Before you start fixing the sound
First identify whether there is no sound anywhere or whether the problem is limited to one app, website or output device. This can point you towards the right fix more quickly.
No sound from any app
Start with the laptop's volume, mute and output settings. If music, videos and system sounds are all silent, the issue is likely to be at system or hardware level.
One app is silent
Check the app's own volume control, mute setting and output choice. A browser tab or media player can be muted even when the rest of the laptop has sound.
Headphones work but speakers do not
Check that the built-in speakers are selected and that no headphone, Bluetooth, USB or monitor connection is taking the audio output.
Try these 9 fixes for laptop sound
Work through each fix separately and test the sound after each change. The menu names can vary slightly by laptop model and operating system version.
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Fix 1
Check mute and volume controls
Use the laptop's volume keys or on-screen controls to make sure sound is not muted and the volume is high enough to hear. Check the app or website's own volume control too, as it may be lower than the system volume.
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Fix 2
Select the correct output device
Open the operating system's sound settings and choose the speakers, headphones or other device you want to use. If a monitor, dock or Bluetooth device is selected, the laptop may be sending sound somewhere else.
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Fix 3
Disconnect Bluetooth, HDMI and USB audio
Turn off Bluetooth temporarily and unplug headphones, USB headsets, speakers, docks and external displays. Then select the laptop's built-in speakers and test again.
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Fix 4
Check the physical connection
Make sure wired headphones or speakers are fully inserted into the correct port. Powered speakers must be switched on and connected to power, and their own volume control should be turned up.
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Fix 5
Check the app, browser tab and volume mixer
Windows can give each app its own volume and output route in Volume mixer. On a Mac, check the media app or browser player. Make sure the tab, video or call is not muted within the app.
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Fix 6
Restart the app and laptop
Close the app that is not playing sound, reopen it and test with another audio source. If the issue continues, save your work and restart the laptop to refresh its audio services and connected devices.
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Fix 7
Install system and audio updates
Check for available operating system updates. On Windows, use Device Manager to check for an audio driver update from the laptop manufacturer or audio device maker. Restart after an update if prompted.
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Fix 8
Run the built-in sound troubleshooter
Use Windows audio troubleshooting, Chromebook audio settings and Diagnostics where available, or Apple's sound guidance for a Mac. Follow the instructions for your exact platform before considering a reset.
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Fix 9
Test another output and check for hardware faults
Try a known-working pair of headphones or external speakers. If another output works, the original speakers, cable or port may need attention. If no output works, contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair service with your laptop model and the checks you have completed.
Do not reset the laptop as a first step A reset can remove apps, settings or personal files without repairing a damaged speaker, port or accessory. Keep it as a later option after backing up important data and checking the platform guidance.
Windows sound settings to check
Windows provides separate controls for output devices, app volume, audio enhancements and drivers. The exact layout can vary between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Choose the output
Select the speaker icon on the taskbar, open the list of audio devices and choose the output you want, such as the built-in speakers or headphones.
Check Volume mixer
Open Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer and check the volume and output device for the app that is not playing sound.
Use Get Help or troubleshooting
Search Windows for Get Help and run the audio troubleshooter, or open the sound troubleshooting options in Settings.
After a Windows update If sound stopped after an update, check Windows Update and the audio driver for your specific laptop. Avoid downloading drivers from unknown websites.
MacBook sound settings to check
macOS lets you choose the output device and adjust output volume in System Settings. External displays, headphones and USB audio devices can change where sound is sent.
Choose built-in speakers
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound, select Output and choose the built-in speakers. Check that the output volume is not at zero and that mute is off.
Disconnect external audio
Unplug headphones, USB audio devices, external speakers and displays, then return to Sound settings and select the output you want to test.
Check the app first
Check the media player, browser or call app for its own volume and mute controls. Try a different audio file or website to compare the result.
If the built-in speakers remain silent Follow Apple's sound guidance for your Mac model. If no setting or connection check restores audio, the Mac may need service.
Chromebook sound settings to check
ChromeOS puts volume and output choices in Quick Settings. You can also open the Audio section in Settings to check the selected device and output level.
Adjust volume in Quick Settings
Select the time at the bottom right, check the volume slider and make sure mute is not selected. Open the audio settings beside the slider to view output choices.
Choose the output device
In the audio settings, check the device selected under Output. Choose the Chromebook speakers, headphones or another connected device you want to test.
Unplug and restart
Disconnect headphones or speakers, restart the Chromebook and test the built-in speakers. If sound still does not work, follow Google's hardware and system guidance.
Want a different way to listen?
If your laptop's audio is working but the built-in speakers do not suit your setup, external speakers or headphones can provide another listening option. Check your laptop's ports, wireless support and the connection details before choosing an accessory.
Build a desk audio setup
Browse desktop PC speakers for music, films, gaming and video calls. Check the connection type, power requirements and available space around your laptop or desk.
Listen privately
Headphones can suit calls, study, travel and shared spaces. Compare the connection and features with the ports and operating system on your laptop.
When should you get further help
If none of the nine fixes restores sound, record what you have tested and contact the laptop manufacturer or a qualified repair service. Include the exact model, operating system and whether headphones or another output works.
There is visible damage
Stop using a damaged port, liquid-affected laptop or accessory with exposed wiring. Arrange an inspection rather than forcing another connection.
Only one output works
If headphones work but the built-in speakers do not, or vice versa, tell the support team exactly which outputs you tested and what happened.
No output works
If settings, updates and another known-working audio device make no difference, the audio hardware, port or system installation may need professional attention.
Laptop sound questions, answered
Why is my laptop showing sound but I cannot hear anything?
The laptop may be sending audio to the wrong output, such as Bluetooth headphones, an external display or a dock. Check the selected output device, mute controls and the app's own volume.
Why do headphones work but my laptop speakers do not?
Headphones can change the selected output or disable the built-in speakers. Disconnect the headphones, check the operating system's output settings and test the built-in speakers again.
Why is there no sound from one website or app?
Check the app or website's volume and mute controls, the browser tab's mute state and, on Windows, the app's Volume mixer settings. Then test another source to compare.
Can a laptop update cause sound to stop working?
It can happen if an audio driver or system component is incompatible or incomplete after an update. Check for further system updates and the correct audio driver for your laptop.
Should I buy speakers or headphones if my laptop has no sound?
Test the laptop's settings and another known-working output first. Speakers or headphones can provide an alternative when the built-in speakers are not suitable, but they may not solve a wider audio or port fault.