If your laptop's speakers aren't working properly, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Before you begin, check the speaker output and make sure all Windows updates are installed. Check the cables, outlets, volume, speakers, and headphone connections. Set your audio device as the default device.
Connect a set of headphones or earbuds if you have them handy and try to borrow a set if you don't. Laptops are designed to automatically switch from speakers to headphones if headphones are available. Make sure that the audio sensor is not stuck. Laptops use a sensor to detect if you have headphones connected to the audio jack or not.
If the computer thinks that the headphones are plugged in even if they aren't, it won't send sound to the speakers. When you use devices such as wireless headphones or an external monitor with your laptop, the laptop remembers those devices for future use. If one of those devices is set up as a playback device, you won't hear any sound from the speakers. You also won't hear any sound if your device isn't connected.
If the Windows 11 sound doesn't work after the upgrade, you might be able to fix the problem by simply running the built-in troubleshooter. In case you don't know, Windows has a lot of built-in problem solvers that allow you to configure various computer errors. If your Windows 11 laptop or PC doesn't make any sound, we recommend that you check out our specific guide, which lists some of the best solutions to fix the problem. If your Dell XPS 15 speakers aren't working, see our specific guide.
This is most often seen on Asus laptops with Realtek drivers, and is less likely to apply if this doesn't describe your laptop. Laptops are great devices because of their portability, but many users reported that laptop speakers don't work for them. Every laptop has an audio out jack, but sometimes problems with an audio jack can cause the laptop's speakers to stop working. Some laptop speaker problems can be fixed at home without the need for special tools or knowledge, and others require more detailed diagnostics and repair work.