Laptop Audio Not Working — Fix Speakers, Headphones, and Sound Drivers

Overview #

If your laptop suddenly stops producing sound, plays distorted audio, or fails to detect headphones, the issue is usually related to audio drivers, output configuration, or sound hardware settings.
This guide helps you identify whether your system’s sound problem is software-based or hardware-related and shows you how to restore clear, reliable audio on both Windows and macOS.

What you’ll learn

• How to verify your sound device and output configuration
• How to reinstall or reset sound drivers
• How to test headphone and speaker jacks
• How to use diagnostic tools to detect hidden sound errors

Estimated time: 15–25 minutes
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Terms and Definitions #

Term	Meaning
Output device	The active sound destination (internal speakers, headphones, Bluetooth, HDMI)
Driver	Software that lets your OS communicate with the sound card or chipset
Default playback device	The audio device your system uses for sound output
Audio endpoint	Logical interface Windows or macOS uses for each sound output
Audio service	Background process controlling sound on the system (e.g., Windows Audio, CoreAudio)

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Steps #

Step 1 — Check the Basics #

1. Verify the laptop isn’t muted. Press the volume up key or adjust the slider.
2. Check the speaker icon in your system tray or menu bar.
3. Unplug any connected Bluetooth or HDMI devices that might be taking over the audio output.
4. For wired headphones, make sure the plug is fully seated in the jack.

If you still hear no sound, move on to the next step.

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Step 2 — Verify the Output Device #

Windows PowerShell

Get-AudioDevice -List | Where-Object { $_.Type -eq "Output" }

(If the above module isn’t installed, you can check manually with:)

Get-PnpDevice -Class AudioEndpoint | Select-Object FriendlyName, Status

Confirms which audio device Windows recognizes as active.

1. Right-click the speaker icon → Sounds → Playback tab.
2. Make sure the correct output (Speakers / Headphones / HDMI) is set as Default.
3. Test each by selecting Properties → Test.

macOS Terminal

system_profiler SPAudioDataType

Shows all connected audio devices.
Then open System Settings → Sound → Output and select the proper device.

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Step 3 — Restart Audio Services #

Windows PowerShell

Get-Service | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "Audio*"} | Restart-Service

Restarts the Windows Audio and Audio Endpoint Builder services.
This resolves most “no sound” problems without rebooting.

macOS Terminal

sudo killall coreaudiod

Restarts the CoreAudio daemon.
Sound should return immediately after the process restarts.

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Step 4 — Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers #

Windows

1. Open Device Manager → Sound, video, and game controllers.
2. Right-click your sound device (often Realtek, Intel, or NVIDIA HD Audio).
3. Select Uninstall device.
4. Restart your computer.
   Windows will reinstall the correct driver automatically.

PowerShell alternative

Get-PnpDevice -Class Sound | Disable-PnpDevice -Confirm:$false
Get-PnpDevice -Class Sound | Enable-PnpDevice -Confirm:$false

Re-enables all sound devices without rebooting.

macOS
Apple includes drivers within system updates. Run:

softwareupdate -l
softwareupdate -i -a

After installation, restart and recheck System Settings → Sound.

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Step 5 — Check for Disabled Devices #

Sometimes devices are hidden or disabled after updates.

Windows

1. Open the Sound Control Panel → Playback tab.
2. Right-click anywhere in the list → Enable Show Disabled Devices.
3. If your speakers or headphones appear gray, right-click and select Enable.

macOS
If audio devices disappear entirely, reset the NVRAM:

1. Shut down.
2. Turn on and immediately hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds.
3. Release and check audio settings again.

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Step 6 — Test with External Devices #

1. Connect a wired pair of headphones or external speakers.
2. If they work, your internal speakers may be faulty or disconnected.
3. If they don’t, your system’s sound driver or audio codec may be malfunctioning.

Windows PowerShell

Get-WmiObject Win32_SoundDevice | Select-Object Name, Manufacturer, Status

Shows whether Windows detects a working audio device.

macOS

system_profiler SPAudioDataType | grep "Output Source"

Confirms active sound path.

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Step 7 — Run Built-in Sound Troubleshooters #

Windows

msdt.exe /id AudioPlaybackDiagnostic

Launches Windows’ built-in sound troubleshooter.
Follow prompts to detect and repair misconfigurations.

macOS

• Open System Settings → Sound → Output.
• Play test audio and verify the Output Volume slider isn’t muted.
• If still silent, boot into Safe Mode and test again. Safe Mode isolates faulty extensions.

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Step 8 — Reset Power and Firmware Controllers #

Residual power can sometimes freeze audio chipsets.

Windows (Embedded Controller reset)

1. Shut down the laptop.
2. Disconnect charger and battery (if removable).
3. Hold Power for 15 seconds, then reconnect.

macOS (SMC reset)

1. Shut down.
2. Hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.
3. Release and turn on.

After reset, test sound again.

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Verification #

Check	Command	Expected Result
Active device	Get-PnpDevice -Class AudioEndpoint	Status = OK
Output test	Playback test tone	Sound plays normally
Audio service	Get-Service AudioSrv	Running
Volume	System tray or pmset -g	Audible level not muted

If all checks pass and audio plays clearly, your sound subsystem is healthy.

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Conclusion #

A laptop with no sound typically points to muted output, misrouted playback devices, or a corrupted audio driver.
By following these steps—verifying outputs, restarting audio services, reinstalling drivers, and testing external devices—you can restore normal audio playback on both Windows and macOS.
If sound remains missing despite correct settings, the internal amplifier or audio codec chip may have failed and should be inspected by a technician.