-Does your computer fail to bootup?
-Does your computer freeze and reboot?
-Cannot access your data due to the lost password?
-Does your computer contain critical data?
-Don't have a recent backup?
-Reformatted your harddrive?
-Accidentally deleted files?

Our blog will provide the relevant information on free tools, techniques, and approaches to recover your computer and get your valuable data back.

20 Steps for Audio Troubleshooting on Windows


 

If your computer’s audio disappears frequently but comes back after a reboot, the issue could be caused by a variety of hardware or software problems. Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to help narrow it down and fix it:


Step 1: Check Basic Audio Settings

  1. Volume Mixer:
    • Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar → Open Volume Mixer.
    • Ensure the volume isn’t muted and all sliders are up.
  2. Output Device:
    • Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settings → Check that the correct audio output device is selected (like "Speakers" or "Headphones").

Step 2: Restart Audio Services

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find Windows Audio → Right-click → Restart.
  3. Also restart:
    • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
    • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Step 3: Run the Audio Troubleshooter

  1. Go to SettingsSystemTroubleshootOther troubleshooters.
  2. Select Playing Audio and follow the prompts.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

  1. Update Drivers:
    • Right-click StartDevice Manager → Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    • Right-click your audio driver → Update driverSearch automatically.
  2. Reinstall Drivers:
    • If updating doesn’t work, right-click the audio driver → Uninstall device → Restart your computer (Windows should reinstall it automatically).

Step 5: Disable Audio Enhancements

  1. Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settingsDevice properties.
  2. Go to the Enhancements tab → Uncheck Enable audio enhancements.

Step 6: Check for Conflicting Apps

  • If the issue occurs after using certain programs (e.g., Zoom, games, etc.), they might be taking exclusive control of audio:
    • Go to Sound settingsDevice propertiesAdvanced → Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.

Step 7: Check for BIOS or Hardware Issues

  1. Restart and enter BIOS (press F2, F10, or Del during boot).
  2. Make sure the sound card is enabled.
  3. If you're using external speakers or headphones, test with a different pair to rule out hardware failure.

 

Step 8: Disable and Re-enable Audio Device

  1. Right-click StartDevice Manager.
  2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
  3. Right-click the audio driver → Disable device → Wait a few seconds → Enable device.

Step 9: Check Audio Formats

Sometimes incorrect audio formats can cause issues:

  1. Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settingsDevice propertiesAdvanced tab.
  2. Test different formats (e.g., 16-bit, 24-bit) using the Test button.
  3. Start with lower settings and gradually increase until you find a stable format.

Step 10: Disable Audio Conflict from HDMI Output

If you’re using both HDMI and standard audio output, there might be a conflict:

  1. Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settingsManage sound devices.
  2. Disable HDMI output (if you're not using it for audio).

Step 11: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can cause audio drivers to load incorrectly:

  1. Control PanelPower OptionsChoose what the power button does.
  2. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  3. Uncheck Turn on fast startupSave changes.
  4. Restart your computer.

Step 12: Adjust Power Settings for Audio

Windows may be cutting power to the audio device to save energy:

  1. Open Device Manager → Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
  2. Right-click your audio device → PropertiesPower Management tab.
  3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  4. Repeat this for any USB audio interfaces or Bluetooth devices.

Step 13: Disable Conflicting Startup Programs

Certain apps running at startup can interfere with audio:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Disable any audio-related apps (e.g., Realtek Audio Manager) one by one and test.

Step 14: Check for Conflicting Audio Drivers

  1. Open Device Manager → Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
  2. If you see multiple audio drivers (e.g., Realtek and NVIDIA), disable all except the one you intend to use.
  3. Test the audio.

Step 15: Reset Windows Audio Settings

  1. Go to SettingsSystemSound.
  2. Scroll down → Select Advanced sound optionsReset.

Step 16: Create a New User Profile

A corrupted user profile can cause audio issues:

  1. Go to SettingsAccountsFamily & other users.
  2. Create a new user profile → Log in and test the audio.

Step 17: Roll Back Windows Update (if the issue started after an update)

  1. Go to SettingsUpdate & SecurityRecovery.
  2. Select Go back to the previous version of Windows (if available).

Step 18: Update BIOS and Chipset Drivers

  1. Visit your computer manufacturer's website.
  2. Download the latest BIOS and chipset drivers.
  3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install them.

Step 19: Check for Hardware Issues

  1. Test with external speakers or headphones to confirm if the issue is hardware-related.
  2. If using a laptop, try using a USB sound card or an external audio interface.

Step 20: Perform a Clean Boot

To rule out conflicts with third-party software:

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab → Check Hide all Microsoft services → Click Disable all.
  3. Go to the Startup tab → Open Task Manager → Disable all startup items.
  4. Restart your computer and check audio.

🚨 If Nothing Works:

👉 Try restoring Windows to a previous restore point:

  • SettingsSystemRecoveryOpen System Restore.

👉 If the audio disappears even in Safe Mode or from an external audio source, it’s likely a hardware problem (e.g., failing sound card, loose connection).

 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Data Recovery Techniques © 2008. Template by Dicas Blogger.

TOPO