How to Troubleshoot No Sound on a Computer or Fix Computer Audio Problems

Audio ports are exposed to elements that may cause a build-up of dust or even physical damage. Audio performance issues may occur if there is any damage that is caused to the audio cables or the audio ports on the computer.

If you notice that the port or connector has dust or other contaminants, use a can of compressed air to clean the ports.

If you notice physical damage, contact Dell Technical Support to learn more about repair options that are available in your region. If there is no damage, go to the next step.

Back to top

A simple reboot can resolve many issues almost immediately. Restarting the computer clears the memory (RAM) and ensures that any errant processes and services that start are shut down.

Restarting the computer closes all the applications and software running on the computer. This includes applications running on the taskbar and services that are running in the background.

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

Standard speakers or headphones

Most desktop computers come with three or more audio connectors. Most laptops come with one combo connector that supports both headphones and a microphone. Verify that the speaker or soundbar cables are connected properly from the device to the computer. Audio connectors and plugs on the sound card are color-coded on desktops to help with a proper connection (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Illustration of audio ports on a desktop computer. To learn what each color code means, see the User Manual of your Dell computer.

1. Ensure that the speakers or soundbar are powered using the manufacturer-provided power cable, AC adapter, batteries, or USB cable.
   NOTE: Depending on the type or model, the speaker or soundbar may use an AC adapter, power cable, USB power, or batteries to provide power. See the user manual of the speaker or soundbar to learn more.
2. Connect the speaker or headphone jack directly into the line-out or speaker-out connector on the computer.
3. Turn up the volume using the volume knob on the speaker or soundbar. See the user manual of the speaker or soundbar on how to control the volume.
4. Test the sound playback on the computer.
   • Right-click the Volume or speaker icon in the notification area (bottom-right corner) and select Open sound settings.
   • Under Output, click Manage sound devices.
   • Under Output devices, select the correct speaker, and click Test.
   • You must hear an audio jingle.

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

Bluetooth speakers or headphones

1. Turn on the Bluetooth speaker, and put it into discoverable mode.
   NOTE: To learn how to put the Bluetooth speaker into discoverable mode, see the device's User Manual.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on the computer.
3. Pair the Bluetooth speaker with the computer.
   NOTE: Once the Bluetooth speaker and the computer are paired, the devices connect automatically when they are in the range of each other with Bluetooth activated. The range of the Bluetooth signal may vary across different Bluetooth devices.
    
   NOTE: Some Bluetooth speakers may require a passcode to pair and connect, see the User Manual of the Bluetooth speaker for device-specific instructions.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete pairing or connecting the Bluetooth speaker.

Learn How to Pair Dell Bluetooth Devices in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Or learn how to Connect to a Bluetooth Device From Your Dell Computer in Windows 8(8.1).

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

The default audio playback device is Microsoft Windows's device to output (play) sound. You can select which device to use by default when connecting speakers, soundbar, earphones or headphones, Bluetooth headset, or other audio devices to the computer. Windows can play audio through the speaker or line-out port, Bluetooth, HDMI, DisplayPort (DP), or USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports. Selecting the correct playback device and checking the volume settings for audio playback to work on the computer is essential.

To set a default playback device and check volume settings

1. Right-click the Volume or speaker icon in the notification area (bottom-right corner) and select Open sound settings.
2. Under Choose your output device, select the speaker or audio device you would like to use.
3. Click the Volume or speaker icon in the notification area and set the volume to your preference.
   NOTE: Check the volume settings on the application in use. For example, Windows Media Player, VLC player, YouTube video, and more.

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

Microsoft Windows includes various troubleshooters that are designed to quickly diagnose and automatically resolve many personal computer problems. Although Windows Troubleshooter cannot fix hardware problems, they are a great place to start if you encounter a problem with the computer. Windows Troubleshooters are built into the Control Panel in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8.

How to run the Windows Sound Troubleshooter in Microsoft Windows 11?

1. Go to Start > Settings > Sound (gear icon).
2. Select Output devices or Input devices next to Troubleshoot common sound problems.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

How to run the Windows Sound Troubleshooter in Microsoft Windows 10?

1. Click Start, and then select Settings (gear icon).
2. Click Update & Security and select Troubleshoot.
3. Click Playing Audio and then click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

Dell Technologies recommends updating the device drivers and BIOS as part of your scheduled update cycle. Device drivers and BIOS updates may contain feature enhancements or changes that help keep your system software current and compatible with other computer modules (hardware and software) as well as increased stability.

It is essential to update the following device drivers for optimal audio or sound playback performance and to resolve common audio or sound playback-related issues:

• BIOS
• Chipset
• Audio driver

Download and install the latest Dell drivers from the Dell.com/support/drivers website.

• Learn How to Download and Install Dell Drivers.
• Learn about Dell BIOS Updates.

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

Running a hardware diagnostic test can help you identify hardware-related problems and provide you with troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue. To determine if your Dell computer is experiencing a hardware problem, it is recommended that you first run a hardware diagnostic test. Dell offers both integrated and online diagnostics.

Running a hardware-diagnostic test using Dell SupportAssist

If the computer can boot into Windows and has an active Internet connection, run a hardware diagnostic test on the sound or audio card using Dell SupportAssist.

Running Dell SupportAssist Preboot System Assessment or enhanced Preboot System Assessment (Dell PSA or ePSA)

1. Restart the computer.
2. When the Dell logo appears, press the F12 key to enter the One-time Boot Menu.
3. Use the arrow keys to select Diagnostics and press the Enter key.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts and respond appropriately to complete the diagnostics.
   • If the test passes, go to the next step.
   • If the test fails, ensure to write down the error code and validation code, and contact Dell Technical Support.

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

Windows updates can support your Windows operating system in many ways. Windows updates can solve specific problems, provide protection from malicious attacks, or even add new features to the operating system.

How to install Windows Updates in Microsoft Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8 or 8.1?

1. Right-click Start and click Settings.
2. In the Settings panel, click Update & Security.
3. In the left panel, select Windows Update.
4. On the right panel, click Check for updates.
5. Restart the computer after downloading and installing the updates.

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

System Restore is an integrated Windows tool that is designed to protect and repair the operating system. When something goes wrong with your computer, System Restore should be used before restoring the computer to factory default settings.

Learn How to Use System Restore in Microsoft Windows.

If the audio playback issue persists, go to the next step.

Back to top

If the diagnostic tests on the audio or sound card passed, it is most definitely an issue that is related to software installed on the computer. If the above troubleshooting steps did not resolve the issue, you can try to restore the computer to factory default settings as a last resort.

Dell computers are built with a small amount of hard disk space that is reserved for reinstalling the operating system. This method is the easiest way to restore the computer to factory condition. The restoration process deletes all user data from the computer, so be sure to back up all your files before beginning this process.

Select the operating system that is installed on your computer to find more information about how to restore the computer to factory default settings:

• Microsoft Windows 11 or Windows 10

If the audio playback issue persists after restoring or reinstalling the operating system, contact Dell Technical Support.

Back to top