How to Fix the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” Error on Windows 10

If you are struggling with the problem message “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error on Windows 10, you’re not alone. This error can pop up unexpectedly and leave you without sound. In this article, we’ll explore the error, what causes it, and step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

Understanding the Error

The user needs to understand the problem before solving it as “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” usually indicates that Windows is unable to locate or identify your audio device. This error might occur due to outdated drivers, corrupted system files, or disabled audio settings. Without audio, videos, music, and games lose their essence. Fixing this error quickly becomes essential.

Basic Troubleshooting Methods

1: Restart the Computer

• Step 1: Begin by clicking on the Start button (Windows logo) located in the lower-left corner of the screen:

• Step 2: Select the Power button, then click on “Restart”

• Step 3: Allow the computer to restart and then verify if the audio is functioning properly.

Restarting the computer can frequently resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that might be contributing to the error.

2: Check the Audio Settings

• Step 1: Begin by right-clicking on the speaker icon displayed in the system tray and then choose the option “Open Sound settings”:

• Step 2: In the “Choose your output device” section, ensure that the correct audio device is chosen from the dropdown menu:

• Step 3: If it is not, click on the dropdown menu and select the appropriate device.
• Step 4: Click on “Device properties” just below the dropdown. In the new window, ensure that the “Disable” box is not checked:

• Step 5: after that verify by testing the sound by playing any sound from video or audio clip:

By ensuring that the correct audio device is selected and not disabled, you can eliminate basic configuration issues that might be causing the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error.

These basic troubleshooting methods are the initial steps you should take when encountering this error. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, you might need to explore more advanced solutions.

Advanced Solutions

1: Update the Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are common culprits behind the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error and following steps are used to solve it:

• Step 1: Initiate the process by right-clicking on the Start button and choosing “Device Manager”:

• Step 2: Expand “Sound, video, and game controllers” option form the list to find the installed software on the system:

• Step 3: Next, right-click on your audio device and then choose the option “Update driver”:

• Step 4: Opt for “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
• Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions, then restart your computer.

2: Uninstall and Reinstall Audio Drivers

Reinstalling the audio drivers can fix any corrupt or incompatible driver issues:

• Step 1: Again initialize “Device Manager” using the previously described method
• Step 2: Right-click on your audio device listed under “Sound, video, and game controllers” and then select “Uninstall device”:

• Step 3: Confirm the uninstallation, and then, proceed to reboot your computer.
• Step 4: Windows will automatically reinstall the driver upon restart. Verify if the error has been resolved.

3: Enable the Audio Device

If the audio device is accidentally disabled, you’ll need to enable it:

• Step 1: Open “Device Manager”:

• Step 2: Right-click on the disabled audio device (it may have a down arrow on the icon) under “Sound, video, and game controllers” and select “Enable device”:

• Step 3: Reboot your system to apply the modifications.

4: Run Windows Troubleshooter

Running the Windows Troubleshooter can automatically identify and fix problems with sound. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Locate the speaker icon from the system tray to click on the speaker icon (bottom right corner of the screen):

• Step 2: Select “Troubleshoot sound problems.”
• Step 3: The troubleshooter will start running, automatically detecting any issues with your audio devices.
• Step 4: If any problems are found, the troubleshooter will suggest fixes. Click on “Apply this fix” or follow the on-screen instructions.
• Step 5: After applying the fixes, restart your computer to make sure that all the changes are implemented successfully.
• Step 6: Test the sound by playing an audio or video file to confirm that the issue is resolved.

These advanced solutions target common reasons for the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error and can resolve the issue in many instances. 

Conclusion 

Fixing the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error may seem daunting, but with these methods, you’ll have your sound back in no time. Your PC’s sound is more vital than you think. Don’t let this error ruin your experience. Follow the steps above, and bring life back to your computer.