How to Fix No Audio Error in Windows 10 Build: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Experiencing no audio on your Windows 10 computer can be frustrating. Sometimes, sound just stops working without any clear reason. The good news is that this issue is often easy to fix with some simple troubleshooting steps.

This guide will walk you through the most common solutions to the no audio error. Each step is explained clearly to help even beginners follow along. By the end, your sound should be working again.

Before diving into complex fixes, it’s best to try the simplest ones first. These often resolve the problem quickly without extra effort.

Let’s get started and bring your audio back to life.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Check your speakers or headphones: Make sure they are plugged in correctly and powered on.
Verify volume levels: Ensure your computer volume isn’t muted or set too low.
Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple restart can fix temporary glitches.
Confirm audio device selection: Windows might be using a different playback device.

Step 1: Check Your Sound Settings

First, verify that Windows is set to use the correct audio output device.

Click the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.
Click the name of the current playback device (above the volume slider).
Select the correct output device from the list (such as your headphones or speakers).
Test the sound by playing any audio file or video.

Why this matters: Sometimes Windows defaults to the wrong audio device, especially if you have multiple devices connected.

Step 2: Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes audio problems.

Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
Select Troubleshoot from the left menu.
Click Additional troubleshooters.
Find and run the Playing Audio troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Why this helps: The troubleshooter can identify common issues like missing drivers or incorrect settings and fix them automatically.

Step 3: Restart Windows Audio Services

Windows Audio services manage sound on your PC. Restarting these can resolve glitches.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and locate Windows Audio.
Right-click it and select Restart.
Also, make sure Windows Audio Endpoint Builder is running and restarted if necessary.

Why restart: Sometimes these services stop or freeze, causing no sound.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Audio drivers connect your hardware to Windows. Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause no sound.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek High Definition Audio) and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software and follow prompts.
If updating doesn’t help, right-click the device again and choose Uninstall device. Then restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.

Why this is important: Drivers control how hardware communicates with Windows, so keeping them updated ensures compatibility and functionality.

Step 5: Check Audio Format and Enhancements

Sometimes the audio format or sound enhancements cause issues.

Right-click the speaker icon and select Sounds.
Go to the Playback tab, select your audio device, and click Properties.
Under the Advanced tab, try selecting a different sample rate and bit depth (e.g., 24 bit, 44100 Hz).
Click the Enhancements tab and check Disable all enhancements.
Click Apply and test your audio.

Why try this: Incompatible audio formats or enhancements can sometimes cause playback problems.

Step 6: Set Default Playback Device Manually

If multiple audio devices are installed, Windows might not pick the right one.

Right-click the speaker icon and select Sounds.
Go to the Playback tab.
Select the device you want to use and click Set Default.
Click OK to save changes.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t work, consider these options:

Check BIOS/UEFI settings: Sometimes onboard audio is disabled at the hardware level.
Use System Restore: Roll back Windows to a point when audio was working.
Update Windows: Ensure your system is fully updated as patches sometimes fix known issues.
Try external USB audio devices: If onboard audio is faulty, USB sound cards can be a workaround.

FAQs

Why is there no sound after updating Windows 10?

Windows updates can sometimes overwrite or conflict with audio drivers. Reinstalling or updating drivers usually fixes this.

How do I know if my audio driver is working?

In Device Manager, if the audio device shows no warning signs (yellow exclamation marks), the driver is likely working. You can also run the troubleshooter.

Can a muted app cause no audio?

Yes, some apps have their own volume controls. Check the Volume Mixer by right-clicking the speaker icon and selecting Open Volume Mixer.

Why does my audio cut out intermittently?

This can be due to driver issues, hardware problems, or interference. Updating drivers and checking hardware connections helps.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all these steps and still have no sound, consider the following final options:

Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for detailed help.
Consult your PC manufacturer: Hardware-specific issues may require manufacturer assistance or warranty service.
Use System Restore or Reset: As a last resort, restoring Windows to an earlier state or resetting your PC can fix persistent issues.

Conclusion

No audio errors in Windows 10 can often be resolved by following a logical troubleshooting sequence. Starting with simple checks ensures you don’t miss easy fixes, while updating drivers and adjusting settings handle more complex problems.

Keep this guide handy whenever you face audio issues, and remember that patience and careful step-by-step troubleshooting usually restore your sound without needing professional help.