A red “x” mark on the sound icon in the taskbar means you Windows computer will not play sound.

This is a fairly common error and the good news is that easy to resolve. Typically, the error occurs when:

• Windows has disabled the audio device
• Windows doesn’t have the newest device driver

In case you get this error (along with the message that No Audio Output Device is Installed), chances are the issue is the result of either of the two issues listed above.

In this post, we will discuss three solutions for this problem. You don’t have to try all of them. You can start with the first solution and work your way down until you are able to resolve the issue.

Solution 1 – Update Audio Device Drivers Automatically

Did you know you can update device drivers automatically in less than two minutes with an advanced driver update tool?

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

• You can update device drivers automatically
• The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
• The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
• Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

Start Download

 

Solution 2 – Manually Uninstall & Reinstall the Device Driver

In case you don’t want to use a driver update software tool, we recommend you try this solution.

Here’s what you need to do.

• Press the Windows key + R key at the same time
• Type devmgmt.msc in the run dialog box and press Enter
• Locate and expand Sound, video and game controllers
• Right-click the device you are using and click Uninstall

• Reboot Windows

Upon restart, Windows should automatically the driver for your sound device.

Solution 3 – Re-enable the Device

Here are the steps to follow.

Note: The exact steps may vary depending on the version of Windows you are using.

• Press the Windows key + R key at the same time
• Type devmgmt.msc in the run dialog box and press Enter
• Locate Sound, video and game controllers

If you can’t see this category, perform the steps shared ahead. If you can see the category, go to the last step.  

• Click Action and choose Add legacy hardware. Then click Action again

• Click the Next button
• Click Search for and install hardware automatically (Recommended)

• Click the Next button in case the wizard says it can’t find new hardware
• A list of hardware types will appear on your screen. Browse through it until you can locate Sound, video and game controllers. Click the Next button

• Choose your sound card’s manufacturer and model

• Click the Next button
• Click Next. Windows will now install the device. Once installation is complete, click Finish

Now perform this last step:

• Expand Sound, video and game controllers. Then right-click the audio device and click Enable.