You press play on a video, join an important meeting, or sit down for your favourite playlist, only to be met with complete silence. A computer with no sound is one of the most common and frustrating tech problems you can face, whether you are using a Windows PC or a Mac.
The good news is that you can often fix it yourself in just a few minutes.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to diagnose and solve audio issues. We will start with the universal checks that work on any computer before moving on to specific settings for your operating system.
Start With These Universal Checks
Before diving into system settings, these basic checks solve the problem more often than you would think, regardless of whether you use a PC or a Mac.
Check Your Volume and Mute Keys
First, confirm that your device’s volume is not muted or turned all the way down. Check the volume slider in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), and do not forget to check the physical volume or mute keys on your keyboard itself, as it is easy to press them by accident.
Test With Headphones
This next step is crucial for diagnosing the problem. Plug in a pair of headphones that you know are working. If you can hear sound perfectly through the headphones, the issue is almost certainly with your computer’s built-in speakers. However, if you still hear nothing, the problem is likely related to a software setting.
Check the Application’s Volume
Sometimes the main system volume is on, but a specific application has been muted. Check the volume slider within the app you are using (for example, on the YouTube video player or inside Spotify). On a Windows PC, you can also right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select “Open Volume mixer” to see individual volume levels for every open application.
Check Your System's Sound Output
If the basic checks have not solved the problem, the next step is to ensure your computer is sending the audio signal to the correct device. This is a very common issue, especially if you have ever connected your computer to an external monitor, Bluetooth speaker, or headphones.
Select the Correct Output Device
On a Windows PC, click the speaker icon in your taskbar. Next to the volume slider, you should see an arrow or button that reveals a list of all available audio devices. Make sure your primary speakers (often labelled “Speakers” or with a brand name like Realtek) are selected from this list.
On a Mac, open System Settings and go to the Sound section. Click on the “Output” tab at the top. Here, you will see a list of all possible sound outputs. Make sure your computer’s “Internal Speakers” or “MacBook Pro Speakers” are highlighted.
Run Automated Fixes and Resets
Both Windows and macOS have built-in tools and specific reset procedures designed to clear out common software glitches that kill your audio.
Run the Troubleshooter or Reset the Sound Controller
On Windows: Microsoft includes a very effective automated tool for this exact problem. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find the option for “Playing Audio” and click the “Run” button. Windows will automatically scan your system for problems and attempt to fix them for you.
On a Mac: A common fix is to reset the Mac’s sound controller, known as “Core Audio”. The simplest way to do this is to restart your Mac. However, for a faster fix without rebooting, you can open the Terminal app (found in Applications > Utilities), type the command “sudo killall coreaudiod“, and press Enter. This forces the sound service to restart instantly.
Reset PRAM / NVRAM (Mac Only)
For Mac users, resetting the PRAM or NVRAM can solve deep-rooted issues related to hardware settings, including volume control. To do this, shut down your Mac completely. Then, turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys together. Keep holding them for about 20 seconds or until you hear the startup chime for a second time, then release. This resets specific hardware memory that might be causing the glitch.
Run Automated Fixes and Resets
If the problem persists, it could be caused by an issue with the underlying software that controls your audio hardware, known as a driver.
Reinstall Your Audio Driver (Windows Only)
On a Windows PC, audio drivers can sometimes become corrupted. A fresh installation is often the best solution. To do this, open the Device Manager by right-clicking your Start button and selecting it from the list. Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section, then right-click on your audio device (it will usually have a brand name like Realtek or Intel). Select “Uninstall device” and follow the prompts. Once it is uninstalled, simply restart your computer. Windows will automatically find the hardware and reinstall a fresh driver as it boots up.
Check for macOS Updates
On a Mac, audio drivers are integrated directly into the operating system, so you cannot reinstall them separately. The best way to fix driver-related issues is to ensure your Mac is fully up to date, as software updates frequently include important bug fixes. To check for an update, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, installing it may resolve the sound problem.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have followed all the steps for your operating system and sound still does not work through the built-in speakers, you have likely ruled out a software issue. This is especially true if you confirmed earlier that audio did work with headphones. The problem most likely points to a physical hardware fault, such as a disconnected internal speaker cable or a failed component.
At Computer Repair Adelaide, our technicians are experts in diagnosing and repairing hardware issues on both Windows laptops and MacBooks. If software fixes have not worked, bring your device in for a professional inspection. We will identify the root cause of the problem and get your sound working again.
