Speakers and Headphones

Virtual meetings, learning from home, or gaming, proper audio playback is important. Audio playback issues can occur whether you are using the integrated laptop speakers, external speakers, headphones, or headsets. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, the suggested quick steps might help.

Cannot hear audio from the speakers.
No sound while watching videos or a movie.
Cannot hear audio during a video call.
Audio is muffled, intermittent, crackling/popping or distorted.

Here are a few quick steps that you can try to resolve the audio playback issue

Try each step and check if the audio playback issue is resolved. If the issue is not resolved, proceed to the next step.

Restart the computer.
Check the cables and ensure that the speaker or headset is connected properly. For Bluetooth devices, verify that the Bluetooth device is paired with the computer.
Verify that the speaker or headset is turned on. See the user manual of the device on the manufacturer's website.
Try another speaker or headset (if available). This helps identify if the speaker or headset is working.
Check the volume settings. Set the volume using the speaker icon on the taskbar.
Check the default audio device and volume control in apps such as Skype or Zoom.
Go to Dell.com/support/drivers, download and install the latest audio driver for your Dell computer.
Run the hardware test on the sound card.

Watch this helpful video about how to troubleshoot audio related issues.

If these quick steps did not resolve the audio playback issue, we have more detailed information in the additional resources. You can also search for content related to the issue using the search bar at the top of this page.