Whether you’re watching video clips on YouTube, or streaming your favourite songs on Spotify while you browse, the audio from your computer is an integral part of the experience. Without it, it can be hard to enjoy using your PC at all.
If you notice issues with your computer audio, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Just follow these steps to begin troubleshooting:
- First, check your speaker and headphone connections to see if there are any loose cables or if they have been plugged into the wrong jack. If you are using speakers, make sure they are turned ON.
Remember that your speakers probably won't work when headphones are plugged in. - Next, left-click on the volume icon in the lower right corner in the Taskbar notification area and check volume levels, and try turning all the volume controls up.
- Right-click the volume icon and click “Open Volume Mixer.” Ensure that all options are ON and turned up.
- If your cables and volumes are okay, run the audio troubleshooter. To run the troubleshooter:
- Select the “Start Windows” button
- Type “Control Panel” in the search bar and press Enter
- Under “System and Security,” click “Find and fix problems.”
- Choose “Hardware and Sound” and click on “Troubleshoot audio recording.”
Alternatively, you can also access the audio troubleshooter by right-clicking on the Speaker icon in the lower right corner of the Taskbar notification, and select “Troubleshoot sound problems.”
- If the issue persists, you need to check your sound card drivers. To check this:
- Select the “Start Windows” button, type “Device Manager” and press Enter.
- Open “Device Manager, and double-click on “Sound, video and game controllers” to expand that category.
- Select each audio controller that is listed there by right-clicking the mouse and pressing uninstall.
- Reboot the system and Windows will automatically reinstall the audio/sound drivers.
Now, try playing a sound and you should be able to successfully hear your music, or whatever it is you wish to play. If your issue persists, don't hesitate to contact our Gadget Rescue team! We’re here to further assist you and resolve your audio problem, or any other issues you experience with the tech in your home. Happy listening!
