Your computer’s audio output device plays an integral role in producing sound whether you’re using your PC or laptop for real-time communication (video conferencing or live call) or general media (music, movie, games) applications.

So, if it is not working properly, you won’t listen to any sound from your computer. Unfortunately, this kind of problem occurs when it is least expected.

Continue reading as we dive in to find out how to fix the “No Audio Output Device is Installed” error.

Audio Output Device And Its Functionality

The sound from your audio device attached to your pc or laptop is called a sound card which allows you to render real-time communications such as calls and other media applications.

Windows uses the default audio playback device to output (play) sound to your speakers, headphones, Bluetooth headset, or other audio devices to your PC, but you have options you can choose from on which device you want to use by default.

The audio output device, known as the sound card, electronically transmits a sound from your computer to your speakers or headphones. On laptops and other devices, speakers are commonly built-in.

Your audio output device allows you to listen to your favorite music, provides sound on your video and game.

If your audio output device is working good, the image of below of a sound icon will be shown on your system’s tray:

If your audio output device cannot work properly and a ‘No Audio Output Device is installed’ message displays, and no sound plays, the image below is a sound icon with a red x shown in the system tray.

Causes Of “No Audio Output Device Is Installed”

Usually, these related issues are caused by some problems such as:

1. While Windows updates bring many new features and security patches, it can cause errors to some of the software and might have disabled the audio device or is completely muted after a certain update.
2. Your PC doesn’t have suitable device drivers installed for the audio device output.
3. The playback device that you usually use has been disabled.
4. The audio output device has been damaged.

Fortunately,  these can be easily fixed using the following steps:

Step 1. Run The Windows 10’s Audio Troubleshoot

This will automatically identify and fix audio errors with the Windows sound troubleshooting tool.

1.  On your screen, right-click the notification area speaker icon , and then select Troubleshoot sound problems.
2. Wait until the troubleshooter has detected the issue and then click Next to start the troubleshooter.
3. If a recommended action displays, select Apply this fix and then test if your audio is appropriately working now.

Step 2. Check If Device And Driver Status Is Updated

You must update your audio drivers to avoid sound errors and other related issues.

Follow these simple steps to update your audio driver.

1. Open the Device Manager.

1. Locate the sound icon then double-click Sound, video and game controllers.

1. Right-click the audio device, and then select Update Driver.

1. Click Search automatically for updated driver software to check for and install a driver.

Step 3: Manually Uninstall And Reinstall Your Device Driver

If the updated driver installs, restart the computer and then test if there is a sound already. But If there is no updated driver available, then continue to the next step to reinstall the driver.

1. Open the device manager and right-click the audio device again, and then click Uninstall.  This will open the Uninstall Device window.

1. Select delete the driver software for this device, and then click Uninstall.
2. Click Action located in the menu bar and then select Scan for hardware changes. This will reinstall the device. Restart your computer again.
3. To make sure that you have reinstalled the driver correctly, test if the sound is already available.If there is no sound yet, hover your mouse to the notification area, then right-click the Sound icon. Then select Playback devices and then try to reconnect your audio device if it is not found on the list. Once it is already listed, click the device name, click the Sounds tab, and select a sound (music or video) to test.

If you can hear a sound now, then you did it successfully. On the other hand, If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 4. Check if there are hardware issues

If none of the steps above worked for you, there might be some hardware issues, such as:

1. Your audio device has been damaged.
2. The plug is not compatible with the device driver.
3. The plug itself is already damaged.

If you find one of the issues listed above might be the cause of the audio output device error, it is recommended that you should get in touch with your computer’s manufacturer and discuss this matter with them.

Choosing The Right Software And Product Keys Vendor For Your Computer

There are many essential steps to consider when choosing the right software vendor for a computer, whether it is for a company or a start-up business.

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