No sound from your laptop, or people can’t hear you on calls? Audio problems almost always come down to the wrong device being selected, a mute key, or privacy settings. Here’s how to fix both speakers and microphone on Windows 11, Windows 10 and Mac.
Quick fixes to try first
- Click the speaker icon in the taskbar and make sure the volume is up and not muted. Check the mute key on your keyboard too.
- Click the > arrow next to the volume slider and choose the right output device (Speakers, not a monitor or old Bluetooth headset).
- Restart the laptop.
In this article
Part 1: No sound from the speakers
Choose the right output device
Windows often switches audio to the last device connected: an HDMI monitor or TV, a dock, or Bluetooth headphones that are no longer nearby. Taskbar speaker icon → > arrow next to the slider → choose Speakers (or Realtek/your laptop’s audio). This is the fix for “no sound when connected to monitor”: either pick the monitor (if it has speakers) or switch back to the laptop speakers.
Run the audio troubleshooter
Settings → System → Sound → scroll to Troubleshoot common sound problems → Output devices.
“No output devices found”
- Right-click Start → Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your audio device (Realtek, Intel Smart Sound, Cirrus Logic) → Uninstall device → restart.
- If it’s still missing, install the audio driver and chipset/Intel Smart Sound drivers from your laptop maker’s site. See updating drivers.
Restart the Windows Audio service
Press Win + R, type services.msc, find Windows Audio → right-click → Restart. This helps with “no sound after sleep”.
Turn off audio enhancements
Settings → System → Sound → your speakers → turn off Audio enhancements. Buggy enhancement software can mute output.
Part 2: Microphone not working (Teams, Zoom, Discord)
Check microphone privacy settings
Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone → turn on Microphone access, Let apps access your microphone and Let desktop apps access your microphone.
Choose the right input
- Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input → choose your microphone and speak. The level bar should move. Raise the input volume if it’s low.
- Teams: Settings → Devices & audio → Microphone. Zoom: Settings → Audio → Microphone, then “Test Mic”.
- Check for a mic mute key (an F-key with a crossed-out microphone, often with an indicator light).
Mic stops working when headphones are plugged in
Wired headphones without a mic make Windows switch input to the headphone jack. Switch input back to the internal mic, or use headphones with a built-in mic. With Bluetooth headphones, using their mic drops audio quality. See Bluetooth headphone fixes.
On a Mac
- System Settings → Sound → check Output and Input devices and levels.
- System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → allow your apps.
- If sound disappears entirely, restart the Mac. This resets the audio system.
Better sound for calls
Laptop mics pick up keyboard noise and room echo. A small USB microphone makes a big difference. See our best webcams and microphones.
FAQ
Why is there no sound even though the laptop isn’t muted?
Audio is going to another device (a monitor, dock or Bluetooth headset). Switch the output device as described in Part 1.
Why did my sound stop working after an update?
The update may have replaced your audio driver. Reinstall the audio and chipset drivers from your laptop maker, or roll back the driver in Device Manager.
