THE SHORT ANSWER

Start with this check.

While the affected app is playing audio, open Settings → System → Sound → Volume mixer. Check the app volume and the output device it is using.

Start with a low volume in case the sound suddenly returns. Save your work before closing the app.

Which situation matches yours?

Only one app is silentCheck its volume and output in Volume mixer.
Only one website is silentCheck the player volume and whether the site is muted.
No apps can play soundCheck the main output device and the computer connections.

Let’s go step by step.

0 of 4 checks completed

Mark each check to keep track during this visit.

01

Make the comparison consistent

Play a familiar sound in another app. Use the same headphones or speakers for both tests and keep the volume low. Switching devices between tests can hide the cause.

What to look for

If the second app is silent too, stop this app-specific diagnosis and check general Windows audio.

02

Open Volume mixer while audio is playing

In Settings → System → Sound → Volume mixer, find the app. Check that it is not muted, then review its volume and output device. Windows volume can be on while one app is set to zero.

What to look for

If correcting this restores sound, stop. There is no need to change the other devices.

Read the official documentation
03

Check the controls inside the app

Look for the player volume and its output selector. In a browser, also check whether the website is muted. If you connected a display or headphones during the session, confirm where the app is sending audio.

What to look for

The selected output should match the physical device you are listening through.

04

Reopen the app and repeat the test

Save your work, close the affected app and open it again with the audio device already connected. Repeat the same sound instead of changing several settings at once.

What to look for

If only this app still fails, record its version and selected output before consulting its support.

When to stop and ask for help

If all apps stop playing sound, move to general Windows audio troubleshooting. If one app alone remains affected, contact its support with the comparison results before reinstalling drivers that already work for other apps.

Does a step differ from what you see? →

Common questions

Why can Windows play sounds while one app stays silent?

The app can have its own volume, mute setting or output device. Check those independently of the main volume.

Should I reinstall the audio driver?

Start with app volume and output when the same speakers work elsewhere. Reinstalling a driver changes a wider part of the system.

What if the output changed after connecting a monitor?

Check whether audio is being sent to the display rather than the speakers or headphones you intend to use.

Sources and review

Project owner: Eudald Ferrer Ibáñez. Report a correction.

This guide uses official documentation and our own troubleshooting sequence. Menus may change between versions. Documentation reviewed on September 27, 2026; practical device testing is still pending.

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