No audio output device is installed
Most likely cause: Audio driver is missing, outdated or has become corrupted after a Windows update
Try first: Check Device Manager for audio devices (devmgmt.msc)
Likely causes
- Audio driver is missing, outdated or has become corrupted after a Windows updatemost likely
- Sound device is disabled in Device Manager or Windows audio service is not runningpossible
- Physical sound hardware has failed or is not properly connected inside the PCless likely
How to fix it
Check Device Manager for audio devicesSafe
Open Device Manager and look under 'Sound, video and game controllers' and 'Audio inputs and outputs' to see if any audio hardware is listed or shows an error. This tells you whether Windows can see the device at all.
devmgmt.mscRun the built-in audio troubleshooterSafe
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the 'Playing Audio' troubleshooter. It checks common software settings and can restart the audio service.
Restart the Windows Audio serviceChanges settings
Press Win+R, type services.msc, find Windows Audio, right-click it and choose Restart. Make sure its Startup type is Automatic.
services.mscReinstall the audio driverChanges settings
In Device Manager, right-click the audio device (or any unknown device under Sound) and choose Uninstall device, then restart the computer so Windows reinstalls it. If no device appears, download the latest audio driver from your PC or motherboard maker's website.
⚠ Restarting after uninstall is required; make sure you have another way to get online if needed.
If that didn't fix it
Open Device Manager again and note the exact name (or lack) of any device under Sound, video and game controllers, then search for that name plus your Windows version.
When to see a technician
If Device Manager shows no audio hardware at all even after driver reinstall attempts, the sound chip or motherboard audio circuitry may need hardware repair or replacement.
Quick answers
- What does No audio output device is installed mean?
- Windows cannot detect any speakers, headphones or other hardware to play sound through. This message usually appears when the audio driver is missing, disabled or broken, though it can also mean the sound hardware itself has a problem.
- What causes No audio output device is installed?
- Audio driver is missing, outdated or has become corrupted after a Windows update. (most likely) Sound device is disabled in Device Manager or Windows audio service is not running. (possible) Physical sound hardware has failed or is not properly connected inside the PC. (less likely)
- How do I fix No audio output device is installed?
- Try these in order, safest first: 1. Check Device Manager for audio devices. 2. Run the built-in audio troubleshooter. 3. Restart the Windows Audio service. 4. Reinstall the audio driver.
- What if that didn't fix it?
- Open Device Manager again and note the exact name (or lack) of any device under Sound, video and game controllers, then search for that name plus your Windows version.
- When should I see a technician?
- If Device Manager shows no audio hardware at all even after driver reinstall attempts, the sound chip or motherboard audio circuitry may need hardware repair or replacement.