HP PCs - A "No audio device is installed" message displays

Check playback device status in the sound settings and check the device connection to the computer.

1. Check the device connection to the computer.

   • 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.

   • 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 (Windows).

2. Right-click the notification area speaker icon , and then select Playback devices.

3. Confirm that 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.

   

   • If you can use the device, the issue is resolved.

   • If the device is not listed, continue to the next step.

Automatically identify and fix audio errors with the Windows sound troubleshooting tool.

1. Right-click the notification area speaker icon , and then select Troubleshoot sound problems.

2. Select the device you want to troubleshoot, and then click Next to start the troubleshooter.

3. If a recommended action displays, select Apply this fix, and then test for sound.

An outdated audio driver can cause sound errors and issues.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.

1. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.

2. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers.

3. Right-click the audio device, and then select Update Driver.

4. Click Search automatically for updated driver software to check for and install a driver.

   

   • If an updated driver installs, restart the computer if prompted, and then test for sound. Go to step 8.

   • If an updated driver is not available, reinstall the existing driver.

5. Right-click the audio device again, and then select Uninstall to open the Uninstall Device window.

   

6. Select Delete the driver software for this device, and then click Uninstall.

   

7. In the top menu bar, click Action, and then select Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the device.

8. Test for sound.

   • 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. After it is listed, click the device name, click the Sounds tab, select a sound, and then click Test.

   • If the device is not listed in Playback devices, restart the computer, and then check if the device displays in the list.

   • If the issue persists, check the playback device setup and connection.

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.

1. Go to HP Hardware Diagnostics to install the latest version of HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows.

2. 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.

   

3. Click Component Tests > Audio > Audio Playback Test.

   

4. Click Run once, and then select an audio output device to run the test.

   

   • 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.

   • If the audio test passes but the issue persists, use Microsoft System Restore or HP System Recovery to fix the problem.