How to Fix “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” Error in Windows 10

One of the most common (and frustrating) errors in Windows 10 is the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” message. This issue often pops up unexpectedly after a system update, driver conflicts, or even after a hardware change, leaving you unable to hear sound from your speakers or headphones.

If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry—there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. Here’s how to fix the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error in Windows 10.

1. Check the Audio Output Device

Sometimes, your computer might just be selecting the wrong audio output device, causing the error.

What to do:

• Right-click on the sound icon in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.
• Select Open Sound settings.
• Under Output, check if the correct device is selected from the drop-down menu (e.g., speakers, headphones, or external sound system).
• If the desired device isn’t listed, this could be the root cause of the issue.

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2. Restart the Windows Audio Services

Audio issues often stem from the Windows Audio service being disabled or not running correctly.

What to do:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Scroll down and find Windows Audio.
• Right-click on Windows Audio, then select Restart. If it’s not running, click Start.
• Make sure that Startup type is set to Automatic for the service.

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3. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are the most common cause of the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error. If the default drivers aren’t working, you may need to manually update them.

What to do:

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
• Right-click on your audio device (e.g., Realtek, Conexant), then click Update Driver.
• Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

If updating doesn’t work, you can try reinstalling the drivers:

• Right-click the audio device in Device Manager and choose Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC, and Windows will automatically reinstall the default audio drivers.

Alternatively, if the driver update still fails, try updating with Generic Audio Device:

1. Open the Start Menu, type Device Manager, and open it.
2. Double-click on Audio inputs and outputs.
3. Right-click on your audio output driver and select Update Driver.
4. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
5. Click on Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
6. Make sure Show compatible hardware is checked.
7. Choose Generic Audio Device from the list and click Next.

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4. Check Playback Devices in Sound Settings

Sometimes, the issue lies in your Playback devices being disabled or not set as the default.

What to do:

• Right-click the Speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
• Go to the Playback tab and check if your speaker or audio device is listed.
• If it’s not showing, right-click and make sure Show Disabled Devices is checked.
• If your device appears, right-click on it and select Enable.
• To make it your default device, right-click again and select Set as Default Device.

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5. Search for Latest Drivers on Your Manufacturer’s Website

If Windows Update or Device Manager doesn’t find a new driver, it’s a good idea to check your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest audio drivers.

What to do:

• Go to the support page of your PC’s manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or motherboard manufacturer (e.g., ASUS, MSI).
• Look for audio or sound drivers for your specific model and version of Windows 10.
• Download and install any available updates.

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6. Check Audio Controller Settings in BIOS

In some cases, the audio controller may be disabled in your system’s BIOS settings, causing the error.

What to do:

1. Restart your PC.
2. As your PC restarts, repeatedly press the BIOS access key (typically Esc, F2, or Del) when the brand logo appears.
3. Once inside the BIOS, go to Advanced settings.
4. Look for a category such as Onboard Devices Configuration or Device Configuration.
5. Check if the Audio Controller is disabled. If it is, enable it.
6. Save your changes by selecting Exit and Save.

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7. Run the Windows Troubleshooter

If you’re still stuck, you can run the built-in Windows troubleshooter for audio problems. This tool will scan for and automatically fix common issues.

What to do:

• Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar.
• Click Troubleshoot sound problems.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to let Windows detect and fix any issues.

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8. System Restore

If the problem started after a recent update or system change, you can restore your system to an earlier point when audio was working correctly.

What to do:

• Press Windows + S, type System Restore, and select Create a restore point.
• In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
• Choose a restore point from a time when you weren’t experiencing the audio issue and follow the prompts to restore your system.

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Conclusion

The “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error on Windows 10 can happen for a variety of reasons, but it’s usually fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. By following the solutions outlined above, including checking the audio output settings, updating drivers, and even diving into BIOS, you should be able to get your sound back.

Still having trouble? Let me know which step worked for you or if you need more assistance with a specific fix!