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How to Fix League of Legends Sound Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Many players enjoy the immersive experience of League of Legends, but sound issues on Windows 11 can disrupt gameplay. If you find that the game’s audio is not working, don’t worry. This guide will help you fix the problem step-by-step.

Sound problems can arise from simple settings errors or more complex system conflicts. Taking a systematic approach makes it easier to identify and solve the issue.

You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions. Each step is explained clearly to help anyone fix sound in League of Legends.

By the end of this article, you should be able to enjoy your game with full audio once again.

Quick Note: Basic Checks Before You Begin

Before diving into troubleshooting, please ensure the following:

  • Volume Levels: Check that your system volume and in-game volume are not muted or too low.
  • Audio Device: Make sure your headphones or speakers are properly connected and working with other applications.
  • Windows Sound Settings: Confirm that your default playback device is correctly set in Windows Sound Settings.
  • Game Updates: Verify that League of Legends is fully updated to avoid bugs causing audio issues.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and League of Legends

Sometimes, temporary glitches cause sound problems. Restarting your computer refreshes system processes and clears minor bugs.

  1. Close League of Legends completely.
  2. Restart your PC.
  3. Launch League of Legends again and check if the sound works.

This simple step can often fix sound issues without further troubleshooting.

Step 2: Check In-Game Sound Settings

League of Legends has its own audio settings that control music, sound effects, and voice chat. These can sometimes be muted or set too low.

  1. Open League of Legends and log in.
  2. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.
  3. Go to the Sound tab.
  4. Make sure all volumes (Master, Music, Sound Effects, Voice) are turned up and not muted.

Adjust these sliders and test the sound by listening to in-game effects or music.

Step 3: Verify Windows Sound Settings

Windows 11 manages audio devices and volume levels that affect all programs, including games.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon on your taskbar and select Open Sound settings.
  2. Under Output, check that your preferred audio device (speakers/headphones) is selected.
  3. Click App volume and device preferences at the bottom.
  4. Look for League of Legends in the app list and make sure its volume is not muted or set to zero.

If League of Legends is missing from the list, try launching the game and repeating this check.

Step 4: Run League of Legends as Administrator

Running the game with administrator privileges can fix permission-related issues that might block sound.

  1. Right-click the League of Legends shortcut or executable file.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply and OK.
  6. Launch League of Legends and test the sound.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause sound problems in games. Keeping drivers updated ensures compatibility with Windows 11 and your hardware.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
  3. Right-click your audio device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Follow on-screen instructions to update.
  6. If updating doesn’t help, you can uninstall the device and restart your PC to reinstall the drivers automatically.

Alternatively, visit your audio hardware manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers manually.

Step 6: Disable Exclusive Mode in Windows Sound Settings

Sometimes, Windows applications take exclusive control of audio devices, preventing other programs from playing sound properly.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sounds.
  2. Go to the Playback tab.
  3. Select your default audio device and click Properties.
  4. Open the Advanced tab.
  5. Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
  6. Click Apply and OK.
  7. Restart League of Legends and check the sound.

Step 7: Repair League of Legends Installation

If game files are corrupted, sound might not work correctly. Repairing the installation can fix damaged files.

  1. Open the League of Legends client.
  2. Click the gear icon (Settings) at the top right.
  3. Go to the General tab.
  4. Click Initiate Full Repair.
  5. Wait for the process to complete, then restart the game.

Alternative and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t resolve the sound issue, consider the following:

  • Disable Third-Party Audio Enhancements: Some sound enhancement programs or drivers may interfere with game audio. Temporarily disable or uninstall these.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Keeping your system updated fixes bugs and improves hardware support.
  • Test with Different Audio Devices: Try plugging in different headphones or speakers to rule out hardware faults.
  • Reset Windows Sound Settings: You can reset sound settings to default by navigating to Settings > System > Sound > Advanced sound options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is League of Legends sound not working only on Windows 11?

Windows 11 has new audio management features, and some older drivers or settings might not be fully compatible. Updating drivers and checking Windows sound settings usually resolves this.

How can I test if the problem is with my audio device or the game?

Play audio from other apps or videos. If sound works elsewhere but not in League, the issue is likely game-related or with its settings.

Can antivirus software cause sound issues in League of Legends?

Sometimes antivirus programs block game files or processes. Temporarily disable your antivirus to see if it affects sound.

Is reinstalling League of Legends necessary?

Reinstalling is a last resort if repairing the game doesn’t help. It ensures a clean installation, removing corrupted files.

Why should I run the game as administrator?

Running as administrator grants the game full system permissions, which can fix issues caused by restricted access to audio devices or system components.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and the sound still does not work, consider the following final options:

  • Contact Riot Games Support: Visit the official Riot Games Support page for personalized assistance.
  • Windows Troubleshooter: Use the built-in Windows troubleshooter by going to Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot.
  • Create a New Windows User Profile: Sometimes user profile issues cause software conflicts. Testing the game on a new profile can help diagnose this.
  • Reinstall Windows Audio Drivers: Use the manufacturer’s website or Windows Update to get fresh driver versions.

Conclusion

Sound not working in League of Legends on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most issues can be fixed by following a few simple steps. Start by checking basic volume and device settings, then move on to updating drivers and repairing game files if needed.

Running the game as administrator and disabling exclusive audio modes often resolve permission conflicts. If problems persist, advanced troubleshooting and official support are available.

By carefully following this guide, you can get back to enjoying your game with full sound and immersive audio effects.

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