The Windows operating system is constantly updated to provide users with new features and security patches. But sometimes, these updates create some problems for the users. After installing the latest update, many Windows 11 users have recently said they are having trouble with their audio.
The audio is not working correctly or has stopped working altogether. If you also face this problem, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss fixing audio not working after the Windows 11 update.
How To Fix Audio Not Working After Windows 11 Update?
You can fix audio issues in Windows 11 by updating the drivers, troubleshooting, increasing volume levels and system configurations, reinstalling the driver, restarting audio services, installing the sound manager, or enabling the playback devices from the system audio settings.
This issue has a few causes, including the wrong speaker configuration, outdated or corrupt audio drivers, muted playback devices, hardware, etc. Let’s see a few details about each reason before starting the solution.
Wrong Output Device Configurations: Sometimes, we connect our system to different external speakers or headphones. After joining the system, we forgot to change the default output device. This leads to no audio.
Outdated Drivers: The latest windows always require the latest driver support. Old firmware sometimes doesn’t support the new operating system and its features.
Corrupt Audio Drivers: There is a possibility that your drivers will become corrupt if you shut down your computer in the middle of the update process.
Muted Output Devices: Sometimes, we accidentally mute the output device volume, leading to audio not working issue in Windows 11.
Muted or Disabled Playback Device: There might be a possibility that your playback devices are muted or disabled, which is causing the audio issue.
Hardware Problem: There can be some hardware problems as well. If you have connected an external speaker or headphones, check if it works properly.
Windows Audio Services Stop Working: Windows audio services might have stopped working. It can lead to audio issues in Windows 11.
Troubleshoot Windows Audios
Troubleshooting is at the top of our solution list because if the problem is not big, it might only be solved by troubleshooting. The built-in Windows troubleshooter can fix primary drivers and connection-related issues.
Troubleshooting is crucial as it can detect all the potential issues and give you the best suggestions. Troubleshooting also resolves minor issues just by scanning through the system. To troubleshoot audio in Windows 11, follow the steps given below:
- Go to Settings and then click on Update & Security.
- Now, click on the Troubleshoot tab from the left side menu.
- Under the Getup and Running section, click on the Playing Audio option.
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.
Update Audio Drivers
If the issue persists after performing the troubleshooting mentioned above steps, it is likely time to update your audio drivers. One of the most common causes of non-functional audio in Windows 11 is the use of outdated or corrupt drivers. There are two methods of driver updates: manually or automatically.
You need to go to the website of your sound card or motherboard manufacturer and grab the most recent drivers. You can manually update your drivers by visiting the manufacturer’s website of your computer or sound card and downloading the most recent drivers from there. Simply download the necessary drivers, install them on your PC, and reboot.
Manual driver updating takes more time and energy. There is also a great chance that your downloaded driver doesn’t match your system’s hardware. That is why automatic driver updating is considered the best.
Several automatic updating tools like Driver Easy and Driver Booster available in the market allow you to search, download, and install the exact driver.
You can also update drivers automatically from the device manager. To update drivers from the device manager, follow the steps given below:
- Press Windows Key + X and then select Device Manager from the list.
- Expand “Sound, video, and game controllers.”
- Now, right-click on your audio device name and click the Update Driver option.
Check System Configurations
One of your programs is probably stuck in the system audio settings if you use more than one audio output device (speakers, headphones, AirPods, etc.). The Windows sound settings contain a panel with all your connected audio hardware listed. It is where you’ll choose which peripheral is connected.
After installing a Windows update, your speakers may suddenly become the system’s default. If you want to use the chosen audio device as the default output for your computer, you must make it the default. Take the following actions to accomplish this:
- Press Windows Key + S and type Control Panel in the search box.
- From the search results, click on the Control Panel option.
- Now, change the view by the option to small icons and click on the Sound option.
- Under the Playback tab, right-click on the blank area and click Show Disabled Devices.
- If your current device is disabled, enable it by right-clicking and selecting enable from the file menu.
- If not, go to your current icon, left-click again, and select “Set as Default Device.”
Reinstall Audio Drivers
If your audio driver has been corrupted after an update or by a virus, you must uninstall and install it again. It will fix the problem. To uninstall the audio driver, follow the steps given below:
- Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
- Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
- Right-click on your device driver and select “Uninstall.”
- Once the driver is uninstalled, reinstall by clicking scan for the new driver. It will reinstall a new driver that will be compatible with Windows 11.
Hey, I’m Hammad. I have been writing for several years now and have amassed a wealth of experience within my field. My focus is on technology and gaming, two areas that I am highly knowledgeable about. Also, I’m writer for iPhonEscape.com and CPUGPUnerds.com as well and where I have written over 350 articles.