No sound on Windows 11
No sound on Windows 11 is usually the wrong output device, a muted volume, or audio routed to the wrong speakers/headphones. Work through these, then play the channel test.
Step-by-step fix
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Open Settings → System → Sound → Input/Output and select the correct output device (laptop speakers, headphones, HDMI/monitor, etc.).
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Check the volume isn't muted or at zero — system volume and any app volume.
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Unplug and replug headphones; if using Bluetooth, reconnect the device.
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Run the CheckMyMic speaker test — play the left, right and both-channel tones.
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Still silent? Update the audio driver and restart Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no sound on Windows 11 even though volume is up?
Audio is likely routed to the wrong output. Open Settings → System → Sound → Input/Output and switch the output device, then run the speaker test.
Only one speaker works — how do I fix the balance on Windows 11?
Open the speaker test and play Left then Right. If one side is silent, check the balance/pan setting in Settings → System → Sound → Input/Output.
Still silent after all of that on Windows 11 — what now?
Plug in wired headphones and play the CheckMyMic speaker test tones. If the headphones play, the audio path works and the fault is the speakers or their connection. If even headphones are silent, it's Windows 11's audio stack — reinstall the audio driver and recheck Settings → System → Sound → Input/Output. Sound missing in only one app? See our Zoom, Teams, Meet, Discord and Chrome sound guides.
Do Windows 11 audio enhancements cause silence?
They can. Open Settings → System → Sound, pick your output device, and turn off Enhance audio and any spatial sound. Under the advanced/format options, try a standard format like 24-bit, 48000 Hz. Broken enhancement drivers are a classic cause of "everything looks right but nothing plays".