If you are having audio issues, here are some steps that can help you troubleshoot these issues.
Windows Audio Troubleshooting
Verify that the Volume Mixer is set to 100%
Make sure that your Volume Mixer volume is set to 100%. Sometimes the Volume mixer might be muted due to other software installed in the system. Let's double-check to make sure this is not the case.
- Right click the speaker icon on the bottom right of your screen.
- Click Open Volume Mixer.
- Verify that your main output device and the game are set to 100%.
- Verify that these are not muted.
Verify that you are using the correct output device
This is the most common issue related to Audio. The output devices can get changed automatically when installing drivers, software, or even Windows can change it automatically. Make sure you are using the correct output device.
- Click the Windows icon on the bottom left of your screen.
- Type “sound settings”, then click on Sound Settings in the system settings.
- In the Sound window, you will see a Choose your output device drop-down menu.
- Choose your output device.
Update audio drivers
Updating drivers is one of the best ways to get your system to work correctly. This can also help with certain DACs (Digital to Analog converter) that do not come with preinstalled drivers.
- Click the Windows icon on the bottom left of your screen.
- Type “Device Manager”, then click on Device Manager in the control panel.
- Click on the arrow next to Audio inputs and outputs.
- Right-click on the device, then click Update Driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers.
- Windows will automatically search for drivers and install them if needed.
Note: You can also go to your PC or motherboard manufacturer's website to get specific updated drivers for your device.
Disable all enhancements
Enhancements can sometimes conflict with your output device. As an example enhancements can conflict with 7.1 surround sound. Make sure to disable the enhancements if you are using 7.1 surround sound or any other audio issues.
- Right click the speaker icon on the bottom right of your screen, then select Sounds.
- Click on the playback tab, then look for your preferred output device.
- Once you’ve found your preferred output device, select it and right click it.
- Select Properties.
- Click on the Enhancements tab, then you should see a Disable all enhancements box.
- Check the Disable all enhancements box.
- Click Apply, then OK.
Mac Audio Troubleshooting
Check your sound settings
At times Mac OS can end up using speakers instead of headphones or any other device in the system. When this happens your best option would be to choose your output device manually.
- Open the Apple menu by clicking the Apple icon on the top left.
- Select System Preferences.
- Click Sound.
- Click the Output tab, then select the output device that you want to use.
- If the Output volume slider is set low, move the slider to the right and test again.
- If the Mute checkbox is selected, deselect it and test again.
Reset NVRAM
NVRAM is a small amount of memory that your Mac uses to store various types of settings, including sound volume, display resolution, and more.
- Shut down the computer.
- Locate the following keys: Command, Option, P, and R.
- Turn on your computer.
- Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
- Hold the keys down until your computer restarts and you hear the start-up sound for the second time.
- Release the keys.
Clean boot
Clean boot prevents any applications from launching during the start up process. This prevents other applications from interfering with your audio output device.
- Restart the computer.
- If you see the login window, press the Shift key while you click the Login button, and then release the Shift key when you see the Dock.
- If you don’t see the login window, start your computer, hold down the Shift key when you see the progress bar in the startup window, and then release the Shift key after your desktop appears.