The absence of sound in the operating system is a rather unpleasant thing. We simply cannot watch films and videos on the Internet or on a computer, or listen to our favorite music. How to fix the situation with the inability to play audio will be discussed in this article.
Problems with sound in the OS most often occur due to various system failures or malfunction of the hardware components responsible for playing audio. Regular updates, software installations, changes to the Windows settings profile - all this can lead to the fact that, when playing content, you hear absolutely nothing.
Reason 1: hardware
Let's consider probably the most common situation - incorrect connection of speakers to the motherboard. If your speaker system has only two channels (two speakers - stereo), and 7.1 sound is wired to the motherboard or sound card, then you may well make a mistake in choosing a jack for connection.
2.0 speakers are connected with only one plug mini jack 3.5 to the green connector.
If the audio system consists of two speakers and a subwoofer (2.1), then, in most cases, it is connected in the same way. If there are two plugs, the second one is usually connected to the orange socket (subwoofer).
Speaker systems with six-channel sound (5.1) already have three cables. They match the connectors in color: green is for the front speakers, black for the rear, orange for the center. A low-frequency speaker, most often, does not have a separate plug.
Eight-channel systems use one additional connector.
Another obvious reason is the lack of power from the outlet. No matter how confident you are, check that the audio system is connected to the electrical network.
One should not exclude failure of electronic components on the motherboard or speakers. The solution here is standard - try connecting working equipment to your computer, and also check whether the speakers will work on another.
Reason 2: Audio service
Service Windows Audio is responsible for managing audio devices. If this service is not running, then the sound in the operating system will not work. The service is turned on when the OS boots, but for some reason this may not happen. This is due to glitches in Windows settings.
- Need to open "Control Panel" and go to category .
- Then you need to open the section "Administration".
- This section contains a shortcut with the name "Services", with its help you can launch the equipment we need.
- Here, in the list of services, you need to find the Windows Audio service and check whether it is enabled, as well as what mode is indicated in the column "Startup type". The mode must be "Auto".
- If the parameters are not the same as shown in the image above, then you need to change them. To do this, click RMB by service and open its properties.
- First of all, change the startup type to "Auto" and press "Apply".
- After applying the setting, the button will become active "Start", which was not available if the service had a startup type "Disabled". Click on it.
Windows will enable the service upon our request.
In a situation where the settings were initially configured correctly, you can try to solve the problem by restarting the service, for which you need to select it in the list and click on the corresponding link in the upper left part of the window.
Reason 3: System volume settings
Quite often, the reason for the lack of sound is the volume settings, or rather, its level, which is equal to zero.
Reason 4: driver
The first sign of a non-working driver is the inscription "No audio devices available" in the system settings window, on the tab "Volume".
You can identify and resolve problems that are caused by your audio device driver in "Device Manager" Windows.
- IN "Control Panels" let's go to the category "Performance and Maintenance"(see above) and go to the section "System".
- In the properties window, open the tab "Equipment" and press the button "Device Manager".
- Next, there are two options:
- IN "Dispatcher", in the thread "Sound, video and gaming devices" there is no sound controller, but there is a thread "Other devices", containing "Unknown device". It could very well be our sound. This means that there is no driver installed for the controller.
In this case, click RMB by device and select "Update driver".
In the window "Hardware Update Wizard" select an item "Yes, just this time", thereby allowing the program to connect to the Windows Update site.
The wizard will automatically search and install the software. After installation, you must restart the operating system.
- Another option is that the controller is detected, but there is a warning icon next to it in the form of a yellow circle with an exclamation mark. This means that the driver has crashed.
In this situation, we also click RMB on the controller and go to properties.
As you can see, the controller has disappeared from the sound devices branch. Now, after a reboot, the driver will be installed and launched again.
- IN "Dispatcher", in the thread "Sound, video and gaming devices" there is no sound controller, but there is a thread "Other devices", containing "Unknown device". It could very well be our sound. This means that there is no driver installed for the controller.
Reason 5: codecs
Digital media content is encoded in various ways before transmission, and when it reaches the end user, it is decoded. This process is what codecs do. Often, when reinstalling the system, we forget about these components, but they are necessary for the normal operation of Windows XP. In any case, it makes sense to update the software to eliminate this factor.
- Go to the official website of the developers of the K-Lite Codec Pack and download the latest version. At the moment, support for Windows XP until 2018 is stated, so versions released later may not install. Pay attention to the numbers indicated in the screenshot.
- Open the downloaded package. In the main window, select normal installation.
- Next, select the default media player, that is, with which the content will be automatically played.
- In the next window we leave everything as it is.
- Then select the language for titles and subtitles.
- The next window prompts you to configure output parameters for audio encoders. Here we need to determine what kind of radio system we have, how many channels and whether there is a built-in decoder in the audio equipment. For example, we have a 5.1 system, but without a built-in or external receiver. Select the appropriate item on the left and indicate that the computer will do the decoding.
- The settings are done, now just click "Install".
- After completing the installation of codecs, it is a good idea to restart Windows.
Reason 6: BIOS settings
It may happen that the previous owner (or maybe you, but forgot about it) changed the BIOS parameters of the motherboard when connecting the audio card. This option may be called "Onboard Audio Function" and to enable the audio system built into the motherboard it must be set to "Enabled".
If after all these steps the audio still does not play, then reinstalling Windows XP may be the last resort. However, there is no need to rush, as there is an opportunity to try to restore the system.
Conclusion
All the causes of sound problems and their solutions given in this article will help you get out of the situation and continue to enjoy music and movies. Remember that rash actions such as installing “new” drivers or software designed to improve the sound of your old audio system can lead to problems and time-consuming manual restoration of functions.
Let us immediately note that there can be many reasons for this problem, therefore, there will be many solutions. In this regard, it is worth warning that in order to follow the recommendations, it is worth setting aside separate time to work on your computer or laptop. If you try to do everything in a hurry, nothing good will come of it.
So, how will we work with you? To make the task easier, we will divide the problem into categories:
To make your work easier, you can immediately select your connection type and go to the appropriate block. There will be two of them, which will completely answer the question of why there is no sound on the computer:
- Speakers, headphones and other external sound sources. Both wired and wireless types are considered here.
- The software part, which deals with solving problems with drivers. Those who have built-in speakers (for example, on a laptop) also go straight to this block.
Please note that after each step a playback check is required. To do this, it is advisable to use the same file: it can be a video on the Internet, so that there are no problems with the file itself on the computer. For example, you turn on a song and there is no sound, but it turns out that the file is damaged. What to do if there is no sound on the computer? When you are completely ready to find out the answer, move on.
Speakers, headphones and other external sound sources
- So, the sound on our computer does not work. How to enable it? First, you should check the correct connection of the wires that provide connection to your devices. That is, if you insert the cord into the wrong socket, then, of course, there will be no sound on the computer. To do this, you can refer to the speaker instructions from the manufacturer. If you don't have it, you can find it on the Internet.
Checking that the wire is connected correctly
- For wireless audio devices, you will need to check the activity of the Bluetooth module. It is adjusted by a switch on the speaker body. In the same way, we check the activity of wireless modules on a computer or laptop. If the connection is established through a separate module that connects to the USB of your PC, then try placing it in a different slot.
- If the connection is fine, but there is no sound, then make sure that you turn on your speakers using a special button or switch, which is most often used in systems with a subwoofer. Some models have an indicator light, which is mostly green when turned on.
- Next, we will check the sound volume on the speakers: turn the volume button (where Volume is written) towards increase. If you have no problems with this, but do have problems with playback, then move on.
Adjusting the volume on the speakers
- If you have an additional cable to connect your speakers to your computer, try using it. You can also ask one of your acquaintances or friends. As a last resort, you can purchase it in a store (but it is advisable to do this, only if you are sure that the problem lies in the wire, since this will lead to additional costs).
- Try connecting the speakers to another device. You can even connect it to a smartphone or tablet. If the device works on them, then the problem lies in the software part of your computer or laptop. Otherwise, you will need to repair your speakers or headphones. Before this, it is still recommended to buy a new wire, as described in the fourth paragraph above, or immediately take the device to a specialist for diagnostics.
- If everything is fine with the speakers or headphones, but there is still no sound, then it’s time to check the software part.
Software part
- So, how to turn on the sound if there is no problem with the speakers or headphones? First, make sure that the volume in the settings is set to the maximum level. On the taskbar (where the Start button is located in the Windows operating system) on the right, almost at the end, there is a sound logo. Click on it with the left mouse button and move the slider to its extreme value in the direction of increase. For example, if you have a ten installed, then the value should be set to 100 percent.
Move the volume slider to 100%
- Now go to the device manager (control panel menu). To do this, write “Device Manager” in the search bar and left-click on the found file. Open the “Audio Devices” tab and update the drivers of all audio devices. To do this, right-click on each one and click “Update Driver”. Here, check that the device is not disabled: if in the same mini-window it says “Disable”, then everything is fine. Otherwise, the device will need to be activated by clicking the item of the same name or the “Enable” item.
- If this does not help, then go to the control panel, then open the “System and Security” menu, then click on the “Fix common computer problems” tab, which is located at the very top. In the window that opens, click on “Troubleshoot audio playback problems.” Follow the on-screen prompts to try to resolve the issues.
- Often, drivers are not updated, as described in the second paragraph. You can try downloading them on the official website of the manufacturer of your computer or laptop. You will need to enter or find your exact model number, then select the operating system version and only then download the audio drivers.
- It is recommended to install Windows updates using the appropriate Windows update center. If you haven't done this in a while, now is the time.
- Often, simply restarting the computer helps: something may have gone wrong. Restarting the operating system often helps solve most computer problems. After that, check whether the sound on the computer works or not.
Let's sum it up
Today we tried to find out what to do if the sound on your computer or laptop disappears and does not work, regardless of what type of device is giving it to you: be it wired or wireless speakers, headphones or a built-in source. We hope that you were able to fix this problem and were able to play music, movies and other content without incident. Tell us in the comments how the problem befell you and how you fixed it.
In our enlightened age, almost every person has a computer. Some people need it for work, others watch movies on it, listen to music, play games. As a rule, you cannot do without speakers or built-in speakers. But what to do if there is no sound on the computer, netbook or laptop? Have you decided to relax after work and watch your favorite TV series, but there is no sound on your computer? What to do? The main thing is don’t panic! We have prepared detailed instructions on how to fix this problem for computers with Windows XP and Windows 8. Read and act.
Warning! You apply everything described below at your own peril and risk! The site administration and the author of the article are not responsible for possible consequences. Be careful, consult with specialists.
Situation 1: no sound on the computer after reinstalling Windows
Typical situation. After reinstalling or reinstalling the operating system, the sound on the computer may disappear due to problems with drivers built-in audio card. At the same time, outwardly it may seem that everything is in perfect order: the “Volume” icon is displayed on the panel below, the working volume is marked in the device manager sound card, and Windows will kindly inform you during the reinstallation that it will install the necessary drivers on its own. But this may simply be an illusion of order. And if after reinstalling Windows XP (8.x) there is no sound on your computer, the necessary drivers are probably missing.
There are several ways to solve this problem:
1. Install drivers from disk— if there is no sound on the computer (especially on a regular computer with a system unit or all-in-one; although the above also applies to laptops), first look for a CD with motherboard drivers. It may have been included with the computer upon purchase. If you find them, try installing them and rebooting the machine.
2. Download drivers from the manufacturer’s website— if there is no disk with drivers, download them from the motherboard manufacturer’s website (for example, Asus drivers can be downloaded from the link). Please note that drivers from the manufacturer of the motherboard, not the built-in sound chip, are required!
Screenshot from the site: http://www.asus.com/ru/
If the sound suddenly disappears on a laptop or netbook, often the only thing you can do is try to find sound drivers on the official website of its manufacturer (for example, links to drivers for DNS laptops can be found on their store website).
3. Use the driver pack- finally, if the sound on the computer has disappeared, and you don’t know who the motherboard manufacturer is, try installing the driver pack. This is a special set of drivers that is installed automatically.
The most popular driver pack for Windows XP and Windows 8 - Driver Pack Solution, download it from here - drp.su/ru/ The program is supplied as an ISO image. To open it, you will have to use a CD ROM emulator (Daemon Tools, Alcohol 120% are suitable). Launch the driver pack and it will check your computer and offer a list of drivers to install and update. Convenient thing!
However, it is better not to use it for a laptop. Only as a last resort.
Situation 2: You didn’t reinstall Windows, you didn’t do anything at all, but for some reason the sound on the computer suddenly disappeared
So, the sound on the computer worked, worked and then suddenly disappeared. Sometimes it happens. Let's go through the list and check the possible reasons for the loss of sound on the computer:
1. Malfunction in the columns– if there is no sound on the computer, the reason may be in the speakers. First, see if they are connected to the computer and if so, is it correct? Perhaps small children or pets got a little naughty and the connector fell out.
The speaker plug must fit tightly into the socket ( Green colour). Also check whether the speakers are receiving mains power (is the power light on?). Don't forget to turn the volume control on your speakers, what if it's turned to minimum?
If everything is in order here, check the serviceability of the speakers. Try (carefully!) connecting them to another computer, laptop, or finally to a phone instead of headphones. If the speakers do not work, change them or take them for repair. If they work, the reason is different, we move on down the list.
2. Problems with sound settings– the next thing to do if there is no sound on the computer is to check the Windows sound settings.
In the case of an old Windows XP To do this, right-click on the “Volume” icon (in the lower right corner of the screen) and select the “Adjust audio parameters” line.
Volume icon in tray
A window will open. On the "Audio" tab ("Sound Playback"), see which device is used by default: speakers (Audio Output) or something else? Perhaps you connected a projector or TV to the system unit, and it is still configured for HDMI output.
If the sound card driver fails, it will be written that “There are no playback devices.” Then return to the description of the first situation.
If, nevertheless, the sound card is recognized and used by default, do not be lazy to check its “Volume” and “Settings” by clicking on the corresponding buttons. Suddenly the volume is at zero? It is also better to turn off all the effects and choose the correct speaker placement.
3. Problem with Device Manager– the next thing you can do if the sound on your computer suddenly disappears is to check the status of the audio card in Windows Device Manager. To do this, go to the Start menu -> Control Panel -> System icon -> Hardware tab -> Device Manager button. Or press the key combination " Windows + R" and enter the command: devmgmt.msc(don’t forget to press “Enter” later).
In both cases, Windows Device Manager will launch. Expand the “Sound, video and gaming devices” section and right-click on the name of the sound card (it will probably be named something like “VIA High Definition Audio”). In the menu that appears, select “Properties” and click on it.
Windows Device Manager and sound card in it
A window with device properties will open. We are interested in the “General” tab, where there is a “Device Status” field. It should say that the device is working normally and is in use ( included).
Audio device properties and status
If this is not the case, try turning on the device, running diagnostics (the “Diagnostics” button), or reinstalling the drivers as described above.
4. The service is not running in Windows Audio– if you have checked all the previous points, and there is still no sound on the computer, it is worth checking whether the required one is running service.
To do this, go to the Start menu -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools icon -> Services shortcut. Launch it. A window will appear with a long list of services. In it you need to find “Windows Audio” and double-click on it.
The Windows Audio service must be active
If the required shortcut is not there, try switching to “Classic View” (the corresponding option should be on the left side of the window).
The service must be running (state " Works"), and the "Startup Type" field should be set to "Automatic". Otherwise, start the services (Start button) and/or change the startup type to the desired one.
5. Sound card is disabled in BIOS– finally, if all else fails, try checking to see if the built-in sound card is disabled in the BIOS. To enter the BIOS, restart your computer and immediately begin quickly pressing the " Delete" If it doesn't work, try again with the " F2», « Esc" or " F1».
Once in the BIOS, find the sound card in the “Advanced” section -> “Onboard Devices Configuration” or similar. The sound card must be enabled - option " Enabled" If it is turned off (“Disabled”), turn it on, save the settings and restart the computer.
6. Sound card burned out– if all else fails, the sad option is also possible: the built-in sound chip has failed, which is why the sound on the computer has disappeared. You will have to check this in a workshop and if everything is confirmed, disable the burned out card in the BIOS, buy and install a new (external) sound card in the PCI slot. But maybe it’s for the better - if you buy a high-quality sound card, it will delight you with a new rich sound!
Now you know what to do if there is no sound on your computer. We hope the article was useful. Perhaps the instructions for . Good luck and good sound!
We have other interesting articles!
Sound problems are quite common on computers running the Windows operating system. As a rule, in Windows XP and Windows 7 such problems are quickly resolved by changing the settings or reinstalling the sound card. With a little patience and effort, you can fix audio problems on your own.
Steps
How to restore missing sound
Use the troubleshooter. Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help restore sound. Open the Start menu, which is located in the lower left corner of the screen. Click Control Panel > Troubleshoot > Hardware and Sound > Troubleshoot Sound. The system will ask you a series of questions, the answers to which will help the troubleshooter determine the cause of the audio problem. In most cases, the audio problem can be resolved using the built-in troubleshooter.
Check your sound card. A sound card is a device that reproduces sound. If there is no sound, make sure your sound card is working.
Check cables. Check the cables connecting your speakers, headphones, microphones, or other audio devices to your computer. It is possible that the cable plug has fallen out of the connector - in this case there will be no sound. Insert the plug into the connector and check if sound appears.
Check the volume. The volume may be very low or the sound may be turned off.
Check for updates. Sometimes the sound card is not compatible with Windows software. In this case, install updates to resolve the issue. There are several ways to install updates.
Find out which playback device is the main one. If there is no sound, it may be coming from some other audio device. For example, if the system is set to play audio through headphones, you will not hear anything from the speakers. To check your audio device, open the Start menu and type “sound” in the search bar.
Make Windows recognize your sound card. Sometimes Windows does not recognize the sound card. This problem can be solved in several ways.
Troubleshoot audio problems on your external audio device. If you're having trouble connecting your microphone, speakers, or other audio device that plays audio from your computer, it may be due to the audio jack you're using. Most computers have several different audio jacks that you can use to connect audio devices. If you connect the device to the wrong jack, the sound will be affected, so try connecting to a different jack. If this does not help, check to see if this connector is disabled.
How to restore the sound icon
Open the Sounds and Audio Devices window through Control Panel. Sometimes the sound icon disappears from the taskbar; in this case, adjusting the volume becomes problematic. On Windows XP, do the following:
Check the box next to “Show volume icon on taskbar.” This option is located in the Sound tab, which is located at the top of the screen. The volume icon will appear on the taskbar.
Customize the taskbar. The volume icon may be hidden behind the triangle icon on the right side of the taskbar. To ensure that the volume icon is always displayed on the taskbar, you need to configure it. First, right-click on the triangle icon and select Properties from the menu.
Article information
This article was produced by our experienced team of editors and researchers, who reviewed it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Imagine this situation: you turn on your computer as usual, but instead of a pleasant shimmering melody, you are greeted only by the hum of a working system unit. No sound on the computer! What to do, why is there no sound on the computer? You, in the silence of your speakers, go online and enter the cherished question: “Why is there no sound on the computer.” This article discusses the main causes and ways to eliminate them. You will find out the answer to your question, namely, step-by-step restoration of sound on your computer.
Here's the question - why is there no sound? And where can I find the answer to this and some instructions?
Why is there no sound on my computer?
The reason for the lack of sound on the computer can only be in the hardware or software environment. That is, you either have faulty components, or you have problems with the settings of the operating system or individual programs. This is independent of the operating system. Similar incidents can happen with Windows XP; sound can disappear in Linux and even in the latest Windows 7 system. Moreover, speakers, headphones and a sound card can be the most modern and expensive.
How to restore sound on a computer?
The first step is to find out the reason for the missing sound on the computer. There are several ways to do this, but you should start with the simplest.
So, sound restoration step by step. Each subsequent step will bring you closer to the result.
1). Try restarting the computer, it is possible that the sound will appear when the operating system starts. This happens.
2). Check that the speaker plug is inserted into the socket. When disconnecting, plug the plug into the socket.
3). Check the switch on the speakers to see if it is turned off. Turn on the sound on the speakers by turning the control clockwise. The LED on the column with the control knob should light up (almost all models have it).
Are the speakers turned on - usually the power light is on on one of them
4). Look at the taskbar and find the speaker icon. It must not be crossed out. If this is the case, then turn on the sound simply by clicking on the “Turn on sound” button.
Desktop sound is muted. Click on the speaker logo
5). Check the speaker level, it can be reduced to a complete minimum - to zero. If the sound is turned down, simply raise the sliders to the desired level.
6). Check the functionality of the speakers on any sound source. On the player, on the phone, on another computer. The other computer can be a laptop, yours or your friend's.
7). Check Device Manager for unknown devices. Such a device appears with an exclamation mark. You can open the device manager like this: Start -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> In the “System” column, find the inscription “Device Manager”. All devices there should be identified in this window, there should be no exclamation marks. If there is such an icon, then you need to install sound drivers.
The reason for the sound not working can be found in the task manager
8). Install sound drivers. The sound processor can be built into the motherboard or installed on a separate sound card. Download drivers from the sound card or processor manufacturer's website.
9). Try inserting a known working sound card into the system unit. You can borrow it from a friend for a while. If the problem is solved in this way, then try the next step or buy a new sound card.
10). Try restoring to a previous restore point in your operating system. In Windows 7, this software environment is located in the “Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore” menu.
When the sound disappears, it may be worth restoring the system from a restore point. Suddenly a sound appears.
eleven). Try reinstalling the operating system. And install the sound drivers first, immediately after the drivers for the motherboard chipset. There may be hardware conflicts. If the sound appears, then gradually install the equipment and programs further. The sound may disappear at the most unexpected moment. This could be either a hardware conflict or a software conflict.
12). If nothing helps and sound does not appear on the computer, then the only option is to contact a specialist, or take your computer to a service workshop.
What to do if there is no sound on the computer or the sound is bad?
Before you take action, remember what you did yesterday when the sound on your computer was working. What programs did you install on your computer? Perhaps the problem will be solved if you remove it. Or maybe you deleted some necessary file from your computer. If you haven’t done anything like this, then follow the steps above. Surely something will help you. You can also try using the Help and Support section in the Start menu.
Help and support section - Music and sound, will help you find and eliminate the reason for the lack of sound
If the sound is quiet, wheezing or something else, then try manipulating the software sound settings. Or maybe you just added some kind of effect to the sound, which is why your sound on the computer sounds like it’s coming through a pipe, wheezing and hissing.
If there is no sound only in a certain program, then you need to look at the settings of that particular program. You can also simply reinstall the program, the sound will probably appear.
Don't despair. Everything can be decided, everything is in your hands. Today you can buy a simple sound card quite cheaply and within the reach of any normal person.
