Troubleshooting “Windows 8.1 Audio Not Working” Issues
Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, Audio stopped working since I upgraded to Windows 8.1, is something wrong with my computer?“ - Matthew W., Canada
Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:
- Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
- Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
- Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.
Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.
Wally’s Answer: In Windows 8.1 problems with the audio usually occur due to driver issues and simple things like not connecting wires correctly. Most of these problems can be fixed by confirming if the speakers are connected and the audio is otherwise working by connecting the speakers to a phone or tablet.
Problem
Audio is not working since upgrading to Windows 8.1
Cause
- Speakers are not connected correctly.
- The Audio Driver is not working.
Solution
Here are some common Windows 8.1 audio problems and their solutions.
Speakers are not connected or wired correctly
Make sure that the speakers are powered. If they have a power wire then make sure it’s connected and that the speakers are on. Also, check the audio cable for the speakers and make sure that it’s connected to the green port with the speaker logo behind the CPU. In case you have USB speakers, connect the USB cable to use them.
Make sure to connect the speakers to the correct audio card in case your computer has two audio cards installed on the back of the CPU. If you see that the media player is playing the video or audio but you can’t hear anything then you might have plugged the speakers (or headphones) in the wrong port.
The Windows 8.1 Audio Driver Is Not Working
You can use the Windows 8.1 Device Manager to search for the driver online. Audio drivers of most devices registered with Windows can be found by using the device manager.
- Press Windows Key + X > click Device Manager
- In the Device Manager window, right-click the device > click Update Driver Software…
- Click Search automatically for updated driver software
- Wait for it to find and install the Audio driver
If this does not work then you can also try downloading and installing the audio driver from your computer manufacturer’s website. You can also automatically install any driver using driver utilities like DriverDoc to make your job easier.
Issues With Realtek High Definition Audio On Windows 8.1
Some people have been having audio problems with laptops using MSI motherboards and Realtek high definition audio. Using the Windows device manager does not really work in this case and you have to install drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
Use this link to get the latest driver from Realtek’s website.
The Audio Still Doesn’t Work
If the audio still won’t work then you should try contacting support. Go to your computer manufacturer’s website and ask them for help.
I Hope You Liked This Blog Article! If You Need Additional Support on This Issue Then Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact Me On Facebook.
Is Your PC Healthy?
I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.
Happy Computing! 
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About the Author
Wally PhillipsWindows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.
