Share this article
Improve this guide
No Playback Devices in Windows 10? How to Enable Them
Verified ways to get the missing playback devices in minutes
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Sound issues in Windows are common, be it a distortion of some kind or unclear audio. And users have been able tofix distorted audiowith ease. But things appear complicated when there are no playback devices in Windows 10.
What would you do when playback devices are not showing? Probably reconnect them, but it generally doesn’t work that easily. So, let’s find out how you can fix things when it readsNo audio device is installedon Windows 10.
Why can’t I see playback devices?
First, let’s understand the meaning of playback devices. These are the ones used to output audio or play sounds. Common examples include headphones and speakers.
Here are the primary reasons why you can’t find playback devices in Windows 10:
How do I get playback devices on Windows 10?
Before we proceed to the slightly complex ones, here are a few quick fixes to try:
If none work, move to the solutions listed next.
1. Update the audio drivers
Often the quickest way to fix things is toupdate the audio drivers. But in case there’s a bug in the installed version, going with a generic driver does the trick, as reported by many users. Besides, if there are still no playback devices in Windows 10, it’s time tomanually install the drivers.
When Windows can’t find an updated version, it’s recommended that you locate the most recent driver version on the manufacturer’s website and download them. But since the process is somewhat complicated, it’s best that regular users go with aneffective driver updater tool.
A more effective way to update all drivers on your PC is to employ dedicated support.
More exactly, you could use highly performant tool that can scan and find outdated drivers instantly, updating them with their official manufacturer version.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
2. Roll back the drivers
Often, when you see no playback devices in Windows 10, it could be that the devices had a recent buggy driver update. And there’s no better solution to it thanrolling back the driver. Also, you candisable driver updatesfor a while to prevent the problematic one from installing again.
3. Restart the audio service
If you have no sound devices found in Windows 10 or there’sno audioaltogether, it could be the relevant service to blame. So, restart the Windows Audio service, and it should get things up and running.
4. Modify the Registry
Many users reported that when there were no playback devices on Windows 10, it was generally due to misconfigured Registry settings. This happened after users installed an OS update, which automatically made the changes.
5. Uninstall recent Windows updates
That’s it! If you can’t find another PC or couldn’t figure out the changes to be made to the Registry, uninstalling the Windows update that led to theNo audio devices are installederror in Windows 10 should do the trick.
And before you leave, check thebest Windows repair toolsto get rid of such errors automatically and in no time.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Fix audio issues,windows 10
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Reviewed byAlex Serban
