Problem with Windows 10 ver. 21H1 -- all audio input/output devices missing in Sound settings, red X on volume icon

Anonymous
2021-05-19T09:59:57+00:00

For 2-3 days, I am getting no sound at all from my several audio devices/Windows computer here - I have TWO monitors with HDMI audio, plus headphones jack connected to motherboard audio card. I was able to fix it one time by doing lots of tinkering in Device Manager, but I am unable to replicate the fix a 2nd time.

So, asking here.

System is a desktop PC, running an Intel Core i3 Haswell CPU (2 cores, 4 threads), 16 GB of DDR3 RAM, on a ASUS H81M2 motherboard, GPU is AMD Radeon R9 390 (8 GB). Audio card is the built-in Realtek. 1 Crucial SSD, plus 2 HDDs -- WD and Seagate. Logitech Full HD webcam , Logitech wireless mouse, wired Razer keyboard.

The volume icon in lower right (Notification area) shows with a red X. In Settings of Windows 10 OS, Sounds, NO input or output devices show at all.

No sounds possible in any software, i.e. browser, actual OS does not make the Start Windows sound like it used to/etc.

Also, no recording or voice chat possible with my Logitech webcam (which has a stereo microphone), so no Skype, Viber/etc voice calls.

In Device Manager, nothing shows wrong - all audio, system devices appear to be working fine. In AMD Radeon GPU settings, nothing wrong shows either.

I tried the Windows 10 Sound Troubleshooter, but it unfortunately says it cannot identify the issue.

What can I do to fix this?

(Please do not suggest a reinstall Windows OS or Reset OS, I cannot do those.)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-05-20T10:15:55+00:00

    Good Day Nikolai,

    My name is Carlo, I'm an Independent Advisor and community member like you.

    I am also using Windows 10 pc. Let us work together to sort this out.

    What is the exact model of your computer?

    To check the system model proceed with these steps.

    -Press Windows key + R

    -Type msinfo32 and hit enter.

    -Look for the System Model and post it here

    If you are using a custom built computer, look for Baseboard version and Baseboard product and post it here

    I'll look forward for your response.

    Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

    Sincerely,

    Carlo T.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-05-20T10:08:24+00:00

    I see. I'm sorry to hear that. And I'm really sorry if the solutions I provided above could not help. Maybe someone else here in the community will have a solution for you. Again, I do apologize for the inconvenience.

    Kind regards,
    Benedict P.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-05-20T10:06:29+00:00

    Thanks for the quick reply!

    I wish it was that easy... If it was, I would not ask here. I am afraid none of that helps, and was all already done.

    IF the Realtek audio card was the only problem, then my HDMI Audio would work, and my microphone i.e. input audio device would work too.

    Right now, I have a blank screen for both Input audio devices, as well as Output ones.

    Can you please suggest something else?

    On audio card, GPU level and audio card drivers/GPU drivers level -- including HDMI audio -- everything is fine.

    No problem devices in Device Manager, and no device is missing, they are all there.

    From the 1 time I could fix this, I know there is some system device that sits between the Realtek audio card+HDMI audio that makes all of this fail, including even input devices -- not just output (speakers/HDMI).

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-05-19T10:42:51+00:00

    Hi Nikolai, I'm Benedict, an Independent Advisor. I'm here to help you.

    Please try updating manually the audio driver in Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers > Realtek(R) Audio

    • Locate the said driver in Device Manager
    • Right click on the driver and select "Update Driver".
    • Next select "Browse my computer for drivers"
    • Click on "Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer".
    • Make sure the option "Show compatible hardware" is checked.
    • Select High Definition Audio Device and click Next.
    • If the audio doesn't still work, repeat the steps above but now select Realtek High Definition Audio driver and click Next.
    • If that doesn't still sort the issue, try uninstalling the driver and restart your computer.

    If the issue still persists, try checking the sound settings if disabled that typically located in BIOS > Advanced settings > Onboard or Device Configuration > Audio controller.

    If that doesn't still help, try searching for latest audio driver or Realtek/audio controller driver and BIOS update from your PC's manufacturer support website. Download them, if any. Install the said driver first and if the issue still persists, try updating the BIOS by following the guide on how to install BIOS update from the said support website. If BIOS has been successfully updated and the issue still occurs, try installing the said driver again and see if that would now sort the issue.

    Please see if that helps.

    Regards,

    Benedict P.

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