Output audio problem

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

Please clarify the following:

• Is the problem only occurring when trying to use the laptop's built-in speakers?
• The headphones that work are connected via a standard audio connector (Jack connector) or USB connector, or are they connected via Bluetooth?

Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

• Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

I await your reply.

Follow these steps on Windows 11 to fix built‑in speaker output staying muted while headphones work:

1. Check hardware and basic volume

• Make sure the laptop speakers are not physically muted (some laptops have a mute key or hardware switch).
• Disconnect headphones and any external speakers.
• Check all volume controls:
  • Taskbar volume slider
  • App volume (e.g., Edge, media player)
  • Any hardware volume keys on the keyboard
• If using a 3.5mm jack, ensure nothing is partially plugged in; a half‑inserted plug can disable internal speakers.

2. Verify sound output device

• Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
• Select the arrow to open the list of audio devices.
• Choose the laptop’s internal speakers as the output device (not headphones or monitor audio).
• Try playing audio again.

3. Check sound settings and that speakers aren’t disabled

• Right‑click the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
• Select the arrow to the right of the volume slider to open the list of devices.
• Select the settings icon (More mixer settings) to open Volume mixer.
• Make sure the device and apps are not muted (no “x” on the volume controls). If muted, unmute or raise the slider.
• Then go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
• Under Advanced, select More sound settings.
• On the Playback tab, select the laptop speakers, choose Properties.
• Under Device usage, ensure Use this device (enable) is selected.

4. Set the correct default audio device

• In Start > Settings > System > Sound.
• In the Output section, select the laptop speakers as the output device. Selecting them sets them as default.
• Test audio again with headphones unplugged.

5. Turn off audio enhancements (in case they are causing the mute behavior)

• Go to Start > Settings > Sound.
• In Output, select the laptop speakers.
• Scroll to Advanced settings and set Audio enhancements to Off.
• Test audio again.

6. Update or reinstall audio drivers

• In the taskbar search box, type device manager and open it.
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
• Right‑click the laptop’s audio device (e.g., Realtek, Intel SST):
  • Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers and complete the update; then test.
• If still not working:
  • Right‑click the audio device again > Uninstall device.
  • Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device if available, then select Uninstall.
  • Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
• If needed, repeat Update driver and choose Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer to try the generic Windows audio driver.

7. Run the audio troubleshooter

• Go to Start > Settings > System.
• Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• In the Audio section, select Run and follow the prompts.

If headphones always work but built‑in speakers never produce sound even after these steps, the internal speaker hardware or its connection may be faulty and may require hardware service.

References:

• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows