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How do I troubleshoot audio issues?

Updated

If you are having trouble with your audio output, please try the following options.

Set the volume mixer to an appropriate level.

Ensure that the volume mixer is set to an appropriate level and not muted.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon on the bottom right of your screen.
  2. Click Open Volume Mixer.
  3. Ensure that your main output device and the game are set to an appropriate level.

  1. Verify that the game is not muted

Set the correct audio output device

The output device defines where your audio will come out of. Whether that be speakers, a monitor or a headset. Windows can automatically change the output device upon installing new drivers or software, so it is important to check. It would be best to do this before launching a game, as many games do a hardware check when first starting.

 

Windows 10

  1. Left-click the speaker icon on the bottom right of your screen.
  2. Select the drop-down arrow to expand the list of output devices
  3. Select the appropriate output device for your computer.

 

Windows 11

  1. Left-click the speaker icon on the bottom right of your screen.
  2. Select the drop-down arrow to expand the list of output devices
  3. Select the appropriate output device for your computer.

Configure the Speakers

Windows 10

  1. Right-click the speaker icon on the bottom right of your screen, then select Sounds.
  2. Click on the Playback tab, then select for the default output device and click on Configure.
  3. Follow the guide to test and configure your speakers.

Windows 11

  1. Right-click the Start Menu and go to Settings System Sound.
  2. Scroll down and choose More Sound Settings.
  3. Select the Playback tab, then your default output device, and click on Configure.
  4. Follow the guide to test and configure your speakers.

Update the audio drivers

It is always best to ensure that you are using the latest driver for your device, as it may come with compatibility improvements and bug fixes. Some drivers will be available direct from your motherboard manufacturer's support website.

  1. Click the Windows icon on the bottom left of your screen.
  2. Type “Device Manager”, then click on Device Manager in the control panel.
  3. Click on the arrow next to Audio inputs and outputs.

  1. Right-click on the device, then click Update Driver.
  2. Click Search automatically for drivers.
  3. Windows will automatically search for drivers and install them if needed.

Disable all sound enhancements

Windows 10

Enhancement may interfere with your audio output, especially if you are not using a standard stereo output.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon on the bottom right of your screen, then select Sounds.
  2. Click on the playback tab, then look for your preferred output device.
  3. Once you’ve found your preferred output device, select it and right click it.
  4. Select Properties.
  5. Click on the Enhancements tab, then you should see a Disable all enhancements box.
  6. Check the Disable all enhancements box.
  7. Click Apply, then OK.

 

Windows 11

  1. Right-click the Start Menu and go to Settings System Sound.
  2. Scroll down and choose More Sound Settings.
  3. Select the Playback tab, then your default output device, and click on Properties.
  4. Go to the Advanced tab and untick Enable Audio Enhancements.
  5. Click Apply, then OK.

Disable Spatial Sound

Windows 10

  1. Right-click the speaker icon on the bottom right of your screen
  2. Go to Spatial Sound and select Off.

 

Windows 11

  1. Click on the speaker icon on the taskbar.
  2. Then, click on Select a sound output on the right side of the volume slider.
  3. Set Spatial Sound to Off.

Remove unnecessary audio enhancement software

Software such as "Nahimic" can often come bundled with your audio drivers. However, it is not necessary for the hardware to function and can often interfere with other games and software. In this case, it is best to remove the software from your system.

  1. Click the Windows icon on the bottom left of your screen.
  2. Type “Apps”, then click on "Installed Apps/Apps & Features".
  3. Browse the list for the unwanted software.
  4. Select and click on Uninstall.

Turn Window Audio Focus On

Turning Window Audio Focus on can ensure that the game will continue to output audio even if the window loses focus. This can often happen if you use multiple monitors or minimise the game to access another window.

  1. Go to Setting Audio
  2. Set Window Audio Focus to On

 

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