My audio stops working after Windows 7 has been running for a while; Ideas: the audio will work again after a re-boot but again, it will stop working after Windows has been running for a while. Re-bootig always fixes the problem but only for a few hours and then the audio is gone. audio problem Remember - This is a public forum so never post private information such as email or phone numbers!

Hi, Welcome to Microsoft answers forum. You can check for the sound drivers,whether they are installed correctly. if not uninstall them and install again. I suggest you to verify that the default sound device is set correctly Click Start,type Sound in the Start Search box. Click Sound in the search results at the top of the Start menu. Click the Playback tab. Notice the check mark next to the default device. For most users,the default device is Speakers. Make sure that your audio settings are configured as expected. Follow these steps: On the Playback tab, select the playback device, click Properties, click the Advanced tab, and make sure that the Default Format is set to the value that you expect. When you finish, close this window to return to the previous window. On the Playback tab, select the playback device, click Configure, and then make sure the configurations are set correctly. If the sound settings are set correctly, you are using speakers as the sound device, and your speakers are already set as the default device, go to method 5 now. Select the sound device that you want as the default sound device, and then click Set Default. Click OK to save your settings and to close the Sound dialog box. Determine whether you can now hear sound. If you can hear sound, the issue is resolved. If you cannot hear sound, try method 5. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948481 you can also check performing clean boot. To perform a clean boot on a computer that is running Windows Vista, follow these steps: Click Start,type msconfig in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue. On the General tab, click Selective Startup. Under Selective Startup, click to clear the Load Startup Items check box. Click the Services tab, click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, and then click Disable All. Click OK. When you are prompted, click Restart. After the computer starts, start the program and check whether the problem is resolved. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135 Thanks and Regards, Azam - Microsoft Support

Until recently, I was using having no problems with my PC running Windows 7 x64. I use it for office work, watching movies and long hours of gaming. Last week I ran into the sound issue of this thread. Two things changed prior to the arrival of the random sound bug: I formatted my harddrive and made a clean install, installing the newest drivers in the process. Of course I also applied all the windows patches, etc. I purchased a new headset to replace my increasingly failing USB headset. So, instead of using a USB headset, I now used the onboard Realtek soundcard. During gaming (World of Warcraft) and simultaneous VoIP (Mumble), the sound would spontaneously disappear but the microphone would still function. The sound stops became increasingly frequent. Every time, the still plugged in USB headset still had sound. I tried another clean install of W7, but the problem persisted. None of the solutions mentioned in this thread helped me, apart from the rebooting. I've been searching high and low for a solution for this. The only attempt at an explanation I've found is that the soundchip stops working when it gets too hot - except then why would it remain off if left to cool off for a time (I haven't tested if the sound comes back after an idle period). As far as I can tell, the bug only applies to the onboard sound card. My concern right now: If I go and buy a soundcard, will I encounter the same bug?

l3kris, have you tried downloading the latest driver for your on-board sound card? http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/ On there you will find links for drivers depending on what chipset your motherboard is using (AC97 tends to be for older motherboards). If that doesn't work then it might be an idea to get a new sound card. There are lots available at various prices (as well as external sound cards which connect via USB) so you should be able to find something to suit your budget and needs. I myself had a problem for well over a year where my sound would suddenly stop while gaming but it was system-wide and even if I was chatting on Skype at the same time, the sound would also stop working for that (I could speak to the other person but I couldn't hear them talking). After a long time trying to find an answer and multiple formats of my computer, I discovered it was my external sound card which was faulty. Once I replaced it (after uninstalling all the drivers) and using new drivers then my audio issue were resolved. I'm not saying this will work for you but it may be worth a try. Have a go with the latest drivers for the on-board sound first though and then maybe go down the route of buying a new sound card.

l3kris, have you tried downloading the latest driver for your on-board sound card? http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/ On there you will find links for drivers depending on what chipset your motherboard is using (AC97 tends to be for older motherboards). If that doesn't work then it might be an idea to get a new sound card. There are lots available at various prices (as well as external sound cards which connect via USB) so you should be able to find something to suit your budget and needs. I myself had a problem for well over a year where my sound would suddenly stop while gaming but it was system-wide and even if I was chatting on Skype at the same time, the sound would also stop working for that (I could speak to the other person but I couldn't hear them talking). After a long time trying to find an answer and multiple formats of my computer, I discovered it was my external sound card which was faulty. Once I replaced it (after uninstalling all the drivers) and using new drivers then my audio issue were resolved. I'm not saying this will work for you but it may be worth a try. Have a go with the latest drivers for the on-board sound first though and then maybe go down the route of buying a new sound card. Thank you for your reply. Yes, as stated I downloaded and installed all the new drivers (not only for the sound card). I've come to the conclusion that this issue will not be fixed by a software update, driver or OS wise. Right now I'm debating whether a USB headset or an internal sound card + a jack connected headset is the way to go. But I still feel kind of cheated to have to spend extra on hardware that I already own (onboard)...

This worked for me, without having to download a bunch of stuff... In the “Start Search” box type in services.msc (hit Enter) In the Services window look for “Windows Audio”, rightclick on it and choose Restart With kind regards Leo

Audio stops working but works after a reboot

Anonymous

My audio stops working after Windows 7 has been running for a while;

Ideas:

the audio will work again after a re-boot but again, it will stop working after Windows has been running for a while. Re-bootig always fixes the problem but only for a few hours and then the audio is gone. audio problem

Remember - This is a public forum so never post private information such as email or phone numbers!

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous

Hi,

Welcome to Microsoft answers forum.

You can check for the sound drivers,whether they are installed correctly.

if not uninstall them and install again.

I suggest you to verify that the default sound device is set correctly

Click Start,type Sound in the Start Search box.
Click Sound in the search results at the top of the Start menu.
Click the Playback tab. Notice the check mark next to the default device. For most users,the default device is Speakers.

Make sure that your audio settings are configured as expected. Follow these steps:

On the Playback tab, select the playback device, click Properties, click the Advanced tab, and make sure that the Default Format is set to the value that you expect.

When you finish, close this window to return to the previous window.

On the Playback tab, select the playback device, click Configure, and then make sure the configurations are set correctly.
If the sound settings are set correctly, you are using speakers as the sound device, and your speakers are already set as the default device, go to method 5 now.
Select the sound device that you want as the default sound device, and then click Set Default.
Click OK to save your settings and to close the Sound dialog box.

Determine whether you can now hear sound. If you can hear sound, the issue is resolved. If you cannot hear sound, try method 5.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948481

you can also check performing clean boot.

To perform a clean boot on a computer that is running Windows Vista, follow these steps:

Click Start,type msconfig in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.

On the General tab, click Selective Startup.
Under Selective Startup, click to clear the Load Startup Items check box.
Click the Services tab, click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, and then click Disable All.
Click OK.

When you are prompted, click Restart.

After the computer starts, start the program and check whether the problem is resolved.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Thanks and Regards,

Azam - Microsoft Support

0 comments

150 additional answers

Anonymous

2012-10-22T13:15:40+00:00
Until recently, I was using having no problems with my PC running Windows 7 x64. I use it for office work, watching movies and long hours of gaming. Last week I ran into the sound issue of this thread. Two things changed prior to the arrival of the random sound bug:
1. I formatted my harddrive and made a clean install, installing the newest drivers in the process. Of course I also applied all the windows patches, etc.
2. I purchased a new headset to replace my increasingly failing USB headset.
So, instead of using a USB headset, I now used the onboard Realtek soundcard. During gaming (World of Warcraft) and simultaneous VoIP (Mumble), the sound would spontaneously disappear but the microphone would still function. The sound stops became increasingly frequent. Every time, the still plugged in USB headset still had sound.

I tried another clean install of W7, but the problem persisted. None of the solutions mentioned in this thread helped me, apart from the rebooting.

I've been searching high and low for a solution for this. The only attempt at an explanation I've found is that the soundchip stops working when it gets too hot - except then why would it remain off if left to cool off for a time (I haven't tested if the sound comes back after an idle period).

As far as I can tell, the bug only applies to the onboard sound card. My concern right now: If I go and buy a soundcard, will I encounter the same bug?
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Anonymous

2012-10-22T14:26:42+00:00

l3kris, have you tried downloading the latest driver for your on-board sound card? http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/ On there you will find links for drivers depending on what chipset your motherboard is using (AC97 tends to be for older motherboards).

If that doesn't work then it might be an idea to get a new sound card. There are lots available at various prices (as well as external sound cards which connect via USB) so you should be able to find something to suit your budget and needs.

I myself had a problem for well over a year where my sound would suddenly stop while gaming but it was system-wide and even if I was chatting on Skype at the same time, the sound would also stop working for that (I could speak to the other person but I couldn't hear them talking).

After a long time trying to find an answer and multiple formats of my computer, I discovered it was my external sound card which was faulty. Once I replaced it (after uninstalling all the drivers) and using new drivers then my audio issue were resolved.

I'm not saying this will work for you but it may be worth a try. Have a go with the latest drivers for the on-board sound first though and then maybe go down the route of buying a new sound card.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2012-10-23T06:41:28+00:00

l3kris, have you tried downloading the latest driver for your on-board sound card? http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/ On there you will find links for drivers depending on what chipset your motherboard is using (AC97 tends to be for older motherboards).

If that doesn't work then it might be an idea to get a new sound card. There are lots available at various prices (as well as external sound cards which connect via USB) so you should be able to find something to suit your budget and needs.

I myself had a problem for well over a year where my sound would suddenly stop while gaming but it was system-wide and even if I was chatting on Skype at the same time, the sound would also stop working for that (I could speak to the other person but I couldn't hear them talking).

After a long time trying to find an answer and multiple formats of my computer, I discovered it was my external sound card which was faulty. Once I replaced it (after uninstalling all the drivers) and using new drivers then my audio issue were resolved.

I'm not saying this will work for you but it may be worth a try. Have a go with the latest drivers for the on-board sound first though and then maybe go down the route of buying a new sound card.

Thank you for your reply. Yes, as stated I downloaded and installed all the new drivers (not only for the sound card). I've come to the conclusion that this issue will not be fixed by a software update, driver or OS wise.

Right now I'm debating whether a USB headset or an internal sound card + a jack connected headset is the way to go. But I still feel kind of cheated to have to spend extra on hardware that I already own (onboard)...
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Anonymous

2012-10-23T20:59:00+00:00

This worked for me, without having to download a bunch of stuff...

In the “Start Search” box type in services.msc (hit Enter)

In the Services window look for “Windows Audio”, rightclick on it and choose Restart

With kind regards

Leo
Was this answer helpful?

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