Modern computer systems have such wide capabilities in terms of working with multimedia that getting crystal clear sound when listening to music or watching videos is easy. But sometimes the sound disappears. Why there is no sound on the computer, and it is proposed to understand. It is immediately worth noting that such a problem can occur in a working system, and immediately after its first installation. Consider several main reasons for this phenomenon and try to offer a solution for each of the possible situations.
Why there is no sound on the computer: possible reasons
Let's start with a description of the most common reasons due to which the sound on the computer may disappear. Among them are the following:
- incorrect connection of the audio system;
- physical damage to speakers and cables;
- reduced volume
- cross-blocking playback in active programs;
- disabled sound card;
- lack of drivers of the sanitary card and virtual audio devices;
- Stopped Windows Audio Service
- disabled device in BIOS settings.
In principle, the consequences of viral exposure could also be included here, however, such cases are quite rare, and the user must take care of the security of his system.
No sound on the computer: what to do first?
Now, based on what was presented in the list of root causes, we will look for the optimal solution to eliminate the problem for each specific situation.
So, there is no sound on the computer. What to do? First, check that the speakers and (if any) subwoofer are connected correctly. If active acoustics are used, make sure that they are plugged in. Just in case, if the connection is made correctly and there is power, “ring” the wires. It is possible that somewhere they could break. At the same time, check that the plugs are firmly connected to the corresponding sockets and connectors on the sound card. Sometimes it is advisable to clean the contacts if oxidation is noticed on them.
Often you can meet another situation related to the lack of sound. Why is there no sound on the computer? The speakers work, the program reproduces no problems, and the sound is not heard. See if headphones are currently connected to the computer or laptop. If anyone does not know, when they are connected, speakers of any type are turned off automatically (unless the speakers themselves provide for parallel playback through speakers and headphones at the same time).
Volume check
Another commonplace situation related to the fact that there is no sound on a Windows computer is that the playback volume is reduced or turned off altogether. First, look at the regulator in the system tray.
If the volume level is sufficient and the control is not marked with a cross, open the mixer through the PCM menu and make sure that the volume is set to the appropriate level for all channels present there (this, by the way, allows you to solve the problem of lack of sound in programs like Skype). On some laptop models, the volume up and down or completely mute buttons can be moved to the main keyboard panel. Keyboard shortcuts with the Fn button can also be used. Try changing the volume in this way. But this, as it turns out, is far from the main thing.
Playback devices
It is possible that the default playback device is not selected correctly. How to connect sound on a computer in this situation? Use the PCM menu on the volume icon in the tray and select the appropriate item. In the window with devices, see if the green flag is checked on the item of speakers used. If not, use the settings button to activate their use by default. If the device name is grayed out, it means that the speakers are muted. Turn them on through RMB millet. The device may not be in the list, so you need to activate the display items of disconnected and disconnected devices in the RMB menu on a free area of the window. By the way, this solution is also advisable to apply if there is no sound when connecting a computer or laptop to a television panel via the HDMI interface (in this case, the device corresponding to the panel is selected).
The specific parameters of some programs
On a computer, programs for sound or video can have very specific settings, the main meaning of which is that if the application is active, there will be no sound in the last sound when the audio or video player is launched in parallel.
So, for example, to correct the situation in the FL Studio music sequencer in the sound settings, you need to select the checkbox on the auto-close item of the playback device (most often using ASIO drivers) when minimizing to the “Task bar” (Auto close).
Soundcard Check
Finally, let's move on to some system settings, which are most often the root causes of the fact that there is no sound on the computer. How to fix the situation? First you need to make sure that the sound card is turned on and working (not to be confused with playback devices).
To do this, call the "Task Manager" by typing the abbreviation devmgmgt.msc in the Run console.
If the current device is marked with a gray circle with an arrow pointing down, then it is not involved. Through RMB, select the “Enable” item and check if a sound has appeared.
Audio Drivers
If after that there is no sound on the computer in the headphones or on the speakers, in the “Manager” look at the “Other devices” section, which displays components for which drivers are not installed. If the sound card is in this list, you need to either install drivers or update them. There is no point in doing this using Windows tools.
The easiest way is to provide these actions to special automatic control software updates such as Driver Booster or DriverPack Solution (you can even use the online version of the package). Such utilities will install the necessary drivers and their updates without user intervention, after downloading them from the Internet resources of equipment manufacturers or developers of control software.
Finding the most suitable driver
For some devices of little-known manufacturers, even the presented programs, the corresponding drivers may not be found. In this case, it is better to immediately visit the manufacturer’s website and download the necessary software.
You can also use another method, which consists in selecting the display of the ID equipment through the properties of the device in the corresponding manager on the information tab, copying the longest line with the identifiers DEV and VEN, and then search for this data on special sites on the Internet. If the driver is found, you can download it and install it yourself.
Windows Audio Service
But all of the above, unfortunately, sometimes does not give the desired result. So why is there no sound on the computer after applying such impeccable solutions? Yes, just because the system audio service itself is in a disconnected state.
You can check it in the corresponding section of services, which is called up from the Run menu with the services.msc command.
In the main window on the right, you need to find the Windows Audio component, double-click or use the context menu to enter the editing settings by clicking the corresponding button, enable the service, and set the startup type in the startup type.
BIOS settings
Now let's pay attention to the settings of the primary BIOS I / O system. How to connect sound through such parameters on a computer? Nothing complicated!
In the installed equipment section, you need to find your sound card and set the Enabled parameter for it.
Note: if two sound adapters are installed in the computer system, one of which is built into the motherboard, select your preferred device (switch from one to the other) and save the changes when exiting. In theory, after the restart, the selected card will work. If there is no sound, repeat the steps to activate the playback device described above.
Codecs, decoders, and additional drivers
Despite the fact that both drivers and some accompanying components for a sound card can be fully installed, some programs for sound on a computer in terms of audio playback may not work. Most often this is due to the lack of some specific codecs, decoders and drivers.
The easiest solution to resolve problems with encoding (decoding) audio can be the installation of the K-Lite package, but only the most advanced version of the Mega Pack. During the installation process, it will be necessary to note absolutely everything that is in the list of components available for installation.
As for drivers for applications, ASIO4ALL package installation or updating is usually required, less often it can be virtual software components like GuitarRig Control Center, Kore Virtual Driver and others.
Internet problems
Finally, if there is no sound on the Internet on the computer, it is entirely possible that you simply install the update of the special extension in the form of Adobe Flash Player, which is responsible for multimedia playback when visiting a particular resource.
Note: when choosing components for installation, be especially careful not to install additional utilities offered as affiliate software.
What if nothing helps?
If there is no sound even after performing all the described actions (but there was a certain point), as a last resort, roll back the system to an earlier state using the restore point that precedes the appearance of problems with sound. If this does not work, check the sound card in terms of performance on another desktop computer, and if it fails, replace it. If such actions do not help, check the system for viruses or reinstall it completely.
However, in most cases, such measures are unnecessary. If the problems are not related to physical breakdowns of sound-reproducing equipment, at least one solution presented above will help. Pay particular attention to drivers and shared programs. Between those and others quite often unforeseen conflicts can arise both at the software level and at the hardware level of a computer system (hardware).