How to reset audio settings in Windows 11?
Audio issues are very common in Windows 11; sometimes the sound does not work, and sometimes it gets distorted. The easiest way to solve these problems is by resetting your audio settings. This will restore the default configuration, clear wrong settings, and fix most sound errors. In this blog post, I will show you step by step how to reset audio settings in Windows 11. We will also cover how to reset audio drivers, restart audio services, reset microphone settings, and fix Realtek audio driver problems.
Why You May Need to Reset Audio Settings in Windows 11?
Sometimes issues start when drivers get corrupted, settings are changed by mistake, or devices conflict with each other. Resetting the audio settings brings everything back to default and clears out wrong configurations. It is a quick fix that often restores normal sound without extra steps. This method is best to try before moving on to deeper troubleshooting. If your audio is not working in Windows 11, a simple reset can often solve the problem and save time.
Method 1: Reset Audio Settings Using Volume Mixer
The easiest way to reset audio in Windows 11 is through the Volume Mixer. This option restores the sound system back to Microsoft’s recommended defaults and clears all custom app volume settings. To do so,
1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System → Sound.
3. Scroll down to the Advanced section and select Volume Mixer.
4. At the bottom, click Reset.
This will reset app volumes and device preferences to default. If you have uneven sound in apps or muted programs, this method quickly fixes it.
Method 2: Reset Audio Drivers in Windows 11
If the reset through Volume Mixer does not fix the problem, the next step is to reset your audio drivers. This helps when the driver is corrupted or not working properly. To do so,
1. Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
2. In Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device (for example, Realtek or Intel) and select Uninstall device.
4. Restart your PC. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
This method is very effective for fixing audio not working in Windows 11 and ensures the drivers are fresh.
Method 3: Restart Audio Services in Windows 11
Windows 11 uses background services to manage sound. If these services stop or crash, audio may not work. Restarting them can quickly bring sound back. To do so,
1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
3. Right-click each one and select Restart.
You can also use Command Prompt with these commands:
- net stop audiosrv
- net start audiosrv
This is a fast way to restart audio service in Windows 11 and often solves sudden sound failures.
Method 4: Reset Microphone Settings in Windows 11
If your microphone is not working correctly, resetting its settings can solve the issue. This helps when apps cannot access the mic, the sound is too low, or the input is blocked. To do so,
1. Open Settings → System → Sound.
2. Scroll to Input and select your microphone.
3. Click Device properties.
4. Turn off enhancements or click Reset if available.
5. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and make sure apps have permission to use it.
Method 5: Reset Realtek Audio Driver in Windows 11
Many Windows 11 devices use Realtek drivers for sound. If you face problems like crackling audio or no sound, resetting the Realtek driver can help. Follow these steps,
1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click Realtek Audio and choose Uninstall device.
4. Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
5. If the problem continues, visit the official Realtek or your PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver.
This refreshes the Realtek Audio driver in Windows 11 and often fixes driver-related sound issues.
Method 6: Reset All Audio Settings via Sound Control Panel
The Sound Control Panel gives you more detailed control over your audio settings. Resetting here clears custom changes like enhancements or advanced configurations. Steps to follow,
1. Press Windows + R, type mmsys.cpl, and press Enter.
2. In the Sound window, go to the Playback tab.
3. Select your default device, then click Properties.
4. Under the Enhancements tab, click Disable all enhancements.
5. In the Advanced tab, click Restore Defaults.
6. Repeat the same for the Recording tab (microphone).
This method resets audio at a deeper level and is useful if you change settings manually.
Method 7: Run the Windows 11 Audio Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix sound problems. It’s a quick solution if you’re not sure what’s wrong.
Steps to follow:
1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot.
2. Click Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Playing Audio and click Run.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will check drivers, services, and sound settings.
5. Apply the suggested fix if one is found.
The troubleshooter is especially helpful for beginners and can fix common audio not working in Windows 11 issues in minutes.
Method 8: Reset Audio Settings via Command Prompt (CMD)
If you prefer using commands, you can reset and restart audio services through Command Prompt. This method is fast and works even when the Settings app is not responding. Steps to follow,
1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Enter these commands one by one:
- net stop audiosrv
- net stop AudioEndpointBuilder
- net start AudioEndpointBuilder
- net start audiosrv
3. Press Enter after each command.
This fully restarts Windows audio services and often restores sound instantly. It’s a reliable shortcut for fixing sound problems in Windows 11.
Method 9: Reinstall or Update Audio Drivers
If resetting doesn’t solve the issue, your audio driver might be outdated or corrupted. Reinstalling or updating it often restores proper sound. You can follow the following steps:
1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek Audio) and choose Uninstall device.
4. Restart your PC — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
5. To update, right-click the audio device and choose Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
6. You can also download the latest drivers from your PC manufacturer’s website.
Keeping drivers fresh prevents sound issues and improves compatibility in Windows 11.
FAQs
How can I prevent audio problems in Windows 11 from happening again?
Keep your system updated, avoid unnecessary sound tweaks, and check hardware connections regularly.
Do I really need to update my audio drivers often?
Yes, updating drivers helps fix bugs, improve performance, and maintain compatibility with Windows updates.
Should I restart my PC before resetting audio settings?
Absolutely. A simple restart often clears temporary glitches without needing a full reset.
Can loose cables or bad headphones cause sound problems?
Yes, sometimes what looks like a Windows issue is just faulty or loose hardware.
Is it helpful to create a restore point for audio settings?
Yes, creating a restore point before big updates lets you roll back if audio issues appear.