lost sound,input and output

Welcome Richard Blakey,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that your audio input and output devices are missing, and Windows cannot find an audio device to connect to.

Since the previous reply already asked about the device model, recent changes, and what appears in Device Manager, could you please let us know:

• Do you see any devices listed under System devices with a warning icon?
• Are the audio devices missing only from Windows, or are they also unavailable in the BIOS/UEFI diagnostics (if your manufacturer provides them)?

In the meantime, you can try these steps:

Option 1: Restart the Windows Audio services

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
• Locate Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
• Ensure both services are Running
• If not, right-click and select Start

Option 2: Check for hidden audio devices

• Open Device Manager
• Select View > Show hidden devices
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers
• Remove any greyed-out audio devices and restart the PC

Option 3: Reinstall the audio controller

• In Device Manager, expand System devices
• Locate the audio controller (such as Intel Smart Sound Technology, Realtek Audio, or similar)
• Right-click and select Uninstall device
• Restart the computer

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Hi, @Richard Blakey

If you haven't tried it yet, first, right-click "Start" > "Device Manager" and expand "Sound, video and game controllers" and "Audio inputs and outputs."

Check whether your audio device is listed there or if you see any device with a yellow warning icon. You can also click "Action" > "Scan for hardware changes."

If the issue still persists, to help narrow down the issue:

1. Is this a laptop or desktop, and what is the exact make and model?
2. Did the sound stop after a Windows update, driver update, or other change?
3. In Device Manager, do you see anything listed under "Sound, video and game controllers"?

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!