audio diagnosis

Speakers or Headphones Have No Sound

Run a known audio test first, then check output selection, mute/volume and app routing before reinstalling drivers.

Reviewed 2026-08-11
What this symptom tells you

the selected output produces no audible sound

This symptom concerns the audio path. Start with a neutral DeviceOK test where available so the next step is based on evidence rather than a generic reset sequence.

Collect evidence →
Before you change anything

Do not jump to the most invasive fix

Avoid destructive resets, unofficial driver packages, firmware flashing, or replacing hardware before the simpler detection, permission, connection and configuration checks are exhausted.

What success looks like

Retest the same condition

After every meaningful change, repeat the same test under the same conditions and compare the result.

First 3 checks

Rule out the simple causes

  1. 1

    Run DeviceOK left/right speaker test at a safe volume.

  2. 2

    Confirm the intended output device is selected in the operating system.

  3. 3

    Check system and app volume/mute separately.

Evidence-led sequence

Work through the problem in order

  1. 1

    If DeviceOK audio works but one app is silent, inspect that app's output device and volume mixer entry.

  2. 2

    If DeviceOK is silent too, check the default playback device, cable/Bluetooth path and OS audio troubleshooter.

  3. 3

    Only move to official driver/device support after output selection and connection are confirmed.

If it works in DeviceOK

DeviceOK sound output working makes a completely failed speaker/headphone path less likely and points toward the affected app's audio routing.

If it also fails here

No audio in DeviceOK and other trusted sources broadens the problem to OS output selection, connection, driver or hardware.

Related diagnoses

Only branch when the symptom changes

Made a change?Run the same test again instead of assuming the problem is fixed.
Retest Left/right