Unfortunately, sound problems happen on almost every device. Sometimes they are associated with usage errors, sometimes with hardware failures. Most often, users do not understand how to set up sound on a laptop with Windows 10, which is why such problems occur.
New version of the system
It is worth confessing that the transition from the "seven" to the "top ten" for many brought discomfort. Apparently, therefore, Windows 7 is still a popular system. Many are satisfied with everything in it: from the available functions to the simple configuration of any parameter.
With the advent of Windows 8 and 10, users faced a number of problems. They are mainly due to the fact that pirated versions of the OS are not adapted for correct operation. This leads to the fact that some functions may fail, and users are trying to figure out how to configure sound and other options on a Windows 10 laptop.
The setting has really changed a bit. Most menus have changed their location, so it’s become difficult for those accustomed to the “seven” to find them. This is not surprising, because most of the functions have remained in their places since the 2000th version.
Hardware issues
If you have any problems with sound on a laptop with Windows 10, you need to be prepared for hardware failures. The fact is that the new OS was demanding on the hardware. Outdated laptop and PC models may simply not support the necessary drivers.
It turned out that the devices need to be checked for compatibility. Of course, if you recently purchased a laptop, then such problems should not concern you. But if you have a device for more than 6-7 years, then there is a high probability that the sound card does not support Windows 10.
Hardware crashes on laptops are just as common as on PCs. Only here in computers they can be quickly checked, but laptops have integrated components. If some of them do not work, it will definitely not be possible to replace them yourself.
But the blown laptop speakers can be checked using external speakers. Just connect them through the audio output. Headphones are suitable for such verification. If there is sound in third-party devices, it means that the internal speakers of the device are broken. You can replace them with external ones or take the laptop in for repair.
Software issues
If the sound does not work on a laptop with Windows 10, the problem may be hidden in the software component. The system can often fail and require additional configuration. But not every user is able to cope with problems on their own.
What to do? First you need to check the connection and the correct settings. There is an option to run a system tool that will check for errors. Next, you will need to check the sound driver for Windows 10. Perhaps it is not installed at all or it does not work correctly and requires updating.
Perhaps the sound does not work only when playing music and video. Here you have to solve the problem with codecs. If there are no system sounds, this can be fixed in the settings. You will also have to look into the BIOS.
Connection
How to set up sound on a laptop with Windows 10? First you need to check if it is included in principle. To do this, look at the speaker icon in the lower right corner of the panel.
Typically, sound activity is displayed next to the clock. You can click on the corresponding icon with the left mouse button. The adjustment slider appears. If it is at the beginning of the strip, it means that there may be very quiet sound on a laptop with Windows 10 or it may not exist at all. Thus, it is easy to adjust the volume.
Customization
But to adjust the sound, you need to right-click on the same icon. This will help you go to the appropriate menu. In the list that appears, select "Playback devices."
A list of all devices that were or are currently connected will appear in a new window. Usually, speakers that automatically install their drivers are saved here.
On computers, the list can be very long. For example, there may be several types of speakers (headphones, speakers, monitor, etc.). If you have a studio microphone and it has a headphone input, this device will also appear in the list.
How to set up sound on a laptop with Windows 10? You need to try to find the playback device that you need. If it is connected, a green checkmark will be displayed next to the icon. Otherwise, you will need to click on it with RMB and click "Enable".
By the way, sometimes the system independently selects a playback device. Due to incompatibility, a crash occurs and none of them work. You can try to click on each RMB and distinguish it, leaving only the necessary.
Verification tool
To solve problems with sound, you can contact the system directly. There is a software tool that independently searches for problems and tries to fix them. To do this, click on the PCM speaker icon again. From the list, select "Troubleshoot sound problems."
The system launches the problem solving wizard. The whole process takes place automatically. You need to wait until the problem is detected. When the system finds a reason, you can try to work with it.
If the speakers are muted, the wizard will ask you to connect them. To do this, it will be enough to select "Apply the correction." If there are several such speakers, you will first have to check the opposite box.
In the dialog box, you can try to improve the sound. Advanced settings will be available in the menu. You can immediately turn on system sounds or use tools to improve quality.
To test the installed drivers, the wizard will suggest using sound testing. The decision depends on the result. If the sounds were bad, click "Bad", and the system reinstalls the desired driver.
The error correction tool can also check the system storage and registry. If the failures are insignificant, they will fix everything on their own and complete the diagnosis. Sometimes this option becomes effective and solves all problems.
Driver update
Sound driver for Windows 10 may cause problems. A system failure could result in the firewood being removed or damaged. Viruses can also be the fault. To fix this, it's easier to find drivers and install them yourself. But not every user can handle this.
Therefore, for starters, you can try the OS tools. To do this, run the device manager. This can be done through the Start menu. It is enough to find the corresponding line. You can also use the key combination Win + X. In a new dialog box, you need to find a line with playback devices.
You can search for the necessary drivers in the line “Sound, game and other video devices”. If the software has not been installed before, the speakers may be in the line with “Unknown devices”.
By clicking on the line “Sound, game and other video devices”, you need to select the update in the context menu. After selecting drivers for the speakers in the list of devices and updating them in the same way.
Next, it will be enough to select the automatic search for the necessary files. The system will independently search for them on the computer, as well as on the Internet. After a successful update, you can restart the laptop.
Driver installation
But sometimes this option does not help restore sound on a Windows 10 laptop. What should I do in this situation? You can try installing the drivers yourself. To do this, you have to deal with the motherboard model. Most often, the sound card is integrated into the system board. Therefore, to find out her model will not work. To do this, look for drivers by the name of the "motherboard". On a PC, it is not difficult to find out the model, since it is enough to open the side cover of the case and look at the board. On laptops, this is extremely difficult.
Therefore, many recommend using the AIDA64 program, which collects all the data on a laptop. At the same time, you can diagnose the system for errors and solve them.
By the way, before looking for any drivers on your laptop, try to find the disk that came with the device. It just stores all the necessary installation files.
Playing music and video
If there is no sound while playing multimedia, the problem may be in the codecs. Previously, players had more universal codecs that cope with any sound track. Now the situation has changed: everyone uses their own version of decoding.
The easiest way would be to look for another player. Thus, you will get rid of such errors and get an updated version of the software. You can update the codec package of the corresponding program.
System sounds
Most often, the user mutes system sounds, as they are sometimes inappropriate. It is worth noting that in Windows 10, everything has changed. System sounds became many times less. In some cases, they were completely eliminated, so do not be surprised if during some operation you do not hear sound.
You can configure system sounds in the corresponding menu. Right-click on the speaker icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Select “Sounds” in the context menu.
If you select the “Silent” sound scheme, you can select the “Default” option. This will allow you to individually customize each sound system. By selecting certain events, you can select the appropriate signal. You can immediately download your own version. For example, when you start the system, your favorite track will be played. After setting up, it is important not to forget to click on the “Apply” button.
BIOS
Some hardware components may be disabled in BIOS. To check this, you need to run this menu. Depending on the model of the motherboard, you may need a certain button. Also, all possible combinations are indicated on the screen while the laptop is loading. Therefore, reload it to find out the necessary key, and then restart again, but already clicking on it.
By launching the BIOS, you will have to independently search for the desired section, since now there are a fairly large number of versions that differ in both interface and structure.
The main task is to find a line mentioning Audio. Opposite it will be the “On / Off” button. You must activate the hardware if it is turned off.
Other problems
What to do if the sound wheezes on a Windows 10 laptop ? Here again, you have to check the performance of the speakers or headphones. Further, experts recommend disabling effects and additional tools.
To do this, go to the “Sounds” menu, click on the PCM working dynamics and go to “Properties”. In the tab "Advanced" you need to uncheck the box next to the item "Enable additional sound facilities." In the tab "Advanced Features" you need to check the box next to "Disable all effects."
If this does not help, in the same Advanced tab, you can try changing the format. The most optimal is 16 bit, 44 100 Hz.
All of the above options are also suitable if the sound on a Windows 10 laptop stutters. You can try to configure exclusive mode. In the “Advanced” tab, uncheck or check, and then apply the changes and check the sound.
If this setup does not work, you can try reinstalling the drivers. Perhaps due to their incorrect operation, such defects occur.
Change sound volume
There are two ways to do this. In the first case, just click on the speaker icon in the lower right corner and pull the slider. But sometimes this does not give the desired result, and the sound is still quiet. In this case, you have to go to the Sounds menu. Selecting the desired speakers in the list, click RMB and select "Properties". In the tab "Levels" there is an additional slider, which can also affect the volume.