14 Solutions to Resolve ‘No Audio Output Device Is Installed’ Error on Windows

Step 1: Inspect Physical Connections

First, check the physical connections of your audio device. Ensure that cables are securely plugged into both your audio device and the correct ports on your PC. Consider testing your audio device on another computer to rule out hardware failures.

Step 2: Select the Right Audio Device

If multiple audio devices are connected, you may need to select the appropriate playback device:

Pro Tip: To open the Sound settings quickly, press the Windows key and type mmsys.cpl, then hit Enter.

Ensure the correct device is not disabled; right-click on it and select Enable if needed.

Step 3: Review Audio Services

Check and restart the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services:

Pro Tip: Open Services by pressing the Windows key, typing services, and pressing Enter.

Locate the audio services, right-click them, and select Restart to refresh the services.

Step 4: Uninstall Interfering Programs

Certain third-party applications can interfere with audio functionality, such as driver updaters. Remove any unnecessary programs from the Control Panel.

Step 5: Utilize the Audio Troubleshooter

Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter for audio issues:

Pro Tip: Access it by searching for troubleshoot in the Start menu and selecting Other troubleshooters.

Run the Audio Troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions for potential fixes.

Step 6: Update Audio Driver via Device Manager

Keep your audio drivers current:

Pro Tip: Right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, and look for the audio device. Right-click it and choose Update driver.

Select Search automatically for drivers to find updates.

Step 7: Reinstall Audio Driver

If updating doesn’t help, you may need to reinstall the driver:

In Device Manager, right-click on your audio device and select Uninstall device, then restart your PC.

Step 8: Adjust System Registry

Modifying the system registry can resolve deeper issues. Always back up your registry before making changes.

Pro Tip: You can open the registry editor by typing regedit in the Run dialog (press Windows + R ).

Step 9: Switch to the Generic Audio Driver

If the specific drivers fail, opt for a generic audio driver:

In Device Manager, select your PC name, choose Add legacy hardware, and follow the prompts to install the generic driver.

Step 10: Implement OEM-Specific Solutions

OEM tools can automatically find required drivers. Visit your device manufacturer’s website for special utilities.

Step 11: Roll Back Recent Windows Updates

If the sound issues began after a Windows update, rolling back might resolve the problem. Search for uninstall updates to initiate this process.

Step 12: Conduct SFC and DISM Scans

Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to scan for and fix system inconsistencies:

Pro Tip: Open Command Prompt as an administrator, and execute the commands DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth followed by sfc /scannow.

Step 13: Add Services to the Administrator Group

In some cases, adding services to the admin group resolves issues:

Pro Tip: Enter the commands net localgroup Administrators /add networkservice and net localgroup Administrators /add localservice in an admin Command Prompt.

Step 14: Execute an In-place Upgrade

As a last resort, performing an in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows without losing your files. Download the latest Windows ISO from Microsoft and run setup.exe.

What causes the ‘No Audio Output Device Is Installed’ error?

Can I fix the audio issue without technical knowledge?