5 Common Computer Problems & Solutions
4. Audio Issues
5. Blue Screens
4. Audio Issues
Virtual meetings have become standard these days, and so have a host of audio issues that can make using your PC unbearable. Microphones can get accidentally muted, or audio sources can switch within different programs. Hardware can fail, but it is uncommon. More often than not, sound issues can be resolved from within the operating system. However, there are multiple ways to access and change sound settings, so troubleshooting issues can be frustrating when waiting for a virtual meeting or video call to start.
Solution
Most keyboards, headsets, or microphones come with a dedicated mute button. When dealing with sound issues, it is always best practice to check these functions and buttons first. Accidental button or key presses can sometimes mute audio sources in programs or your entire PC audio.
When all of your devices connect as intended, and you are still having audio issues, the next step is to check and see if your volume is low or muted from within your operating system. If you are still experiencing audio problems, the last thing you can check is your playback sources. By right clicking your speaker icon, you can bring up your audio settings, which will show you a list of available audio devices. You can then test each one with the press of a button and ensure the proper device is selected for your PC.
Unfortunately, if none of these software fixes worked, it could be a hardware issue. If your PC's generic audio driver (found within the 3.5mm headphone jack) isn't working or isn't compatible with some of the features of your headphones, you can look for a USB headset — the USB connection will work around any issues with the driver and often fixes any software compatibility issues with the headset.
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