Alex Ruben
Fix No Audio Device Installed or Found in Windows 10/11 – Easy Solutions!
If you’re encountering the “No Audio Device Installed” or “No Audio Output Device Found” error on your Windows 10 or 11 PC, this guide is here to help! Follow these step-by-step instructions to restore your sound and troubleshoot the issue quickly and effectively.
Step 1: Check and Enable Your Audio Device
Before diving into more advanced solutions, start by verifying that your audio device is enabled:
- Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select ‘Playback devices’.
- In the Sound window, check if your audio device is listed. If it is, make sure it’s selected as the default device.
- If your audio device is not listed, right-click inside the window and ensure ‘Show Disabled Devices’ and ‘Show Disconnected Devices’ are checked.
- If your device appears as disabled, right-click on it and select ‘Enable’.
Step 2: Update or Reinstall Sound Drivers
If your audio device is enabled but you still have no sound, updating or reinstalling the drivers may resolve the issue:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Find Sound, video and game controllers and expand this section.
- Right-click your audio device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the prompts to complete the update.
- If updating doesn’t work, repeat the steps, but select Uninstall device, then restart your computer. Windows should automatically reinstall the drivers.
Step 3: Use Windows Troubleshooter for Sound Issues
Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and resolve sound issues:
- Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to Update & Security and then Troubleshoot.
- Select Additional troubleshooters.
- Click on Playing Audio and then select Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and fix the problem.
Step 4: Restart Essential Audio Services
Restarting the audio services can resolve underlying service issues:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. - In the Services window, locate Windows Audio.
- Right-click on it and select Restart.
- Also, ensure that it is set to Automatic startup type.
Step 5: Check BIOS Settings (if needed)
If all else fails, you may need to check your BIOS settings:
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the required key during boot (often F2, Delete, or Esc).
- Look for an option related to audio settings; make sure the audio device is enabled.
- Save and exit the BIOS settings, then let your PC boot normally.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips to ensure a smoother troubleshooting experience:
- Ensure your audio cables are securely connected, and consider testing with different speakers or headphones.
- If you’re using external audio devices, ensure they’re powered on and configured correctly.
- Double-check that Windows is not muted; verify the volume settings in both the system and applications.
- Verify that no physical mute switches are enabled on your devices.
Common mistakes include overlooking a connection issue or not checking the default device settings thoroughly.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the “No Audio Device Installed” or “No Audio Output Device Found” error on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. Restoring sound can greatly enhance your computing experience. If you need further assistance, explore our related guides for additional troubleshooting tips.
