Are you tired of missing essential notifications on your computer? Windows notification sounds keep us informed and updated about various tasks, events, and messages. However, it can be incredibly frustrating when these sounds suddenly stop working, leaving us clueless about incoming alerts. In this blog article, we will guide you through simple steps to fix the issue of Windows Notification sound not working and help you stay connected easily.
Common Causes of Windows Notification Sound Issues
If you are wondering why don’t I get a sound when I get a notification? then it can be caused due to a variety of reasons; there are some, in particular, that appear frequently:
- Audio Settings Misconfiguration: Sometimes, the issue with your Windows notification sound not working may be due to incorrect audio settings on your computer. For instance, if the volume level for system sound is set too low or muted altogether, you won’t be able to hear any notifications. Additionally, if your default audio playback device has been changed accidentally or by a software update, it could also lead to notification sound problems.
- Sound Driver Problems: Your computer relies on sound drivers to properly communicate with its audio hardware. However, if these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with your current operating system version, it may result in Windows notification sounds not functioning as intended.
- Corrupted System Files: Windows operating system files are essential for smooth functioning and proper communication between various components of your computer. If any of these files get corrupted or damaged due to improper shutdowns, it can cause multiple issues – including problems with your notification sounds.
- Third-Party Software Conflicts: Some third-party applications may interfere with your Windows notification sounds by altering system settings or causing conflicts with other programs running on your computer. For example, certain antivirus programs may block specific features of Windows to protect against potential threats; however, this could also affect your notification sounds.
Fix: Windows Notification Sound Not Working
In this section, we’ll be looking at some working fixes for the issue. Here’s all that’s covered ahead:
- Checking Audio Settings
- Restart Audio Services And Run Audio Troubleshooter
- Check App Notification Audio
- Disabling Conflicting Third-Party Software
- Updating Sound Drivers
- Running System File Checker
Let’s now have a detailed look at all of these methods. Also, you may need an admin account for some of these steps.
1] Checking Audio Settings
Sometimes, basic audio settings like volume level, app volume level, and sound output device can be the reason behind the Windows notification sound not working issue. Here’s how to check these Audio settings:
- Verify that the sound is not muted or turned down. To do this, click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and ensure the volume is turned up and not muted.
- Ensure that the correct playback device is selected. Right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings. Select the correct playback device from the drop-down menu in the Output section.
- Head to the advanced section in the Sound settings and open the Volume mixer. You will see each open app on the system and can use the speaker there. You can control the volume for each one using the corresponding volume slider.
This should make your notification sound Sound!
2] Run Audio Services And Run Audio Troubleshooter
Windows services are core components of the operating system that work in the background for the smooth functioning of your PC’s components. If one of these services malfunctions, you can end up with a non-working component. Here’s how to restart the Windows Audio service and run the audio troubleshooter:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- In the Services window, locate Windows Audio and right-click on it.
- Select Restart from the context menu.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters to run the audio troubleshooter.
- Find the Playing Audio Troubleshooter and click on Run.
3] Check App Notification Audio
In Windows, you can select whether or not to receive notifications from an app or if the app is allowed to play a sound when a notification is received. If you are facing a notification audio issue with a specific app, the notification audio may be turned off for the specific app. Here’s how to fix it:
- Open Settings > System > Notifications.
- In the Notifications settings, head over to the Notifications from Apps and other senders section and look for the app you are facing issues with.
- Check if the notification toggle is turned on for the app. If it is, click on the arrow icon beside the toggle.
- Now, you’ll see many toggles for the notifications. Turn on the Play a sound when the notification arrives toggle.
4] Disabling Conflicting Third Party Software
If you have installed audio software, and the issue started after that, then it’s probably causing the problem, and it will be a global issue and not only related to notifications. The software could be an editor or audio enhancer.
An easy way to resolve this is to close the app. If that doesn’t work, uninstall the app. You can also check if a configuration allows you to disable any audio overtake. After uninstalling or any change, restart your PC and check if notification sounds are restored.
5] Updating Sound Drivers
Outdated drivers are one of the prime causes of components not working correctly. Drivers are essential for components to work flawlessly with the operating system. If there is a driver update for a component, it may have fixed some bugs or improved compatibility.
Installing driver updates for your sound drivers can help fix the Windows notification sound not working issue. You can download it through Windows Update or directly from the OEM or use third-party software.
6] Running System File Checker
The System file checker, or the SFC of Windows, can detect corrupt system files and replace them with working files while keeping the data intact. Every component of your PC requires system files to function correctly, as do the Sound components. You can run the System File Checker to fix those corrupt system files and get the components up and working.
Conclusion
This article reviewed some of the fixes for Windows notification sound not working. Notifications are essential to keep you posted on what’s happening in your work and personal life. We hope you can fix the issue for yourself with the fixes provided in this article. If you found this article to be helpful, please make sure that you share it with everyone.
