Troubleshooting Windows Sound and Audio Issues

No sound or distorted audio on Windows is usually a driver, settings, or hardware issue. Start with the basics: check the volume isn't muted (speaker icon in taskbar), verify the correct playback device is selected (right-click the speaker icon > Open Sound settings > Output device). If the correct device is selected but no sound: right-click the speaker icon > Open Sound settings > Troubleshoot. Also check the physical volume knob or mute button on the speakers/headset. For USB audio devices, try a different USB port. For driver-related issues: Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers. If there's a yellow warning on the audio device, right-click > Update driver or Uninstall device (then reboot to reinstall). For Realtek HD Audio (built into most motherboards), download the latest driver from the PC manufacturer's support page, not the Realtek website directly — the manufacturer's version is tuned for that specific hardware. Disable audio enhancements (Speaker Properties > Enhancements tab > Disable all enhancements) if audio is distorted or has effects applied unexpectedly.