Drivers · medium

How to fix No audio output device is installed (no sound)

Error code: AUDIO-NO-OUTPUT

What this error means

Windows plays no sound, the speaker icon shows a red X, or hovering over it says "No audio output device is installed". Either Windows does not see the sound device at all, usually because of a driver problem or a disabled device, or it sees it but sends sound to the wrong output, has it muted, or the Windows Audio service is not running. Microsoft's sound troubleshooting goes from the simple checks (output device, cables, volume) to services and drivers.

Updated

Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Difficulty
Beginner
Before changes
Low

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-31 · Checked against Microsoft's article on fixing sound problems in Windows; not tested with every audio device.

Before you begin

Check whether sound is missing everywhere or only in one app, and whether headphones work when speakers do not. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Choose the right output device

Microsoft's first check is the output device, because Windows may send sound to a monitor, headset or disconnected device.

  1. Click the speaker icon on the taskbar, then the arrow next to the volume slider.
  2. Select your speakers or headphones.
  3. Or open Settings > System > Sound and choose the device under Output.
What to expect

Sound plays from the selected device.

If it does not help

If no device is listed at all, go to step 4.

Browse related errors
02Check cables, volume and the volume mixer

Muted apps, loose plugs and disabled devices are common and quick to fix.

  1. Check cables, the correct jack, power and volume on the speakers or headphones, and try another USB port for USB audio.
  2. Open the volume mixer (speaker icon > arrow > More volume settings) and unmute anything with an X.
  3. In Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings > Playback, right-click the empty area, tick Show Disabled Devices, and enable your device if it is disabled.
What to expect

Sound plays.

If it does not help

If the device appears but stays silent, continue with step 3.

Browse related errors
03Run the audio troubleshooter

The troubleshooter checks the device, services and settings automatically.

  1. On Windows 11, open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run next to Audio (it may open in the Get Help app).
  2. Apply the fixes it suggests.
What to expect

The troubleshooter fixes the problem.

If it does not help

If it reports no problem, continue with step 4.

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04Restart the audio services

Microsoft recommends restarting Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and Remote Procedure Call (RPC).

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Right-click Windows Audio > Restart. Do the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
  3. Check that both have Startup type Automatic.
What to expect

The red X disappears and sound plays.

If it does not help

If the services will not start, or stop again, reinstall the driver in step 5.

Browse related errors
05Reinstall or roll back the audio driver

Missing or damaged audio drivers are the most common reason Windows reports no output device.

  1. Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
  2. If sound stopped after an update, right-click the device > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
  3. Otherwise right-click > Uninstall device, tick Attempt to remove the driver for this device, click Uninstall and restart. Windows reinstalls the driver.
  4. If that does not help, install the audio driver from your PC or motherboard maker.
What to expect

The audio device appears and works.

If it does not help

If no audio device appears in Device Manager at all, check that onboard audio is enabled in the BIOS.

Browse related errors
06Try the generic High Definition Audio driver

Microsoft suggests the generic driver when the maker's driver does not work.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the audio device > Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
  2. Choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer, select High Definition Audio Device, and click Next.
What to expect

Sound works with the generic driver.

If it does not help

Some special features of the maker's software may be missing with the generic driver.

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07Turn off audio enhancements and change the format

Microsoft lists audio enhancements and the default format among settings that can stop sound.

  1. Open Settings > System > Sound, select the output device, and turn Audio enhancements off.
  2. In Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound > Playback, open the device's Properties > Advanced and choose a different Default Format, then click OK.
What to expect

Sound plays normally.

If it does not help

If nothing helps, use System Restore to a point from before sound stopped working.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • Sound is sent to the wrong output device, or muted
  • The audio device is disabled
  • A missing, damaged or incompatible audio driver, often after an update
  • The Windows Audio service is not running
  • Audio enhancements or an unsupported audio format

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

services.msc
devmgmt.msc

Sources & further reading