In-line volume control for easy access
- Blue LED lights; metal finish and scratch-free padded base
- Bottom radiator for “springy” bass sound
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
