How to Troubleshoot Laptop Speakers That Are Not Working

Keep your laptop audio working with a few simple steps.

Laptops are a lightweight, mobile version of desktop computers for use on the fly. Laptops are constructed with most of the peripherals desktop computers use, but they are installed on the inside. Due to this, troubleshooting peripherals on a laptop is more difficult. Luckily, a few troubleshooting techniques are usable in Windows 7 without having to physically open the laptop. Troubleshooting the audio speakers of a laptop is one example of this. Troubleshooting the audio is done through the Sound section of your laptop's Control Panel.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows 7 "Start" button on the lower left side of your screen. From there right click the "Control Panel" button and choose "Open."

2. Click the "Hardware and Sound" option from the Control Panel menu. Select and click "Sound" from the available choices.

3. Look at the audio devices listed in the "Playback" tab. In order for your laptop speakers to work properly, the audio device they use must be enabled. Right click on any disabled devices and select "Enable" from the options. Disabled devices are shown with an arrow pointing downward, while enabled devices are shown with a green check mark.

4. Right click on your primary device and choose "Properties." Navigate to the "Levels" tab and ensure that all the device's levels are on. Try increasing the levels of your device. Exit the windows and play a sound to see if there is a change.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot see your device in the "Sounds" window, right click on the white background of the window and make sure "Show disabled devices" is checked.

• These instructions are for the Windows 7 operating system.

References

• Microsoft: Sound Troubleshooting Info