Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • View Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • View Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Best VPN
  • Back to school
  • Best laptop
  • ChatGPT
  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • NYT Wordle today
  • Best web hosting
Don't miss these
Man using headphones in pain.
macOS It’s 2025 and Apple has still not fixed this ancient Mac bug – but here’s a solution
A woman in bed wearing headphones and working on a laptop while taking notes
Windows Windows 11 could finally get a handy audio sharing feature it should've had a decade ago
A PC Gamer looking happy sat in front of their desktop monitor
Windows Windows 11 is finally fixing poor sound quality with Bluetooth headphones - and PC gamers will be particularly happy
Woman disgusted by her laptop
Windows ‘You did say how much you loved Vista’ – Microsoft’s most hated operating system pops up in Windows 11’s weirdest glitch ever
Man using the Sony WH-1000XM6
Audio You might not be getting the highest quality audio when listening to music on your phone – here's how to change that
A selection of earbuds, all on a grassy lawn on a sunny day
Earbuds & Airpods 4 things you’re probably doing wrong with your budget earbuds and how to fix them
A man getting angry with his laptop.
Windows Can't reset your Windows 11 or 10 PC? Microsoft rushes out fix after breaking vital recovery features
A smartphone screen with a DAC in front of it, showing LDAC playing. The DAC is held in a hand, with headphones in the background
Websites & Apps Tired of guessing how good music from your phone actually is? Meet the free Bluetooth Codec Changer app I can't live without
Angry woman using a laptop
Windows Confused about why you can't upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft has some new advice that might help... including a trick I wasn't aware of
Man turning on the Sony WH-1000XM6
Audio I review headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers for a living – here are 7 failsafe tracks I used to test them
Angry man ripping out his hair in front of his laptop
Windows Latest Windows 11 update fail brings yet more installation woes – but some other reported bugs have me seriously worried
People using Windows 11 laptops
Windows Microsoft promises to crack one of the biggest problems with Windows 11: slow performance
PC gamer looking at PC in anger and disbelief
Windows Report suggests Windows 10's Game Bar is crashing with some high-end AMD Ryzen CPUs - and I hope Microsoft will investigate soon
Qualcomm aptX branding, shown on portable hi-fi equipment packaging and a phone screen beside Bowers & Wilkins headphones
Hi-Fi AptX unpacked: your guide to using Qualcomm’s Bluetooth codecs (and the devices that support them)
Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen
Windows Windows 11 is getting some big upgrades to tackle dreaded boot failures – and help novices set up their new PC
  1. Computing
  2. Software
  3. Windows

How to fix audio issues in Windows 10

How-to
By Tim Hardwick published 27 June 2016

Signal to signal

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Fixing Windows 10's audio

Fixing Windows 10's audio

For all the benefits that come with upgrading to Windows 10, there have been reports that some people have experienced problems with sound output, leaving them unable to enjoy movies or hear anything at all from their PC's speakers.

For example, users whose PCs have VIA HD Audio have found they can only hear sound from certain apps. Fortunately, there's a workaround if you're affected by this issue.

Right-click 'Playback Devices', right-click the audio output device and set it as the default device. Then select the device with your left mouse button, choose 'Properties', select the 'Enhancements' tab and check 'Disable all enhancements'.

That should fix the problem. For everyone else with audio issues, try the following steps. You'd be surprised at how effective they can be.

  • Check out our collection of guides on how to use Windows 10
Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
1. Driver issues

1. Driver issues

The most common sound problems are due to users not updating the device driver for their PC's sound card or audio chip. Open the Start menu and type Device Manager in the search field.

Launch the utility by clicking it and you'll see a list of icon options. Choose 'Sound, video and game controllers'. If your PC has a sound card, you'll see it here. Click the card profile to open it.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
2. Update driver

2. Update driver

Next, click on the 'Driver' tab and look for the option to 'Update Driver'. Select it and Windows will start to search for the correct driver online and download it.

If the search comes up empty, visit your sound card manufacturer's website to find the applicable driver to download. Once the driver update is complete, restart your PC and check the issue has been resolved.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
3. Generic driver

3. Generic driver

If updating your sound card driver fails to fix the problem, try Window's generic audio driver. Open 'Device Manager', right-click your sound card and choose 'Update driver software…'.

Choose 'Browse my computer for driver software', then select 'Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer'. Click 'High Definition Audio Device' from the list, click 'install' and restart your PC.

  • Whatever happened to PC soundcards?
Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
4. Browser issues

4. Browser issues

If your sound issue is restricted to not being able to hear sound online when using Edge, it could be a problem with Adobe Flash Player.

Open the Edge browser and you'll see a button in the top corner of the window with three dots in it. Click this button, select 'Settings' and then 'Advanced Settings' at the bottom of the list. Ensure the toggle is on next to 'Adobe Flash Player'.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
5. Cortana won't listen

5. Cortana won't listen

When enabled, Microsoft voice assistant Cortana is meant to listen to your commands upon hearing the words 'Hey, Cortana'. If it isn't hearing you, make sure your PC's microphone is on.

Also, check the settings – open Cortana, select the Notebook icon and then 'Settings'; make sure the option for Cortana to listen for 'Hey, Cortana' is turned on.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
6. Check cables

6. Check cables

Check your speaker and headphone ports for loose cables, the wrong jack and flex wires to see if there's a poor connection.

Also, check your power and try turning the volume controls up. Some speakers and apps have their own volume controls, so you might have to check them all. Remember, your speakers are probably set to go off when your headphones are plugged in.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
7. Set default device

7. Set default device

If you're connecting to an audio device using USB or HDMI, you might need to set that device as the default before you hear anything.

To do so, open the Start menu, type Sound into the search box and select it from the list of 'Settings' results. Next, click the 'Playback' tab, select the device you're trying to connect, and click 'Set Default'. If this doesn't work, connect the device to another port.

  • The 7 best USB-C accessories, cables and adapters
Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
8. Bad Enhancements

8. Bad Enhancements

Sometimes the issue can lie with the audio enhancements that Microsoft or third parties have designed. Happily, you can turn them off.

Open Start, type Sound into the search and select 'Sound Control Panel' from the list of 'Settings' results. Select the 'Playback' tab, right-click the 'Default Device' and choose 'Properties'.

On the 'Enhancements' tab, check 'Disable all enhancements'.

  • How to use Windows 10's Control Panel
Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
9. Change audio format

9. Change audio format

Sometimes, incompatible drivers or third-party audio software can affect playback, so check if an audio format is the source of your issue.

In the 'Sound Control' panel, select 'Playback', right-click the 'Default Device' and choose 'Properties'. Select 'Advanced' and under 'Default Format', change the setting, then retest your audio. If that doesn't work, try another format.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
10. Troubleshooter

10. Troubleshooter

If all other efforts fail to solve the problem, try Windows 10's native audio troubleshooter. Occasionally, it can resolve an issue you're having.

To run it, open Start, type troubleshooting into the search box and select it from the 'Settings' results. Then, under 'Hardware and Sound', click 'Troubleshoot audio playback' and click 'Next' in the window that appears.

  • Enjoyed this article? Discover how to get the most from your PC and new things to do in Windows Help & Advice. Take advantage of an exclusive offer in our sampler today.
Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
TOPICS
Windows 10
Tim Hardwick
See more Computing How Tos
Read more
Man using headphones in pain.
It’s 2025 and Apple has still not fixed this ancient Mac bug – but here’s a solution
A woman in bed wearing headphones and working on a laptop while taking notes
Windows 11 could finally get a handy audio sharing feature it should've had a decade ago
A PC Gamer looking happy sat in front of their desktop monitor
Windows 11 is finally fixing poor sound quality with Bluetooth headphones - and PC gamers will be particularly happy
Woman disgusted by her laptop
‘You did say how much you loved Vista’ – Microsoft’s most hated operating system pops up in Windows 11’s weirdest glitch ever
Man using the Sony WH-1000XM6
You might not be getting the highest quality audio when listening to music on your phone – here's how to change that
A selection of earbuds, all on a grassy lawn on a sunny day
4 things you’re probably doing wrong with your budget earbuds and how to fix them
Latest in Windows
Young woman with cat using laptop
Want to stick with Windows 10 after October 2025? Here are your options – including how to get a free year of extra support
Sad business man and laptop
Windows 11's SSD breaking bug just got more mysterious - and I really hope Microsoft can clear this up swiftly
A PC Gamer looking happy sat in front of their desktop monitor
Windows 11 is finally fixing poor sound quality with Bluetooth headphones - and PC gamers will be particularly happy
Skeleton of an office worker waiting for their laptop to boot
Can't sign up for extended Windows 10 support? Don't panic, the rollout is underway - but it's reportedly going 'slowly'
Happy woman
Windows 11 feature to resume Android apps on your PC is finally incoming - and I think this will be a great addition
Windows 95 launch
I was at the Windows 95 launch 30 years ago – I still can't stop thinking about it
Latest in How Tos
ChatGPT on mobile
I finally got ChatGPT to stop asking 'Want me to…' at the end of every response – here’s how to do it
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates with the winners trophy after defeating Jessica Pegula of the United States to win the Women's Singles Final on Day Thirteen of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 07, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
How to watch US Open 2025: live stream tennis online for FREE, order of play, what TV channel, Day 7
Anker power bank on aeroplane tray table with laptop and person reading a book
I’m a power bank nerd and here are the airline rules you need to know
Puzzle pieces representing memory.
ChatGPT’s best hidden feature is a true game changer – here’s how to turn it on
Spam Callers
How to block spam calls on iPhone
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich poses for a photo with the Meisterschale trophy and his medal after the teams 2-0 victory in the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena on May 10, 2025 in Munich, Germany.
How to watch Bundesliga 2025/26: live stream guide, TV channels and free streams
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Who says databases are boring? Microsoft, Google, and AWS all back the Linux Foundation's move to add DocumentDB
  2. 2
    Walmart just dropped an incredibly cheap gaming laptop in its Labor Day sale
  3. 3
    Who says crime doesn't pay? Microsoft has deployed its own security chip on all Azure servers to protect its customers from $10 trillion cybercrime 'pandemic'
  4. 4
    This Samsung tablet is better than any gaming handheld I've ever tried
  5. 5
    I’ve just found a trip planner that puts Google Maps to shame

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...