How to Enable Audio Devices

The Microsoft Windows Device Manager allows you to view devices installed on your computer, including your audio device, and configure various settings available for those devices. From the Device Manager, you can also enable devices that have been disabled due to software changes, new installations or recent updates to your computer. A disabled device in the Windows Device Manager is listed as an installed device, but is not active to be used as installed hardware. Until your disabled audio device is enabled through the Device Manager, it does not function properly.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button and click "Control Panel." Open "System and Security" in Windows 7 or "System and Maintenance" in Windows Vista.

2. Click "Device Manager" located under the "System" heading. Type your administrative password or click "OK" to proceed if you have the Windows User Account Control security setting activated.

3. Open the "View" menu and select "Devices by Type" to sort installed devices according to their type. Click the arrow next to "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" to expand the menu.

4. Right-click your audio device in the Device Manager and click "Enable" to turn the device on. Close the Device Manager. Your audio device is ready to use.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Open Device Manager

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish