When encountering audio issues on a Windows laptop, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
- Check the volume: Ensure that the volume is not muted or set to the lowest level. Check both the system volume (speaker icon in the taskbar) and the application volume.
- Update drivers: Go to the Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting it. Expand the "Sound, video and game controllers" section, right-click on your audio device, and choose "Update driver." Follow the on-screen instructions for the update process.
- Reinstall drivers: If updating the driver doesn't resolve the issue, right-click on the audio device in Device Manager and select "Uninstall device." Restart your laptop, and Windows will automatically reinstall the audio driver. Note that you may need to download the latest driver from the manufacturer's website if Windows fails to install it correctly.
- Check audio playback settings: Right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and select "Open Sound settings." Under "Output," ensure the correct device is selected as the default playback device. Also, click on "Device properties" and make sure the device is enabled and working properly.
- Restart audio services: Open the Run dialog (Win + R), type "services.msc," and press Enter. Locate the Windows Audio service and right-click on it. Select "Restart" and then do the same for the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service.
- Disable audio enhancements: In the Sound settings, go to the "Sound Control Panel." In the "Playback" tab, select your default audio device and click on "Properties." Under the "Enhancements" tab, check "Disable all enhancements" and click "Apply."
- Run the audio troubleshooter: Open the settings again and navigate to "Update & Security." Select "Troubleshoot" from the left menu, then under "Find and fix other problems," click on "Playing audio." Follow the instructions provided to run the audio troubleshooter and let it attempt to identify and resolve any audio issues.
- Check for Windows updates: Keeping Windows up to date can often resolve various problems, including those related to audio. Go to the settings and click on "Update & Security," then select "Check for updates." If any updates are available, download and install them.
- Test with different audio devices: If possible, connect different speakers or headphones to your laptop to see if the issue persists. This helps determine whether the problem lies with your laptop's audio hardware or the external speakers/headphones.
- Scan for malware or viruses: Malware or viruses can sometimes interfere with audio drivers or cause other issues. Run a thorough scan using reliable antivirus software to detect and remove any potential threats.
By following these steps, you can identify and resolve audio issues on a Windows laptop, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted sound playback.
Best Windows Laptops to Buy in May 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
HP Pavilion Laptop, 15.6" FHD Touchscreen, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U Processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Webcam, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit KB, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Pro, Blue
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【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】32GB high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer.
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【Processor】13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U Processor (10 Cores, 12 Threads, Base Frequency at 1.2GHz, Up to 5.0GHz at Max Turbo Frequency), with Intel Iris Xe Graphics
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【Display】15.6" diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080) Touchscreen, IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare, 250 nits
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【Tech Specs】1x USB Type-C 3.0, 2x USB Type-A 3.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/mic combo; Backlit Keyboard (On: F11); Fingerprint Reader; Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth;
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【Operating System】Windows 11 Pro - Organize open apps with pre-configured layouts to optimize productivity, Navigate with more intuitive experience to get things done, Collaborate with teams with more features
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Lenovo V15 Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-core Processor (Beat Intel i7-1065G7), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, HDMI, RJ45, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Pro, Black
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【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】16GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
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【Processor】AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor (6 Cores, 12 Threads, 8MB L3 Cache, Clock Speed:2.1GHz, up to 4.0GHz Turbo)
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【Display】15.6" diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080)
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【Tech Specs】1 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ45, 1 x headphone/microphone combo, Numeric Keyboard, Webcam, Wi-Fi
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【Operating System】Windows 11 Pro-Get all the features of Windows 11 Home operating system plus Mobile device management, Group Policy, Enterprise State Roaming, Assigned Access, Dynamic Provisioningm, Windows Update for Business, Kiosk mode, and Active Directory/Azure AD
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop, 16” 16:10 FHD 165Hz, GeForce RTX 4070, Intel Core i9-13980HX, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11, G614JI-AS94, Eclipse Gray
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POWER UP YOUR PLAY - Draw more frames and win more games with Windows 11, a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP..Anti-glare display, Refresh Rate: 240Hz, Response Time: 3ms, 720P HD camera.
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BLAZING FAST MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask swiftly with 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory and speed up loading times with 1TB of PCIe 4x4.
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ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING – To put this amount of power in a gaming laptop, you need an even better cooling solution. The Strix features Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU, and a third intake fan among other premium features, to allow for better sustained performance over long gaming sessions.
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SWIFT VISUALS – The Strix G16 has a fast FHD 165Hz panel to make sure you never miss a moment. It also covers 100% of the sRGB color space and feature Dolby Vision, Adaptive-Sync support, and an 90% screen-to-body ratio for a stellar gaming and viewing experience.
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MUX SWITCH WITH ADVANCED OPTIMUS - A MUX Switch increases laptop gaming performance by 5-10% by routing frames directly from the dGPU to the display bypassing the iGPU. With Advanced Optimus the switch between iGPU and dGPU becomes automatic based on the task, optimizing battery life.
4
![Dell Inspiron 15 3000 3520 Business Laptop Computer[Windows 11 Pro], 15.6'' FHD Touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-1135G7, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI, Black](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/be6234ae-b2de-4259-a764-ab161c6cb9b8/rating/51o3nnfyjpl-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 3520 Business Laptop Computer[Windows 11 Pro], 15.6'' FHD Touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-1135G7, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI, Black
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【15.6" Full HD Touchscreen】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight. Designed with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability.
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【11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor】Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. Your always-ready experience starts as soon as you open your device. Turn on, boot-up, and log-in quickly.
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【16GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSD】16GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. A 1TB NVMe PCIe solid slate drive that leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available.
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【Easy-to-use Technology】Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep going for longer. Comes with Express Charge capabilities that minimize the time you spend tethered to an outlet and will recharge your battery 80% in 60 minutes. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer.
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【Windows 11 Professional】Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. Plus, you can switch out of S mode.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2022), 13.5" Touch Screen, Thin & Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Fast Intel i5 Processor for Multi-Tasking, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage with Windows 11, Platinum
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Introducing Copilot on Windows 11, your everyday AI companion - Copilot empowers you to create faster, complete tasks with ease and lessens your cognitive load - making one complicated task, simple.
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Your style – complemented – Sleek and ultra-smooth 13.5” PixelSense touchscreen for ultra-portable productivity. Make it your own with your choice of four bold colors [1].
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Lift the lid and get in the flow – Effortlessly open with one finger and sign-in securely in seconds with Windows Hello and your face as your password.
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Type accurately and quickly with exceptional typing comfort – Featuring the perfect balance of key travel and responsiveness, plus easy navigation on the large touchpad.
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See more and do more – With the 3:2 Surface ratio on the vibrant PixelSense touch display, Surface Laptop 5 has 18% more vertical screen real estate for less scrolling and more doing [2].
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop, 15.6” FHD Touchscreen Display, Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor, 20GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 6, SD Card Reader, HDMI, Webcam, Windows 11 Pro, Grey
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【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】20GB high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
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【Processor】11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor (2.40 GHz up to 4.20 GHz, 4 Cores, 8 Threads)
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【Display】15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touchscreen, 45%NTSC, 300 nits, 60Hz, LED Backlight, Narrow Bezel
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【Tech Specs】1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-A 2.0, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x HDMI, 1 x SD Media Card Reader; Wi-Fi 6 AX and Bluetooth 5.1; Touchscreen; Numeric Keyboard; Windows 11 Pro
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【Authorized KKE Bundle】 Bundled with KKE Mousepad
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
ASUS VivoBook 15.6" Touchscreen FHD Laptop, 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U, 16GB RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Backlit Keyboard, WiFi 6, Windows 11 Pro, Quiet Blue, 32GB Hotface USB Card
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【15.6" FHD Touchscreen Display】15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) Touch screen Display. Embark on a visual journey where vibrant colors and high resolution come to life at your fingertips.
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【Intel Core i7-1255U Processor】1.7 GHz (12M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 10 cores), saving you time and increasing your ability to prioritize important tasks. Embrace highly efficient multitasking, powering through new levels of productivity and unleashing your full potential in a boundless journey.
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【16GB DDR4 RAM】Seamlessly tackle resource-intensive tasks, smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously, and enjoy lightning-fast responsiveness that keeps you in the flow.【512GB PCIe SSD】Delivers lightning-fast boot-up speed, enhanced storage capabilities, and support for high-definition video playback. Effortlessly store an extensive digital library and access your virtual world with ease.
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【Backlit Keyboard】The illuminated keys make it easier to locate specific keys and improve typing accuracy, allowing you to be more productive and focused on your tasks.【720p HD Camera】Provides high quality video calls, virtual meetings and online interactions.
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【Windows 11 Pro】Enjoy effortless Windows 11 Pro gaming performance with the ASUS Vivobook! 【Dimensions & Weight】9.15 x 14.16 x 0.78 Inches, 3.75 lb.【Ports and Accessories 】1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x HDMI, 1x Audio jack, 1x DC-in, Quiet Blue. Bonus 32GB Hotface USB Card.
What is the significance of audio enhancements in Windows laptops?
The significance of audio enhancements in Windows laptops lies in the improved audio experience they offer to the users. These enhancements enhance the quality, clarity, and overall performance of the audio output, providing a better sound experience for various activities such as listening to music, watching movies, playing games, or even making video calls.
Some key significance of audio enhancements in Windows laptops include:
- Improved Sound Quality: Audio enhancements can optimize the sound output, resulting in better sound quality with enhanced clarity and depth. This allows for a more immersive experience, particularly when listening to music or watching movies.
- Enhanced Gaming Experience: High-quality audio is crucial for an immersive gaming experience. Audio enhancements can provide surround sound effects and enhance spatial positioning, making it easier for gamers to locate and react to in-game sound cues.
- Clear Communication: Audio enhancements can improve the clarity of voice communication during video calls or online meetings. This ensures that users on both ends of the conversation can hear and understand each other more effectively.
- Customization Options: Many laptops come with audio enhancement software that allows users to customize the sound output according to their preferences. This includes adjusting bass, treble, equalization settings, or even applying specific audio presets suitable for different content genres.
- Accessibility: Audio enhancements can also benefit users with hearing impairments. Some laptops offer features like noise cancellation or audio presets specifically designed to enhance speech clarity, making it easier for individuals with hearing difficulties to listen and engage in various activities.
Overall, audio enhancements in Windows laptops significantly contribute to the overall user experience by delivering improved sound quality, enhancing entertainment options, and facilitating clear communication.
What is the recommended audio driver for Windows laptops?
There is no specific recommended audio driver for Windows laptops, as the ideal driver may vary depending on the specific laptop model and the audio hardware installed.
Typically, the manufacturer of the laptop provides the necessary audio driver on their website. So, it is recommended to visit the support or downloads section of the laptop manufacturer's website, and search for the latest audio driver available for your specific laptop model and the version of Windows you are using. This ensures compatibility and proper functioning of the audio hardware on your laptop.
How to change the default audio playback device on a Windows laptop?
To change the default audio playback device on a Windows laptop, you can follow these steps:
- Right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and select "Open Sound settings."
- In the Sound settings window, under the "Output" section, click on the drop-down menu next to "Choose your output device."
- Select the desired audio playback device from the list. If the desired device is not listed, make sure it is connected and installed correctly. You may need to install drivers for the device if necessary.
- Once you have selected the desired audio playback device, close the Sound settings window.
The selected device should now be set as the default audio playback device on your Windows laptop.
What is the default audio playback device in Windows laptops?
The default audio playback device in Windows laptops is typically the built-in speakers or headphones.
