Is my sound card broken? Here's how to find out
If your computer stops producing sound, the sound card may be broken. However, other sources of error for the problem are also possible. We'll show you how to find out if your sound card is broken.
Sound card broken? How to test it
If no more sound is output, your sound card does not necessarily have to be broken. The tests below will find out where the error comes from.
- First, check that you haven't muted the sound.
- Also check whether you have properly connected your speakers or sound system to your PC. The system must be set up accordingly so that sound can be reproduced through it.
- The boxes may also be defective. For this reason, it is recommended to test another sound system or headphones.
- Install the latest drivers for your sound card and then restart your computer. You can usually find the drivers on the manufacturer's website.
- Also, follow our tips on no sound on Windows.
Is my sound card broken? Further information
- In order for your sound card to work properly, you should configure it accordingly. In a separate article, we give you detailed tips for configuring your sound card.
- PC experts can unscrew their computers and check whether the sound card has been properly installed and connected to the other components. However, this is not recommended for laypersons, as damage can occur under certain circumstances.
- Start a piece of music or a video with sound and use the symbol at the bottom right of the screen to check whether the sound signal is perceived at all. Make sure that your sound card or the playback device connected to it has been selected as the same in the Windows audio selection.
- If your sound card does not work despite these instructions, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer. If your sound card is actually defective, you need a new one.
- You can find good sound cards for normal consumers from around 35 euros in online retail.
In the next practical tip, you will learn what you can do if there is no sound on YouTube videos.