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audio issue

london adams 0 Reputation points
2026-05-05T22:44:43.1733333+00:00

so, my computer audio and volume don't work. I have tried everything like device management reinstalling my speaker resetting my computer and nothing is work. i don't know if it's because my keyboard is like dented or what. i have a windows 11 laptop DELL inc. but when i put in my air pods it works fine.

Microsoft Edge | Audio and video playback | Windows 11
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  1. John DeV 162.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-05T23:22:24.5733333+00:00

    Hi, good day!

    • When was the last time it worked properly?
    • Have you made any changes to your computer recently?
    • Have you tried the AI suggested solutions?
    • What is the exact model of your Dell laptop?

    Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: msinfo32

    Press Enter

    Please take a screenshot of the System Information window and post it in your next response. Note: Don't include any personal information or sensitive data as Microsoft Q&A is a public forum.

    Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: services.msc

    Press Enter

    Double-click Windows Audio

    If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart

    I look forward to your update and am happy to continue working with you until the issue is resolved. If you find the answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and consider upvoting it. Otherwise, please keep me posted by clicking "Add comment" below instead of selecting Yes or No.

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-05-05T22:45:00.0633333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Since audio works with AirPods but not with the laptop speakers, focus on Windows sound settings and the internal audio device.

    1. Check output device and mute state
      1. Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
      2. Select the arrow to the right of the volume slider (Select a sound output).
      3. Choose the laptop’s built‑in speakers (not AirPods, not monitor/HDMI).
      4. Open More mixer settings (settings icon next to the volume mixer slider).
      5. Make sure the device and app sliders are not muted (no "x" icon) and volume is turned up.
    2. Make sure speakers are enabled
      1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Under Advanced, select More sound settings.
      3. On the Playback tab, select the laptop speakers, then Properties.
      4. Next to Device usage, ensure Use this device (enable) is selected.
      5. If there is any setting that says the speakers are not allowed, change it to allow/enable (similar to the “ALLOW” fix described in the Q&A context).
    3. Set the correct default audio device
      1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. In Output, select the laptop speakers. Selecting them sets them as the default.
      3. If an external monitor (without speakers) is selected as default, change it to the laptop speakers.
    4. Update or reinstall the audio driver
      1. In the taskbar search box, type device manager and open it.
      2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      3. Right‑click the laptop’s audio device (for example, Realtek/Intel audio) and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers and complete the wizard.
      4. If that does not help, right‑click the same device, select Uninstall device, check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then Uninstall.
      5. Restart the laptop (Start > Power > Restart). Windows will reinstall the audio driver automatically.
    5. Try the generic Windows audio driver
      1. Open Device Manager again and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      2. Right‑click the audio device > Update driver.
      3. Choose Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
      4. Select the generic audio driver shown, select Next, and complete installation.
    6. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter
      1. On Windows 11, run the audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app using Run the troubleshooter in Get Help from the sound troubleshooting article.
      2. Let it detect and fix configuration issues.
    7. If no audio device is shown
      1. In Device Manager, confirm that an audio device exists under Sound, video and game controllers.
      2. If nothing is listed or there is a warning icon, install the latest audio driver from the Dell support site for the exact laptop model, then restart.

    If after these steps the laptop speakers still show as enabled and default but produce no sound while AirPods continue to work, this strongly suggests a hardware issue with the built‑in speakers (possibly related to physical damage like a dented keyboard), and the device should be checked by a hardware technician or Dell support.

    References:

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