Check whether Windows detects the audio hardware in Device Manager, then enable it or install the computer manufacturer’s Windows 11 audio driver.
1. Check whether the audio device is detected
- Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- If the audio device appears:
- Right-click it.
- Select Enable device if that option is available.
- If nothing appears:
- Select View > Show hidden devices.
- Select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
The expected result is an entry such as Realtek Audio, Intel Smart Sound Technology, AMD High Definition Audio, or another manufacturer-specific device. Microsoft identifies a missing, disabled, outdated, or incorrectly loaded driver as common reasons for the “No audio output device is installed” message.^1^
2. Install the correct manufacturer driver
Because this computer is new, use the driver made for its exact model rather than relying only on a generic driver:
- Find the computer’s manufacturer and model on its label, packaging, receipt, or Settings > System > About.
- Open the manufacturer’s official support site.
- Search for that exact model.
- Download and install its latest Windows 11 audio driver.
- If the support page also identifies chipset or audio-controller prerequisites for that model, install those as directed.
- Select Start > Power > Restart—do not merely shut down and turn it back on.
- Return to Settings > System > Sound and check whether Speakers now appears under Output.
Microsoft recommends the manufacturer’s driver when the audio driver is missing or incompatible.^1^
3. If the device appears but still does not work
Reinstall its driver:
- Open Device Manager again.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
- Confirm the uninstall.
- Restart the computer.
Windows should reinstall the audio driver during startup. If it does not, install the downloaded manufacturer driver again.^2^
Also run the Windows 11 automated troubleshooter: open Get Help, search for audio troubleshooter, and run the diagnostics. It can detect and attempt to correct audio configuration and driver problems.^1^
4. If no audio hardware appears afterward
If the device remains absent after Show hidden devices, Scan for hardware changes, and installation of the exact manufacturer driver, contact the computer manufacturer or retailer for warranty service. Tell them:
- The computer is less than two months old.
- Windows reports “No audio output device is installed.”
- No audio device appears in Device Manager after scanning for hardware changes.
- The model-specific Windows 11 audio driver has been installed and the PC restarted.
At that stage, the manufacturer needs to test the internal audio controller, motherboard, or its firmware. Avoid opening the computer yourself, because that could affect the warranty.
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