i downloaded windows 8.1 and now my sound is gone

If that is also grayed out, skip to the next section of this page. If this section is grayed out, change the playback Preferred device by clicking the down arrow and selecting the appropriate option.

Check the check box for Show volume control on the taskbar.

If this option is not available or is grayed out, skip to the next section of this page.

Verify the Show volume control on the taskbar check box is checked.

Double-click the sound icon in the Systray and verify that all the sound volumes are mid-way or higher.

If you were able to check this box, click OK and close out of this window and the Control Panel.

Verify the Place volume icon in the taskbar check box is checked.

Open the Sounds and Audio Devices icon.

If you changed the selection in the drop-down list, click OK in that window and the Taskbar and Start menu Properties window and close the Control Panel.

If the drop-down list is grayed out, uncheck Always show all icons and notifications on the taskbar. If you see this icon, skip to the next section. If this icon is missing, follow the steps below. Check Windows volume control settingsĬheck for a small sound icon in the Windows notification area in the bottom right corner of the Windows desktop.

If the software's sound settings are not muted, and you increased the sound volume in the software settings, but you still have no sound, continue to the next section. Unmuting the sound or increasing the sound volume often fixes the problem and restores your sound. Muted or very low sound is often a default sound setting in music or video playback software, and online video sites, like YouTube. Look for a speaker icon or sound settings in the software menu bar or status bar, and check if the sound is muted or turned down. Many software programs and games have settings for controlling sound output, and these settings can override the volume settings in Windows. If you don't hear any sound through your speakers when playing a song, video, game, or other sound-related activities, review the sections below for help on troubleshooting the issue.

I downloaded windows 8.1 and now my sound is gone