After an upgrade,  you may have a “no sound” issue with Windows 10, this results in problems playing any audio. Fortunately, updating the audio driver fixes the problem quickly. However, before you update the audio driver, you should run the checks listed below. Sometimes the problem doesn’t lie with the driver and can be dealt with through some minor adjustments such as those set out below.

Check Audio Cables and Volume

1. Check the headphone and speaker connections in case of wrong jack or loose connections
2. Check the power and volume levels
3. Try turning all volume controls up. Some apps and speakers also have their own volume controls, so you need to check all volume controls
4. Also remember, the speakers won’t work if the headphones are plugged in

If everything seems fine, you need to ensure the sound settings in your computer are OK. Here are the steps to check the sound settings:

Steps to check sound settings

1. Right-click on the Volume icon in the taskbar
2. Select Playback devices

You might have multiple playback devices depending on your system configuration. If you have connected speakers to your Windows 10 system and you are looking to use them as default sound output device, here are the changes you need to make in the audio settings

3. Double-click on Speakers
4. Click on Properties
5. Go to Enhancements tab
6. Check the box Disable all enhancements
7. Click Apply

Now check for sound. In most cases, this should solve the problem. If it doesn’t, you need to make further changes in the audio settings

8. Click the Advanced tab
9. Select higher or lower bitrate (use 24bit/44100 Hz or 24bit/192000Hz – it depends on the device).

If you have an older Realtek or Via chipset, you need to set 16 bits 44.1khz to have a decent sound.

If none of the above solutions have worked to resolve the “No Sound” issue, you must ensure the sound card or processor is working. Follow the steps given below to check the audio device in your Windows 10 system.

Check Device Manager

1. Click the Start button on your desktop
2. Type “Device Manager” in the search box
3. Click “Device Manager” in the menu
4. In Device Manager dialog box, select your sound card and open it
5. Select the Driver tab and choose “Update Driver”
6. If Windows is not able to find an audio driver, check the device manufacturer’s website for the latest audio driver for Windows 10
7. Download the audio driver and follow the instructions to install the driver
8. Restart the system

You can also use a driver update tool which will automate the process of updating the Drivers for all your devices.