Forum Discussion
output sound just stopped win 11
- Dec 08, 2025
Hello qmck1999, this sounds like Windows isn’t detecting any audio endpoint, speaker icon with an X, no new device popup.
So, try this quick reset:- Restart audio services
Win+R > services.msc > restart Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder: set both to Automatic. - Reinstall the audio driver cleanly
Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers > right-click your Realtek/Audio device > Uninstall device > check "Delete the driver software" > reboot.
Then install the latest audio driver from your PC or motherboard vendor: not Windows Update. - Force Windows to re-detect the jack
Device Manager > Audio inputs and outputs > if anything is hidden/disabled, enable it.
Also check System > Sound > All sound devices and set the correct device as Default.
If after the clean driver install you still get only a buzz when half-plugged and silence when fully inserted, it may be the jack sensing circuit/port (hardware problem).
In that case, test with USB headphones: if they works, the analog jack likely needs service.
Let us know how it goes!
- Restart audio services
Hello qmck1999, this sounds like Windows isn’t detecting any audio endpoint, speaker icon with an X, no new device popup.
So, try this quick reset:
- Restart audio services
Win+R > services.msc > restart Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder: set both to Automatic. - Reinstall the audio driver cleanly
Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers > right-click your Realtek/Audio device > Uninstall device > check "Delete the driver software" > reboot.
Then install the latest audio driver from your PC or motherboard vendor: not Windows Update. - Force Windows to re-detect the jack
Device Manager > Audio inputs and outputs > if anything is hidden/disabled, enable it.
Also check System > Sound > All sound devices and set the correct device as Default.
If after the clean driver install you still get only a buzz when half-plugged and silence when fully inserted, it may be the jack sensing circuit/port (hardware problem).
In that case, test with USB headphones: if they works, the analog jack likely needs service.
Let us know how it goes!