I can not get the audio to engage om laptop

Test and select the speaker and microphone inside Zoom first; if they work elsewhere in Windows but not in Zoom, correct Zoom’s device selections and Windows’ per-app audio settings.

1. Test Zoom’s selected devices

Since general setting adjustments did not help, use Zoom’s own device tests to identify whether the failure is with the speaker, microphone, or both:

1. Open the Zoom desktop app.
2. Select your profile picture → Settings → Audio.
3. Under Speaker, select Test speaker.
   • If there is no ringtone, choose each available speaker from the device list until one works.
4. Under Microphone, select the laptop microphone or headset microphone.
   • Speak and check whether the input level moves.
5. During a meeting, select the arrow beside Mute/Unmute, then choose the same working microphone and speaker.
6. On the meeting join screen, ensure you select Join with Computer Audio.

Zoom also provides Test speaker and microphone before joining a meeting and an official test meeting for checking both devices.^1^

2. If Windows audio works but Zoom remains silent

Keep Zoom open so it appears in the Volume mixer, then:

1. Go to Start → Settings → System → Sound → Volume mixer.
2. Under Apps, locate Zoom.
3. Confirm that Zoom:
   • Is not muted.
   • Has its volume turned up.
   • Uses the laptop speakers or intended headset under Output device.

Windows permits an app to use a different output device and volume from the system default, so Zoom can be silent while other programs still work.^2^

If the speaker test fails only with a Realtek audio device, open Settings → System → Sound → Output, select that device, and set Audio enhancements to Off.^3^

3. If people cannot hear you

Enable Windows microphone access for the Zoom desktop application:

1. Open Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.
2. Turn on:
   • Microphone access
   • Let apps access your microphone
   • Let desktop apps access your microphone
3. Close and reopen Zoom, then repeat its microphone test.

Zoom is normally a desktop app and may not appear as an individual switch; the Let desktop apps access your microphone setting controls access for desktop applications.^4^

To test the microphone independently of Zoom:

1. Go to Settings → System → Sound.
2. Under Input, select the intended microphone.
3. Select Start test, speak normally, and then select Stop test → Play.
4. Raise Input volume if the recording is too quiet.

If this Windows test records correctly but Zoom does not, the problem remains within Zoom’s device selection or permissions. If Windows records nothing, continue with Windows troubleshooting.^5^

4. If sound or microphone also fails outside Zoom

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
2. Run the Audio troubleshooter.
3. Check Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, install available audio-driver updates, and restart.
4. If no improvement:
   • Open Device Manager.
   • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   • Right-click the audio device and select Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
5. If updating fails, right-click the device, select Uninstall device, and restart. Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.

Uninstalling temporarily removes the audio device, so save work and be prepared to restart. If Windows cannot find a suitable driver, install the Windows 11 audio driver from the laptop manufacturer’s support site.^6^

References

1. Testing your audio settings for Zoom meetings
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/audio/fix-app-audio-not-working-while-system-sounds-work-in-windows)
3. Zoom sound output not working with Realtek Audio
4. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/privacy/turn-on-app-permissions-for-your-microphone-in-windows)
5. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/drivers/fix-microphone-problems)
6. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/audio/update-audio-drivers-in-windows)