To fix the "sound device not found" error on Windows 11, start by checking audio connections and device status, ensure the correct default device is selected, and test hardware on other devices. 1. Run the built-in audio troubleshooter via Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot. 2. Reinstall or update audio drivers through Device Manager under Sound, video and game controllers, uninstalling and reinstalling if necessary. 3. Enable the audio device in Device Manager, checking under Show hidden devices if needed. 4. Reset audio services by restarting Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services and setting them to Automatic startup, addressing deeper system issues only if prior steps fail.

If your Windows 11 system says "sound device not found," it usually means the audio driver isn’t working, the device is disabled, or there's a system glitch. The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed without too much hassle if you know where to look.

Check Basic Connections and Device Status

Before diving into complex fixes, start with the basics:

• Make sure your speakers or headphones are properly plugged in. If you're using USB or Bluetooth audio devices, try unplugging and reconnecting them.
• Check if the audio device is muted or set as the default playback device. Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar, choose "Sounds" or "Open Sound Settings," and verify that the correct device is selected.
• If you're using external speakers or headphones, test them on another device to rule out hardware issues.

Sometimes just reseating the cable or switching ports can clear things up. Also, if you're using a headset with a combo jack, make sure Windows recognizes it correctly (some systems have separate mic and headphone jacks by mistake).

Run the Built-in Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter that can detect and sometimes automatically fix audio problems.

To run it:

• Go to Settings > System > Sound.
• Scroll down and click "Troubleshoot" under "Related settings."
• Let the tool scan for issues and follow any suggested fixes.

This often catches common problems like missing drivers or misconfigured audio settings. It’s quick and doesn't require technical knowledge, so it's always worth trying first.

Reinstall or Update Audio Drivers

A missing or outdated audio driver is one of the most common reasons for the "sound device not found" error.

Here’s how to check:

• Press Win X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
• If you see a yellow exclamation mark or no devices listed, there’s likely a driver issue.
• Right-click each audio device and choose Update driver.
• Alternatively, right-click and select Uninstall device, then restart your PC. Windows should reinstall the drivers automatically.

If automatic updates don’t work, go to your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website and download the latest audio drivers manually. Realtek, Intel, and AMD all offer downloadable drivers depending on your system.

Also, some users report success after disabling driver signature enforcement and installing older versions of audio drivers — but this is more advanced and should only be done if needed.

Enable Audio Device in Device Manager

Sometimes the sound device is simply disabled in the system.

After opening Device Manager, look under Sound, video and game controllers again. If your audio device is listed but grayed out:

• Right-click it and select Enable device.
• If the option is missing, it might be hidden. Go to View > Show hidden devices in Device Manager and check again.

If enabling doesn’t work, try uninstalling and letting Windows reinstall it after a reboot.

Reset Audio Services or Registry (Advanced)

If the above steps don’t help, corrupted system files or misconfigured services could be the culprit.

Try resetting audio-related services:

• Press Win R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Look for Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
• Right-click each, select Restart, and set their startup type to Automatic.

You can also reset audio-related registry keys, but this requires caution. Only proceed if you're comfortable editing the registry or back up the registry before making changes.

In most cases, one of these methods will restore sound functionality. Start with the simplest checks and move toward driver and system-level fixes if needed. It’s not overly complicated, but it does require checking each step carefully.

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