🔊 Quick Audio‑Fix Checklist

If your sound suddenly stopped working, follow these steps in order.

1️⃣ Check the basics

• Make sure your speakers or headset are plugged in securely.

• If using Bluetooth, confirm it’s connected and not paired to another device.

• Look at the volume icon in the bottom‑right corner and make sure it isn’t muted.

2️⃣ Choose the correct audio device

Sometimes Windows switches devices without warning.

• Click the speaker icon

• Click the arrow next to the volume slider

• Select the device you actually want to use (Speakers, Headset, etc.)

3️⃣ Run the Windows sound troubleshooter

• Right‑click the speaker icon

• Select Troubleshoot sound problems

• Follow the prompts This automatically fixes many common issues.

4️⃣ Restart the audio service

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager

• Click Services

• Find Audiosrv

• Right‑click → Restart

5️⃣ Check app‑specific volume

Some programs have their own volume controls.

• Open the program you’re using (Zoom, YouTube, Eclipse, Dragon, etc.)

• Make sure the volume inside that program isn’t muted or turned down.

6️⃣ Check the Volume Mixer

• Right‑click the speaker icon

• Choose Open Volume Mixer

• Make sure none of the sliders are muted or at zero.

7️⃣ Reboot the computer

A simple restart resets the audio driver and fixes many sudden dropouts.

8️⃣ If using a headset

• Try unplugging and plugging it back in

• Try a different USB port

• If it’s Bluetooth, turn Bluetooth off, wait 5 seconds, turn it on again

9️⃣ Check for Windows updates

• Press Win + I

• Go to Windows Update

• Install any pending updates Audio drivers often get patched here.

🔟 If none of the above works

Let us know which steps you tried and what you saw — that tells us exactly where the problem is.