If sound is missing, audio is not playing through the speakers or headphones, or the system shows "No output devices installed" — the problem is most often related to the driver or the Windows Audio service.
Below are quick ways to check and restore.
Method 1: Check the output device
- Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar
- Select Sound settings
- Make sure the correct output device is selected
- Check the volume level
Sometimes the system automatically switches to HDMI or another device.
Method 2: Restart the Windows Audio service
- Press Win + R
- Type
services.msc - Find Windows Audio
- Click Restart
- The startup type should be Automatic
Method 3: Update or reinstall the driver
- Press Win + X → Device Manager
- Open the Sound, video and game controllers section
- Select the audio device
- Click Update driver
If that didn't help:
- Remove the device
- Restart the computer
- Windows will reinstall the driver
Method 4: Check system files
Open the command prompt as an administrator:
sfc /scannow
After completion, restart the PC.
Additional reasons
- Bluetooth headphones are connected
- Sound is muted in the volume mixer
- Drivers are not installed after an update
- Corruption of the audio service
If the sound disappeared after an update
Try rolling back the driver:
- In Device Manager, open the properties of the audio device
- Tab Driver → Roll Back
Conclusion
Most often, the problem is resolved by selecting the correct device or reinstalling the driver. If that didn't help — check the services and system files.