Member Avatar for Sir Tyrone

I was using my computer today when the sound just disappeared. I have had this problem before and solved it but i've forgotten what i did to fix it. the only program that still has sound is skype. Any help will be appreciated

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Leonle

Dani AI

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This is a very common Windows behavior: when a new audio device (Bluetooth headset, USB headset, HDMI/DisplayPort audio, etc.) appears the system can switch the active playback device, leaving regular apps silent while a communication app still plays sound. ’s prompt to check the taskbar sound controls was spot on, and ’s follow-up confirms the root cause — the wrong playback profile had become active.

Quick checklist to stop it now and prevent it later:

  • Open the sound/playback dialog (right‑click the speaker icon → “Playback devices” or “Sounds”) and verify which device is set as the Default Device and as the Default Communications Device; set your speakers/headphones as both if you want all apps to use them.
  • Open the Volume Mixer and confirm the application(s) and system master are not muted or at zero.
  • In the Bluetooth or Devices control panel, disable the hands‑free/telephony audio profile for headsets you don’t want Windows to auto‑select (or unpair if you don’t use it).
  • If audio still fails, update or reinstall the audio driver from the PC/motherboard or sound‑card vendor, and ensure the Windows Audio service is running.
  • Check for alternate outputs (HDMI/optical/SPDIF) that might have been made default and switch back if needed.
  • In the device’s Advanced properties, consider disabling “Allow applications to take exclusive control” to avoid one app blocking others.

Cautions and notes: don’t uninstall drivers without a restore point; changing Bluetooth service settings may remove headset call functionality. This pattern (device‑switching + per‑app device choices) explains why Skype kept working while other sound disappeared — communication apps and system audio can use different targets.

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Member Avatar for cguan_77

double click the sound icon on your taskbar and check whether there are properties that are set to mute or what...

Member Avatar for Sir Tyrone

i already did. The sound played ok one second and was gone the next. the sound is ok when i make calls with skype but there is nothing more than that

Member Avatar for cguan_77

so skype is okay but when your playing audio files or watching video, there is no sound or what?

Member Avatar for Sir Tyrone

exactly... dot on the spot!

Member Avatar for cguan_77

hi, what sound card are you using ATI, Creative or what?

if using built-in audio what audio controller?

try to go control panel, then click on sound and audio devices.. under audio tab check the "default device"

Member Avatar for Sir Tyrone

THanks a million...that did it. The default device was set to bluetooth handsfree instead of the pc speakers.

Member Avatar for cguan_77

good to hear.. your problem was solved ;)

Member Avatar for Leonle

Haaha I know,it happened to me few times as well:)

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