How to Resolve ‘No Audio Output Device is Installed’ in Windows 10

Are you facing the error message ‘No audio output device is installed’ in Windows 10? This guide will walk you through several steps to fix the issue, ensuring you can get your audio settings working again.

Introduction to the Issue

What is the Error? The ‘No audio output device is installed’ error indicates that your system cannot find any audio output devices, such as speakers or external audio equipment, to play sound through. This can be caused by multiple issues, including system updates, driver corruption, or even hardware issues.

Solution Steps

1. Verify the Existence of an Installed Audio Device

Before diving into fixes, ensure you have an audio output device installed on your PC. Check the following:

Step 1:

Go to the Start Menu and click on the 'Device Manager'.

Step 2:

Scroll down to 'Sound, video and game controllers' and verify if any audio devices are listed.

If your device is not listed, you may need to install or connect it.

2. Use the Built-in Audio Troubleshooter

The Windows built-in troubleshooter can diagnose and fix many common audio issues. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1:

Press the ‘Windows I’ keys to open the Settings window.

Step 2:

Navigate to the 'Update Security' section.

Step 3:

Find and click on the 'Troubleshoot' tab.

Step 4:

Scroll down to 'Additional troubleshooters' and click on 'Playing Audio'.

Step 5:

Click on 'Run the troubleshooter'.

This tool can often automatically fix any issues preventing your system from detecting your audio device.

3. Update Your Sound Drivers

If the built-in troubleshooter does not resolve your issue, consider updating your audio driver:

Step 1:

Click on the Start Button, type ‘Device Manager’ into the search bar, and open it.

Step 2:

Navigate to 'Sound, video and game controllers'. Right-click on your audio device and select ‘Update driver’.

Step 3:

Allow Windows to search automatically for updated drivers. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the update.

4. Reinstall Your Audio Driver

If the update does not help, you may need to reinstall the driver:

Step 1:

Follow the same steps as above to open ‘Device Manager’.

Step 2:

Right-click on your audio device and select ‘Uninstall device’.

Step 3:

Restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the drivers during the next boot-up.

5. Update Intel Smart Sound Technology Audio Control Driver

Intel Smart Sound Technology is a component that can often cause issues with audio. You can try updating its driver:

Step 1:

Open the ‘Device Manager’ as before.

Step 2:

Navigate to 'Sound, video and game controllers' and locate 'Intel Smart Sound Technology Audio Control Driver'.

Step 3:

Right-click on the driver and click ‘Update driver’.

Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

6. Check for Hardware Faults

If none of the above steps work, there may be a hardware issue with your audio device. Check for any loose connections, damaged cables, or failing hardware components. You may need to test the speakers or sound card with another device to isolate the issue.

By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to resolve the ‘No audio output device is installed’ error. If you continue to experience issues, consulting a professional technician is a good option.

Conclusion

Resolving the ‘No audio output device is installed’ error in Windows 10 can be a straightforward process, but it requires a methodical approach. By verifying your audio setup, using the Windows troubleshooters, and updating or reinstalling your drivers, you should be able to regain audio functionality on your system.