If your computer is unable to produce sounds, there are multiple simple steps you can take to attempt to fix it. This does not cover sound problems related to specific programs or third-party hardware such as surround sound speaker systems.

If you have speakers, make sure they're plugged into a working power source and turned on.

Ensure the sound is not muted

1. On Windows 10, open the Start menu and type "Volume" in the search field.
   On Windows 8 START screen type “Volume.” Select the "Settings" results below the search field.
   On Vista and Windows 7, open the Start Menu and type "Volume" in the search field.
2. Select “Adjust System Volume” from the results.
3. Ensure the speaker Icon at the bottom is not muted (shown). If it is, click on the speaker icon to unmute.



Check Sound Settings

1. On Windows 10, type "Sound" in the search field.
   On Windows 8 START screen type “Sound.” Select the "Settings" results below the search field.
   On Vista and Windows 7, open the Start Menu and type "Sound" in the search field.
2. Select “Sound” from the results.
3. Select the PLAYBACK tab and select the desired speakers, to view settings.
4. Click “Properties” to view and modify settings.

Check that none of the audio output devices are disabled

1. Locate the "speaker" icon on the task bar near the clock on the desktop.
2. Right-click on the speaker icon and select "Playback Devices".
3. The Sound properties will open. Look for the output you are trying to listen through.

• If the device says "Not Plugged In" ensure the connections are secure.

• If the device is not displayed, enable it by performing a right-click in the "Playback" window and select "Show disabled devices". Locate the disabled device, right-click and select "Enable". If it is still not shown, try updating the driver and recheck operation.

Check using headphones

The easiest way is to connect headphones. If the headphones work but the internal speakers do not, it's possible that the computer thinks that headphones are connected when they're not. When you plug in headphones, most computers automatically cut the sound to the speakers. Try connecting and disconnecting the headphones repeatedly. This can dislodge dust that might be stuck in the headphone port.

Check that the correct jack (connector) is being used

Many computers have three or more jacks that connect to a sound card or sound processor, including a microphone jack, line-in jack, and line-out jack. Your speakers or headphones should be plugged in to the line-out jack. If you're not sure which jack this is, try plugging in to each of the jacks to see if any of them produce sound.

Reinstall the sound driver

If that doesn't help, try reinstalling the sound driver. An issue here may be be identified by a Yellow question mark next to the device.

1. On Windows 10 or Windows 8, press and hold the Windows key and press the 'x' key to open a menu in the lower-left. Select “Device Manager.”
   On Vista and Windows 7, open the Start Menu and type "Device Manager" in the search field. Select “Device Manager” from the results.
2. Locate and select “Sound, Video and Game Controllers.”
3. Identify the sound devices.
4. Right-click on each one and select "Uninstall".
5. Reboot the computer.
6. Your drivers will automatically install. Third-party drivers may need to be reinstalled manually.

Update the Driver

Click here for instructions on how to find updated drivers for your model. Select "Sound" as the category in the list and pick the appropriate sound driver for the laptop to download and install.

System Restore

Try performing a System Restore if the sound stopped working after new software or device was installed. Using System Restore will restore Windows drivers and settings without altering personal files and documents.

Microsoft Help

Microsoft's information in the link below is designed to help solve common sound problems in Windows, including no sound from your speakers or headphones. This does not cover sound problems related to specific programs.

Click here to diagnose No Sound issues.

System Recovery / Reset

If none of these fixes alleviates the sound problem, try performing a System Recovery. Recovering the laptop to its original, out-of-the-box state is a great way to eliminate software as a possible cause of the problem. Note that doing a system recovery will return the laptop to its default conditions, completely wiping all data (personal documents, installed applications, and everything else).