Fix No Sound or Audio Missing After Windows Update: If you’re here, chances are you’ve just updated Windows and now—silence. No sound, no notifications, no music, nothing. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many users face this problem, but the good news is it’s usually easy to fix. In this guide, I’ll walk you step by step on how to fix no sound or audio missing after Windows update, so you can get your speakers or headphones working again.
Why Does No Sound Happen After a Windows Update?
Windows updates are meant to improve your system, but sometimes they bring along driver conflicts or reset certain settings. The most common reasons for no sound after Windows update are:
- Audio driver got corrupted or replaced.
- Windows disabled your sound device.
- Wrong playback device is set.
- Audio services were stopped.
- Bugs or glitches in the update itself.
The good news? You don’t have to be a tech expert to solve it. Let’s go through the fixes one by one.
ALSO READ:USB Device Not Recognized? [10 Fixes for Windows 11 Users]
Step 1: Check Basic Sound Settings
Before jumping into complex fixes, start with the basics:
- Check Volume – Make sure the volume isn’t muted. Click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
- Try Different Apps – Sometimes the issue is app-specific. Test in YouTube, Spotify, or system sounds.
- Check Connections – If you’re using external speakers or headphones, ensure cables are plugged in correctly or Bluetooth is connected.
It sounds simple, but trust me, many times this solves the no sound after Windows update issue.
Step 2: Select the Correct Playback Device
Windows updates sometimes change your default sound device. To fix it:
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Sound settings.
- Under Choose your output device, pick the correct one (Speakers, Headphones, etc.).
- Test the sound again.
If you see multiple devices, test each one until you find the working one.
Step 3: Restart Windows Audio Services
Sometimes, Windows updates stop audio services. Restarting them can fix audio missing after Windows update:
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Find Windows Audio.
- Right-click and choose Restart.
- Do the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
Now test your sound.
Step 4: Update or Roll Back Your Audio Driver
This is the most common reason for no sound after Windows update.
Update the Driver
- Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your audio device (like Realtek or Intel Audio).
- Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
Roll Back the Driver
If the update caused the problem:
- In Device Manager, right-click your audio driver.
- Choose Properties > Driver tab.
- Select Roll Back Driver if available.
Step 5: Run the Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for sound issues.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Playing Audio and click Run.
- Follow the steps—it will auto-detect and fix many issues.
Step 6: Reinstall the Audio Driver
If updating or rolling back didn’t work, reinstall it:
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click your audio driver and choose Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC.
- Windows will reinstall the correct driver automatically.
This often resolves audio missing after Windows update completely.
Step 7: Undo the Windows Update (Last Resort)
If nothing works, the update itself may be faulty. You can uninstall it:
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
- Click Uninstall updates.
- Select the recent update and uninstall it.
This will bring your system back to normal sound functionality.
Pro Tips to Avoid Sound Issues in the Future
- Always create a restore point before installing big updates.
- Keep your sound drivers updated from the manufacturer’s website.
- Don’t rush to install updates—wait a few days to see if others face issues.
FAQs on Fix No Sound After Windows Update
Q1. Why did my sound stop working after a Windows update?
A Windows update might replace or corrupt your audio driver, disable services, or reset your sound settings.
Q2. How do I fix no sound after Windows update quickly?
Start by checking volume settings, selecting the correct playback device, and running the troubleshooter. If that fails, update or reinstall your audio driver.
Q3. Should I uninstall the update if sound is missing?
Only if other fixes fail. Sometimes uninstalling the update is the quickest way to restore audio.
Q4. Will this issue come back with future updates?
It’s possible, but keeping drivers updated and creating restore points reduces the chances.
Final Thoughts
Fix no sound or audio missing after Windows update can be frustrating, especially if you need your PC for work, meetings, or entertainment. But with the steps above, you should be able to fix the problem quickly and easily.
Remember, SolvingDad.com is here to make computer fixes feel like chatting with a friend at home. If one method doesn’t work, move to the next—your sound will be back before you know it!
ALSO READ: