Windows Can’t Find Audio Devices? Here are the Fixes

Does the sound icon on your Windows taskbar bear a red colored X mark? If yes, then your device will not be able to play any audio. This typically occurs due to two problems. The first reason may be that the audio device is disabled on your device. Or else, your device does not have the recent drivers installed. If your Windows device cannot find audio devices, then check out the fixes mentioned below:

Install the Sound Card’s Driver Again

You should install the sound card’s driver again by following these instructions mentioned below:

1. Hold the Windows and R hotkeys to invoke the Run prompt.
2. Then input ‘devmgmt.msc’ into it and press the Enter key to launch the Device Manager.
3. After that, go to the ‘Sound, video and game controllers’ and click on it.
4. Select the audio adapter, and right-click on it, then choose the Uninstall button.
5. You should click on the option of ‘Delete the driver software for this device’ over the dialog section.
6. Hit the button of Install.
7. Now, install the sound adapter driver again by selecting the ‘Action’ button and choosing the ‘Scan for hardware changes’ option.

Run the Audio Troubleshooter

You should run the audio troubleshooter by following these instructions mentioned below:

1. Hold the Windows and Q hotkeys simultaneously to launch the troubleshooter.
2. Later, input ‘troubleshoot’ into the Cortana section.
3. You should select the Troubleshoot option to invoke the Settings application.
4. Choose the ‘Playing Audio’ option, then select the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ option.
5. Now, the screen of the troubleshooter will launch and might give some solutions for the error.

Enable the Sound Adapter Again

You should enable the sound adapter again by following these instructions mentioned below:

1. Open the Win + X menu.
2. Then click on the Device Manager from the menu.
3. Reach the ‘Sound, video, and game controllers’ option and twice click on it to extend that category.
4. Thereafter, choose the listed audio adapter, and right-click on it then choose the Disable device option.
5. Now, turn it on again and right-click on the audio adapter, then choose the Enable device option.

Ensure that the Windows Audio Services are Turned on

You should check that the Windows Audio Services are turned on by following these instructions mentioned below:

1. Hold the Windows and R hotkeys simultaneously to invoke the Run prompt.
2. Later, insert ‘services.msc’ into it and select the OK button.
3. Go to the ‘Windows Audio’ option and twice click on it.
4. Choose the ‘Automatic’ option over the Startup type pull-down menu, in case the service is turned on.
5. Hit the button of Start.
6. You should click on the button of Apply.
7. Then select the OK button to shut the screen.
8. After that, twice click on the ‘Windows Endpoint Audio Builder’ to launch the properties screen.
9. You have to choose the option of Automatic’ startup type and hit the start button.
10. Now, select the Apply button.
11. Click on OK.

Roll Back Windows

You should roll back Windows by following these instructions mentioned below:

1. Hold the Windows and R hotkeys simultaneously to invoke the Run prompt.
2. Thereafter, input ‘rstrui’ into it and select the OK button to invoke the Open System Restore.
3. Hit the button of Next to invoke the restore points list.
4. Users are required to choose ‘Show more restore points’ to see a full list.
5. You should click on the restore point date.
6. Later, hit the button of Next.
7. Click on Finish.

Factory Reset Windows

You should factory reset Windows by following these instructions mentioned below:

1. To invoke the Cortana application, hold the Windows and Q keys simultaneously.
2. Then input ‘reset’ into it, select the OK button and then click on the ‘Reset this PC’ option.
3. Hit the button of the ‘Get started’ option.
4. You have to choose the option of ‘Keep my Files.’
5. Now, hit the button of Reset to verify.

Source: Windows Can’t Find Audio Devices? Here are the Fixes