Steam Link is a popular tool that lets you stream your favorite games from your PC to other devices. Sometimes, users encounter a problem where the Steam Link streams video but no sound plays. This can be frustrating, especially when you want a seamless gaming experience.
Fortunately, fixing the Steam Link no sound error on Windows 11 is usually straightforward. With a few basic checks and adjustments, you can restore audio and enjoy your games again.
This guide will walk you through simple and detailed troubleshooting steps. Each step explains why it’s important and how to perform it clearly.
Follow along carefully, and you should have sound back on your Steam Link in no time.
Quick Note Before You Start
- Make sure your Windows 11 PC and Steam Link device are connected to the same network. Streaming requires this for smooth communication.
- Check that your PC’s audio is working normally outside of Steam Link. Play a video or music to confirm sound is playing correctly.
- Ensure your Steam Link app and Steam client on your PC are both updated to the latest version. Updates often fix bugs.
- Verify your audio cables and speakers/headphones are properly connected and functioning.
Step 1: Check Sound Settings on Windows 11
Sometimes, the problem comes from Windows itself. You need to ensure the right playback device is selected and active.
- Click the speaker icon on the taskbar (bottom right corner).
- Make sure the volume is not muted or too low.
- Right-click the speaker icon and select Open Sound settings.
- Under Output, check that the correct device (your main speakers or headphones) is selected.
- If multiple devices are listed, try switching to another one to test sound output.
Why this matters: If Windows is sending audio to the wrong device or the volume is off, Steam Link won’t be able to stream sound properly.
Step 2: Restart Steam and Steam Link App
Sometimes the simplest fix is to restart the applications involved.
- Close Steam completely on your PC. Right-click the Steam icon in the system tray and select Exit.
- Close the Steam Link app on your device.
- Wait for about 10 seconds.
- Open Steam on your PC again.
- Launch the Steam Link app and reconnect.
Why this matters: Restarting clears temporary glitches or conflicts in the software that might cause audio issues.
Step 3: Configure Steam Link Audio Settings
Steam Link has its own audio settings that must be enabled and correctly set.
- Open the Steam Link app on your streaming device.
- Go to Settings > Audio.
- Make sure Enable Audio is checked or turned on.
- If there is an option for audio quality or device, select the default or highest quality available.
Why this matters: If audio streaming is disabled in the Steam Link settings, you won’t get any sound on your device even if your PC audio works fine.
Step 4: Update Audio Drivers on Windows 11
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause sound problems during streaming.
- Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
- Right-click your audio device (like Realtek or NVIDIA High Definition Audio) and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to install updates.
- Restart your PC after updating.
Why this matters: Updated drivers ensure compatibility with Windows 11 and Steam Link, preventing audio errors.
Step 5: Disable Exclusive Mode in Windows Sound Settings
Windows sometimes allows apps to take exclusive control of the audio device, which can block Steam Link from accessing sound properly.
- Right-click the speaker icon on your taskbar and select Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab.
- Select your default playback device and click Properties.
- Switch to the Advanced tab.
- Uncheck the boxes under Exclusive Mode that say Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device and Give exclusive mode applications priority.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Why this matters: Disabling exclusive mode prevents other programs from blocking Steam Link’s audio stream.
Step 6: Try Using Steam Link in Big Picture Mode
Big Picture Mode in Steam is designed for streaming and controller use. Sometimes running Steam in this mode helps resolve audio issues.
- Open Steam on your PC.
- Click the Big Picture Mode icon in the top-right corner (it looks like a game controller).
- Once in Big Picture Mode, connect your Steam Link device again.
Why this matters: Big Picture Mode optimizes Steam for streaming and may resolve compatibility issues affecting sound.
Advanced Option: Use Third-Party Audio Tools
If none of the above steps work, you can try using audio routing tools like VB-Audio Virtual Cable. This tool creates virtual audio devices that can help route sound correctly to Steam Link.
This is more technical and only recommended if you’re comfortable installing and configuring audio software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Steam Link showing video but no sound?
This is usually caused by incorrect audio settings on Windows or Steam Link, muted volume, or driver issues.
Can network issues cause no sound in Steam Link?
While network problems mostly affect video quality, severe packet loss could disrupt audio streaming as well.
Do I need special permissions for Steam Link audio to work?
Generally no, but running Steam as administrator can sometimes help with permission-related audio issues.
Is Steam Link audio supported on all Windows 11 PCs?
Yes, but some hardware or driver combinations may cause compatibility problems that require troubleshooting.
Can I stream audio over HDMI with Steam Link?
Yes, but make sure your default playback device in Windows is set to your HDMI output.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all these steps and still face no sound in Steam Link, consider the following final options:
- Reinstall Steam and Steam Link: Uninstall and reinstall both apps to fix corrupted files.
- Check Firewall and Antivirus: Sometimes security software blocks audio streaming. Temporarily disable them to test.
- Visit the Official Steam Support: Use Steam Support for more specialized assistance.
- Community Forums: Steam Community forums often have solutions from users who faced similar issues.
Conclusion
Fixing the Steam Link no sound error on Windows 11 usually involves checking simple settings and ensuring your PC and Steam Link are configured correctly. Start by verifying Windows sound settings and restarting the apps. Then, update drivers and adjust Steam Link audio options. If needed, disable exclusive mode or try Big Picture Mode for better streaming compatibility.
By following these detailed troubleshooting steps, you can quickly restore sound and enjoy your gaming experience across devices. Remember, patience and thoroughness are key when diagnosing audio streaming issues.