Your Surface Pro might not have sound due to muted volume settings, an incorrect audio output device selection, outdated or corrupt audio drivers, or potential hardware malfunctions. Addressing these common areas can often restore sound functionality.
Losing sound on your Surface Pro can be a frustrating experience, but it's often a common issue with straightforward solutions. The problem can stem from various sources, ranging from simple setting adjustments to more complex driver or hardware issues. Identifying the root cause is the first step to getting your audio back.
Check Volume Levels and Mute Settings
The most frequent reason for a Surface Pro having no sound is that the volume is turned down or the device is muted. It's crucial to check all potential volume controls.
- Surface Volume Button: Press the volume button on your Surface device itself to adjust the volume up or down. This physical button is usually located on the side of the tablet.
- Keyboard Volume Keys: If you are using a Surface Type Cover or an external keyboard, check for dedicated volume-down, volume-up, or mute keys. These keys often have speaker icons. Ensure the mute key isn't illuminated or pressed.
- Windows Taskbar Volume Icon:
- Look for the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner of your Windows taskbar (system tray).
- Click on it to reveal the main volume slider. Drag the slider to increase the volume.
- Make sure the speaker icon isn't crossed out, which indicates mute. Click it to unmute.
- Volume Mixer: For more granular control, right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select "Open Sound settings" or "Volume Mixer." This allows you to adjust volume for individual applications.
- Application-Specific Volume: Some applications (like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or video conferencing apps) have their own internal volume controls. Ensure these are not muted or set too low within the application itself.
Verify Audio Output Device
Your Surface Pro might be directing sound to an incorrect output device, such as Bluetooth headphones that are no longer connected or an external monitor with no speakers.
- Right-click the speaker icon on your Windows taskbar.
- Select "Open Sound settings" or "Sound settings."
- Under the "Output" section, click the dropdown menu next to "Choose your output device."
- Ensure that "Speakers (Realtek(R) Audio)" or a similar internal speaker option is selected, rather than a disconnected Bluetooth device or an external display.
Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Audio drivers are essential software components that allow your Surface Pro's operating system to communicate with its sound hardware. Outdated, corrupt, or missing drivers are a common cause of sound problems.
- Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager."
- Expand "Sound, video and game controllers."
- Identify your audio driver: This is typically "Realtek(R) Audio" or "Intel(R) Display Audio" if you're using HDMI/DisplayPort audio.
- Update Driver:
- Right-click on your audio driver.
- Select "Update driver."
- Choose "Search automatically for drivers." If Windows finds a new driver, install it.
- Reinstall Driver:
- If updating doesn't work, right-click the audio driver and select "Uninstall device."
- Do not check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device."
- Restart your Surface Pro. Windows will usually reinstall the driver automatically upon reboot.
- Roll Back Driver: If sound stopped working after a recent update, you can try rolling back the driver. Right-click the driver, go to "Properties," then the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver" (if available).
- Check Surface Support: Visit the official Microsoft Surface Support website for specific driver downloads for your Surface Pro model.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter
Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common sound issues.
- Go to Settings (Windows Key + I).
- Select "System," then "Troubleshoot."
- Click on "Other troubleshooters."
- Find "Playing Audio" and click "Run."
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Check for Software Conflicts or System Glitches
Sometimes, temporary software glitches or pending updates can interfere with audio functionality.
- Restart your Surface Pro: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software conflicts and reset audio components.
- Install Windows Updates: Microsoft frequently releases updates that include driver fixes and system improvements.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Check for and install any available updates.
- Disable Audio Enhancements: Some audio enhancements can cause issues.
- Right-click the speaker icon > "Open Sound settings."
- Under "Output," click "Device properties" for your speakers.
- Select "Additional device properties."
- Go to the "Enhancements" tab and check "Disable all enhancements." Click "Apply" and "OK."
Inspect for Hardware Issues
While less common, physical damage or internal hardware failure can also lead to no sound.
- Test with Headphones/External Speakers: Plug in a pair of headphones or external speakers. If you get sound through them, the issue likely lies with the Surface Pro's internal speakers rather than the audio output itself.
- Check for Physical Damage: Inspect the speaker grilles or ports for any visible damage or obstructions.
Common Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Muted or Low Volume | Adjust via Surface volume button, keyboard keys, or Windows settings (taskbar, mixer). |
Incorrect Audio Output Device | Select internal speakers (e.g., "Realtek Audio") in Sound Settings. |
Outdated/Corrupt Audio Drivers | Update, reinstall, or roll back audio drivers via Device Manager. |
Software Glitches/Conflicts | Restart your Surface Pro, run audio troubleshooter, or install Windows Updates. |
Hardware Malfunction | Test with headphones/external speakers; contact support if internal speakers fail. |
By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you can typically pinpoint and resolve why your Surface Pro isn't producing sound. Always start with the simplest solutions first, as they are often the most effective.