sound cutting out

jal nicto 0 Reputation points
2026-10-08T21:51:32.68+00:00

the sound on my PC keeps cutting in and out. The trouble shooter is of no help.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-10-08T21:51:47.96+00:00

    Since the troubleshooter did not help, work through these Windows 11 checks in order:

    1. Check the selected output device
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Output, make sure the correct speakers or headphones are selected.
      • Confirm the volume is not muted and the slider is turned up.
    2. Set the playback device as default
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Related settings, select Sound Control Panel.
      • On the Playback tab, select the device in use and choose Set Default.
    3. Turn off audio enhancements
      • In Start > Settings > System > Sound, select the playback device, then Properties.
      • Open the Enhancements tab and select Disable all enhancements.
      • If there is no Enhancements tab, open Advanced and turn off any available audio effects.
    4. Check for pending Windows updates and restart
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
      • Install any available updates.
      • Restart the PC. If updates are pending, use Start > Power and choose Update and restart if shown.
    5. Update the audio driver
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the sound device and select Update driver.
      • Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
    6. Reinstall the audio driver
      • In Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers, right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
      • If available, select Delete the driver software for this device.
      • Restart the PC.
      • This restart should prompt Windows to reinstall the audio driver automatically.
      • Risk: save open work first, because a restart is required.
    7. Install the latest driver from the PC or sound device manufacturer
      • If Windows does not find a newer driver, download the latest audio driver for the installed Windows version from the manufacturer’s support site.
      • Install it and restart the PC.
    8. If the device disappears or is not detected
      • In Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • If the device is listed, right-click it and select Enable device if that option appears.
      • If it is not listed, select View > Show hidden devices, then Action > Scan for hardware changes.

    If the issue started after updates or a driver change, the most relevant path is to update or reinstall the audio driver, then install the latest manufacturer driver if needed.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. Estrella721 46,770 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-08T22:23:44.6233333+00:00

    To help determine what may be causing the problem:

    When did the issue start, and what changes did you make to your computer before the issue occurred?

    What is the make and model of your device? In the search bar, type MSINFO32 and press Enter. Please share a screenshot of the System Information window.

    Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Click View > Show hidden devices, then expand Sound, video and game controllers. Please take a screenshot and share it here.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.