If the audio inputs and outputs category is missing from Device Manager on Windows 11 or Windows 10, it usually means that there is a driver, service, or hardware problem somewhere. This quite often prevents your system from detecting microphones, speakers, or headphones. Thankfully, it's fairly easy to solve follow along as this guide take you through some working solutions.
Takeaways:
- What is causing audio inputs and outputs to be missing from Device Manager on Windows?
- Learn how to fix Windows 11 Audio Inputs and Outputs Missing from Device Manager.
Table of Contents
How to Fix Audio Inputs and Outputs Missing from Device Manager on Windows 11
There's quite a few different ways you can solve this problem, though you will more than likely need to try more than one until you find the solution. This is typical for fixing things on Windows 10 and 11 so don't be stressed if the first thing you try doesn't work.
Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager
Device Manager sometimes hides devices that are not actively in use. So enabling hidden devices might bring the missing audio category back.
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Click on the View menu at the top.
- Select Show hidden devices.
- Check if Audio inputs and outputs now appears in the list.
If it does, expand it and check that your audio devices are listed and enabled.
Reinstall the Specific Audio Driver
If you can see an audio device under Sound, video and game controllers, uninstall it. Restart your PC and let Windows reinstall the driver automatically.
If no audio device is visible at all, download the correct driver manually from your manufacturer’s official website.
- Realtek audio drivers should be downloaded only from Realtek’s official website
- Laptop users should prefer the support page of their laptop manufacturer
IMPORTANT: Don't use third party driver websites, go to the official website for your device and get the driver there.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter (Kinda Useless)
Windows 11 includes a built in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix audio related problems. Though I have yet to see this tool actually fix anything for anyone anywhere... Either way it's worth a shot.
- Open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
- Here click Audio then follow the steps shown on screen.
Restart your computer after the troubleshooter finishes and maybe with a miricle you will be the first person this tool has helped!
Restart Windows Audio Service
The Windows Audio service controls all audio functions. If it is stopped or misconfigured, everything else will fall apart so check the following.
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Locate Windows Audio.
- Double click it and click Stop if the service is running.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Start, then OK.
Unplug and Replug Audio Devices
It's possible that there is something wrong with the actual device.
- Shut down the computer.
- Unplug the external audio device.
- Boot the system and plug the device back in.
Windows should automatically detect and reinstall the required drivers. You should also consider checking the device on another computer to see if it's the device not the computer.
Enable Audio Devices in Settings
Sometimes the audio device is detected but disabled in system settings.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Sound.
- Under Output, select Speakers or the relevant device.
- If you see an Allow button, click it to enable the device.
