Experiencing no sound while playing Total War: Warhammer 3 on Windows 11 can be frustrating. Sound is crucial for an immersive gaming experience, and without it, the game loses much of its impact. Fortunately, fixing this issue is often straightforward and can be done through basic troubleshooting steps.
This guide will walk you through simple to advanced solutions to restore sound in Total War: Warhammer 3. Each step is explained in detail to ensure even beginners can follow along easily.
Take your time and follow the instructions carefully. By the end, you should have your game’s audio working again.
Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into fixes.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Check your system volume: Make sure your speakers or headphones are plugged in and the volume is turned up.
- Verify Windows sound settings: Ensure your default playback device is correct and not muted.
- Confirm game sound settings: Open Total War: Warhammer 3 and check if the sound is enabled in the options menu.
- Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple reboot resolves temporary glitches.
If these basics are all okay, proceed to the following troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Check Windows Sound Settings
Windows controls audio output through its sound settings. If these are misconfigured, the game’s sound won’t play.
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar (bottom-right).
- Select Open Sound settings.
- Under Output, make sure your preferred speakers or headphones are selected.
- Click on App volume and device preferences at the bottom.
- Look for Total War: Warhammer 3 in the list and ensure its volume is not muted or turned down.
Why this matters: Windows can route audio to different devices or mute specific apps independently. Ensuring the correct output and volume is set helps the game’s audio reach your speakers.
Step 2: Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers often cause sound issues. Keeping drivers updated ensures compatibility with Windows 11 and your game.
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
- Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek, Intel, or NVIDIA audio) and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
- If updating doesn’t help, right-click and choose Uninstall device. Then restart your PC to reinstall drivers automatically.
Why this matters: Faulty drivers can prevent sound from playing. Reinstalling or updating them restores proper communication between hardware and software.
Step 3: Verify Game Files Integrity
If game files are missing or corrupted, sound components may fail to load. Verifying files fixes these issues.
- Open the game client you use (Steam, Epic Games Launcher, etc.).
- Go to your Library and find Total War: Warhammer 3.
- Right-click the game and select Properties.
- Look for an option like Verify integrity of game files or Scan and repair.
- Start the process and wait until it completes.
Why this matters: Game files can get corrupted during updates or installations, leading to missing sound effects or voice lines.
Step 4: Run the Game as Administrator
Windows permissions sometimes restrict games from accessing audio hardware correctly.
- Right-click the Total War: Warhammer 3 shortcut or executable file.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Launch the game and check if the sound works.
Why this matters: Running the game with admin rights can fix permission issues blocking audio playback.
Step 5: Disable Exclusive Mode in Sound Settings
Exclusive mode allows apps to take full control of audio devices, which can sometimes cause conflicts.
- Right-click the speaker icon and choose Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab.
- Select your default playback device and click Properties.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab.
- Uncheck the boxes under Exclusive Mode:
- “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device”
- “Give exclusive mode applications priority”
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Restart your game and test the sound.
Why this matters: Disabling exclusive mode prevents other apps from seizing audio control, which may interfere with your game’s sound.
Alternative Method: Use Windows Troubleshooter
If you’re still encountering sound problems, Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common audio issues.
- Open Settings via Start menu or press Win + I.
- Go to System > Sound.
- Scroll down and click Troubleshoot common sound problems.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
This tool can resolve issues like misconfigured devices or driver conflicts without manual intervention.
FAQs
Why is there no sound only in Total War: Warhammer 3 but other apps work fine?
This usually means the issue is related to the game’s files, settings, or how Windows routes audio for this specific app. Verifying game files and checking app volume settings often solves this.
Can outdated Windows cause sound problems in games?
Yes. Windows updates often include audio driver updates and system fixes. Keeping Windows updated helps maintain compatibility with games and hardware.
Should I reinstall the entire game if sound still doesn’t work?
Reinstalling is a last resort but can fix persistent file corruption. Try all other steps first to avoid lengthy downloads.
Why does running as administrator help with sound issues?
Administrator privileges give the game full access to system hardware and files, preventing restrictions that might block sound.
Could third-party software cause this issue?
Sometimes, yes. Programs like sound enhancers, overlays, or VPNs can interfere with audio. Try disabling such software temporarily.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and still experience no sound in Total War: Warhammer 3, consider the following final options:
- Visit the official Total War support page:
https://support.totalwar.com for specific troubleshooting guides and updates. - Check forums and communities: Sites like Reddit or Steam Community can have user-shared fixes.
- Contact technical support: Submit a ticket to the game’s support team with details of your problem and steps tried.
- Reinstall Windows audio components: Advanced users can reset Windows audio services or perform a system restore.
Conclusion
Sound issues in Total War: Warhammer 3 on Windows 11 are commonly caused by misconfigured settings, outdated drivers, or corrupted game files. By following this step-by-step guide—starting from basic sound checks to more advanced fixes—you can quickly identify and resolve the problem.
Remember to verify your Windows sound settings, update audio drivers, check the game files, and adjust permissions. If necessary, use Windows troubleshooters or seek help from official resources.
With patience and these clear instructions, you should be able to enjoy Total War: Warhammer 3 with full audio once again.