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- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Audio
- AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICE NOT FOUND

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
08-01-2020 12:58 PM
@PEDLEZ1 Welcome to HP Community!
I understand that the audio output device is not found.
Please perform the below steps and check.
Enable the audio device in Windows 10 and 8
Run automated tools and check driver status to enable the device in Windows 10 or 8.
Step 1: Run the sound problems troubleshooter
Automatically identify and fix audio errors with the Windows sound troubleshooting tool.
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Right-click the notification area speaker icon
, and then select Troubleshoot sound problems.
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Select the device you want to troubleshoot, and then click Next to start the troubleshooter.
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If a recommended action displays, select Apply this fix, and then test for sound.
Step 2: Check device and driver status in Device Manager
An outdated audio driver can cause sound errors and issues. Use Device Manager to check if the audio device is disabled, and then install an available driver update.
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In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
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Double-click Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right-click the audio device, and then select Update Driver.
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Click Search automatically for updated driver software to check for and install a driver.
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If an updated driver installs, restart the computer if prompted, and then test for sound.
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If an updated driver is not available, continue to the next step to reinstall the existing driver.
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Right-click the audio device again, and then select Uninstall to open the Uninstall Device window.
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Select Delete the driver software for this device, and then click Uninstall.
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In the top menu bar, click Action, and then select Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the device.
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Test for sound.
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If there is no sound, right-click the Sound icon in the notification area, select Playback devices, and then reconnect your audio device if it is not listed. Once listed, click the device name, click the Sounds tab, select a sound, and then click Test.
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If the device is not listed in Playback devices, restart the computer, and then check if the device displays in the list.
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If the issue persists, continue to the next step.
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Step 3: Check the playback device setup and connection
Check playback device status in the sound settings and check the device connection to the computer.
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Right-click the notification area speaker icon
, and then select Playback devices.
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Confirm the device is listed and has a green check mark. This indicates it is the default device. If necessary, right-click the device name, select Set as Default Device, and then test the device.
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If you can use the device, the issue is resolved.
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If the device is not listed, continue to the next step.
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Check the device connection to the computer.
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For cable connections, make sure the device connects to the correct port, and that the connection is secure. Additionally, reconnect the device in case the computer did not detect it when you previously connected it.
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For wireless connections, make sure the device is configured and paired to the PC.
note:
Some desktop computers do not have built-in speakers. Headphones or external speakers are required to hear audio. If the error is resolved but there is still no sound, test with a different playback device and check your specifications for any additional sound requirements.
For additional help, go to HP PCs - Connecting a Bluetooth Device or HP PCs - Resolving Headphones and Headset Problems.
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Step 4: Run an audio hardware diagnostic test
Use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows tool to perform an Audio Playback Test. This checks the functionality of the audio subsystem, including audio controllers and codecs.
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Go to HP Hardware Diagnostics to install the latest version of HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows.
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After the installation completes, search Windows for 'HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows', right-click the app in the results, and then select Run as administrator to open the tool.
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Click Component Tests, click Audio, and then select Audio Playback Test.
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Click Run once, and then select an audio output device to run the test.
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If the audio test fails, write down the 24-digit failure ID code (also available in the Test Logs), and then contact HP Customer Support, or service the computer.
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If the audio test passes but the issue persists, continue to the next step.
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Step 5: Use Microsoft System Restore or HP System Recovery
If the audio error persists, use Microsoft System Restore or HP System Recovery to fix the problem.
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Go to HP PCs - Using Microsoft System Restore (Windows 10, 😎 to restore your computer to a previous state when sound was working.
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If Microsoft System Restore does not resolve the issue, go to HP PCs - Performing a System Recovery (Windows 10)..
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If the error still displays, service the computer.
Keep us posted,
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Give us a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" on this post,
Have a great day!