Try these Windows 11 steps in order:
- Check the selected output device.
- Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
- Select the arrow to the right of the volume slider.
- Make sure audio is going to the correct device, such as the intended headphones.
- Check hardware and volume controls.
- Make sure the headphones are fully connected.
- If using USB headphones, try a different USB port.
- If the device has its own volume or mute control, check that too.
- Unplug the headphones and test again, since speakers may not work correctly while headphones are connected.
- Turn off audio enhancements.
- Go to Start > Settings > Sound.
- In Output, select the device in use.
- Under Advanced settings, set Audio enhancements to Off.
- Run the audio troubleshooter.
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- In the Audio section, select Run.
- Update or reinstall the audio driver.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click the sound device and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- If that does not help, uninstall the audio device from Device Manager and restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the driver.
- Save open work before restarting.
If the clicking continues even after speakers are turned off, that can indicate a hardware noise from inside the PC rather than Windows audio. In that case, run the device diagnostic test if available, or have the hardware checked.
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