Windows may switch the default output during an update, especially when a monitor, dock, Bluetooth headset, or USB audio device is connected. Check routing before removing the audio driver.

Use your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s support page for Realtek, Intel Smart Sound, or other model-specific packages.

Select the Correct Output#

  1. Select the speaker icon on the taskbar.
  2. Open the output-device list.
  3. Choose the speakers or headphones you are actually using.
  4. Disconnect unused HDMI monitors, docks, and Bluetooth devices for the test.
  5. Play a Windows test sound.

An HDMI monitor can become the default output even when it has no speakers.

Check Volume and the App Mixer#

Open Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.

  • Confirm the main output is not muted.
  • Confirm the affected app is not muted.
  • Set the app’s output to Default for the first test.
  • Restart the app after changing its output.

If system sounds work but one app is silent, focus on that app’s mixer and audio settings.

Run the Audio Troubleshooter#

Open the Get Help app and run the audio troubleshooter. Record what it changes. Then open Settings > System > Sound and use the test control for the selected device.

If no output device appears, use Microsoft’s missing-output-device guide and inspect both Audio inputs and outputs and Sound, video and game controllers in Device Manager.

Install Pending Windows Fixes#

Open Settings > Windows Update, check for updates, install applicable pending fixes, and restart once. Test audio before changing the driver so the update result remains clear.

Restart the Audio Services#

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Enter services.msc.
  3. Restart Windows Audio.
  4. Restart Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
  5. Test sound again.

Do not change unrelated service startup types.

Roll Back or Reinstall the Audio Driver#

If sound stopped immediately after the update:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
  3. Open the audio device properties.
  4. Record the provider, version, and date.
  5. Select Roll Back Driver if available.
  6. Restart Windows.

If rollback is unavailable, install the approved package from the PC maker. Only uninstall the device after downloading the replacement package.

Check HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth Separately#

Test one known-good directly connected speaker or headset first. Then reconnect other audio devices one at a time.

  • HDMI audio depends on the graphics driver and monitor capabilities.
  • USB audio may need another port or the device maker’s driver.
  • Bluetooth can show Connected while Windows is using another output.
  • A headset may expose separate stereo and hands-free modes.

This sequence prevents one external device from hiding a working internal output.

Listen Across More Than One App#

  1. Play a local audio file.
  2. Test a browser video.
  3. Test the affected app.
  4. Restart Windows.
  5. Reconnect normal monitors, docks, and headsets.