How to Fix “No Audio Output Device is Installed” on Windows 10

Users of Windows 10, especially Dell and HP owners, experience problems with playing audio on their computers with an error saying “No Audio Output Device is Installed.” The error shows up on the volume knob on the taskbar and does not allow you to change your computer volume.

A few reasons usually cause audio problems on Windows, and it is quite hard to diagnose where exactly the problem is.

If you are seeing a “No Audio Output Device is Installed” on Windows, here are the possible causes for this problem.

• Faulty Windows Update
• Corrupted Audio Drivers
• Disabled Playback Device
• Improper Audio Connections
• Bluetooth Speaker/Headset Not Paired Properly

Note: We covered a similar error here: Fixing the “This Device Cannot Start (code 10)” in Windows

Fix #1: Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that automatically diagnoses your system for possible errors and suggests a solution to address the issue. Try running the audio troubleshooter on your system.

Step # 1

On your Task Bar, right-click on the audio button on your system tray and click on “Troubleshoot sound problems”.

Step # 2

Wait for the scan to complete. After the scan, apply the suggested fix.

Step # 3

Test your audio to see if everything is in order.

Fix #2: Update Your Drivers

Faulty audio drivers could also be the culprit for sound-related problems on Windows. Try to update your drivers to eliminate any corruption and install the latest drivers for your device.

Step # 1

Press on Windows + X key on your keyboard and click on Device Manager.

Step # 2

Click on Audio Inputs and Outputs to expand it.

Step # 3

Right-click on your audio driver and select Update Driver.

Step # 4

Follow the on-screen prompts to install the latest audio drivers for your system.

• See Also: How to Download Audio Drivers Windows 10 [Guide]

Fix #3: Reinstall Your Audio Driver

If you’re unable to fix the problem by updating your audio drivers, try reinstalling it. Possibly, your drivers got corrupted beyond repair and reinstalling it is the only viable solution.

Step # 1

On your system, open the Device Manager again.

Step # 2

Expand the Audio Inputs and Outputs tab.

Step # 3

Right-click on your audio driver and click on Uninstall Device.

Step # 4

Restart your computer and Windows should automatically install the latest drivers for your audio device.

Fix #4: Update Windows

The current version of Windows installed on your system may have a problem related to audio playback. To fix this, Microsoft might roll out an update to patch up the issue. Try checking for any updates on your system.

Step # 1

Press Windows + I keys on your keyboard to open Settings.

Step # 2

Click on Update & Security.

Step # 3

Lastly, click on Windows Update and follow the on-screen prompts if a newer version of Windows is available.

Fix #5: Restart Windows Audio Services

Windows uses a separate service that is dedicated only to play all sorts of audio on your computer. If you are having problems with your audio, try to restart Windows Audio Services to reload its resources.

Step # 1

Press on Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open Run Command.

Step # 2

Type services.msc on the input box and click Ok to open the Services window.

Step # 3

Find Windows Audio and right-click on it.

Step # 4

Click on Restart and try to play audio on your system to verify if the problem is resolved.

Fix #6: Select The Correct Output Device

On Windows, you can connect multiple output devices and select which device you prefer to listen to. Check your audio settings and ensure that the correct device is selected for audio output.

Step # 1

First, open Windows Settings on your computer and click on System.

Step # 2

Click on the Sound tab from the side menu.

Step # 3

Under “Choose your output device” make sure that your preferred audio device is selected.

Fix #7: Check for Hardware Issues

If Windows is not detecting your speaker, the audio jack you are using may be faulty. Inspect the cable for any physical damage like exposed wires and replace it immediately.

It is also possible that the issue is related to a problematic sound card that needs to be replaced. If this is the case, bring your system to the nearest service center and ask them to check it for any hardware related issues.

For wireless headsets or speakers, try to check your Bluetooth settings to ensure that your audio device is connected properly. The connection was possibly not properly done, and it needs to be reconnected to get rid of any errors that may have occurred.