How do I turn on my speakers on my surface?

LAURIE BECK 0 Reputation points
2026-11-12T19:11:03.2033333+00:00

There is no sound on my surface laptop. I don't know what happened, but the little speaker button on the task bar has a black circle with an "x" through it. How do I fix it?

Surface | Surface Book | Sound and camera
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  1. S.Sengupta 33,256 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-11-13T02:11:34.8433333+00:00

    Step 1. Check the audio output device

    1. Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar.
    2. Select Sound settings.
    3. Look under Output.
    4. Check whether your Surface speakers are listed.

    You should normally see something like:

    • Speakers (Realtek(R) Audio), or
    • Speakers (Surface Audio).

    If you see a device, select it and increase the volume.

    If it says No output devices found, proceed to Step 2.

    Step 2. Check Device Manager

    1. Press Windows + X.
    2. Select Device Manager.
    3. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    4. Look for the audio device.
    5. Also expand Audio inputs and outputs.

    Check whether:

    • The audio device is listed normally.
    • There is a yellow warning triangle.
    • The audio device is missing completely.
    • The device is disabled.

    If disabled, right-click it and select Enable device.

    Press Windows + R.

    Type services.msc and press Enter.

    Locate Windows Audio.

    Right-click and select Restart.

    Repeat for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.

    Restart your Surface.

    Uninstall and reinstall Audio driver

    Troubleshoot Surface sound and audio accessories

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-12T19:12:15.5466667+00:00

    Open Start → Settings → System → Sound, select your Surface speakers under Output, turn the volume up, and make sure sound is not muted.

    1. Select and unmute the speakers

    1. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound.
    2. Under Output:
      • On Windows 11, expand Choose where to play sound.
      • Select the built-in Surface speakers.
    3. Raise the volume slider and ensure the mute button is off.
    4. Play a video or system sound to test it.

    You can also press the keyboard’s volume-up key. The keyboard and taskbar volume controls change the same Surface volume setting.^1^

    2. If no speakers appear under Output

    If Sound settings says No output device found, run the automated audio repair:

    1. Open Start and search for Get Help.
    2. Open it and search for audio troubleshooter.
    3. Run the troubleshooter and apply any recommended fix.
    4. Restart the Surface and test the speakers again.

    Microsoft recommends the Get Help audio troubleshooter for Surface sound problems.^1^

    3. Install Surface audio-driver and firmware updates

    1. Connect the Surface to power and the internet.
    2. Open the Surface app.
    3. Expand Help & support and check the update status.
    4. Select Check for updates if offered.
    5. In Windows Update, install all available updates.
    6. Search Windows for View optional updates and install any driver updates whose names include Surface.
    7. Restart the laptop.

    Microsoft recommends keeping the battery at least 40% charged and leaving the Surface connected to power while updates install.^2^

    4. If the X remains

    Perform a full Surface shutdown:

    1. Select Start → Power → Shut down.
    2. Wait for it to turn off.
    3. Press and hold the physical power button for 20 seconds. Continue holding if the Surface logo appears early, until it appears again.
    4. Sign in and test the sound.^1^

    If Windows still cannot find an output device, install the driver and firmware package made specifically for the exact Surface Laptop or Surface Book model. Find the model in the Surface app, then use Microsoft’s Surface driver page to select that model and install its package.^2^

    Avoid using audio drivers intended for another computer brand or Surface model. If the correct Surface package does not restore the audio device, the remaining supported options are Surface service or hardware inspection.^1^

    References

    1. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/surface/audio/troubleshoot-surface-sound-and-audio-accessories#things-to-try-first)
    2. Download drivers and firmware for Surface
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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