• You should first check the default audio input and output device in Windows Settings and Discord app.
  • Ensure you have allowed desktop apps to use the microphone on Windows.
  • Consider resetting voice settings in the Discord app if the issue remains.

Basic Fixes

  • Unmute yourself on Discord: Ensure you haven’t accidentally muted yourself on Discord. To do that, look for the mic and headset icon next to your avatar. Ensure that the mic or headset icon does not have a slash across it.
  • Check system volume level and default audio device: Check the system volume on your PC to ensure that the sound isn’t muted from there. While you are at it, select the correct output and input devices .

Fix 1: Check the Input and Output Device

In addition to setting the correct audio devices on your PC, verify the input and output devices set in the Discord app. Here are the steps for the latter.

Step 1: Open the Discord app on your PC and click the gear icon in the bottom left corner.

Discord Settings Menu on Windows - 1

Step 2: Switch to the Voice & Video tab on your left. Use the drop-down menus under Input and Output device to select your preferred device. Then, use the corresponding sliders underneath them to adjust their volume.

Select Audio Device on Discord for PC - 2

Fix 2: Verify App Permissions

Discord might be unable to access your PC’s microphone if it doesn’t have the necessary permissions. Here’s how to fix that.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Navigate to Privacy & security tab and scroll down to click Microphone .

Microphone Permissions on Windows 11 - 3

Step 2: Scroll down and enable the toggle for Let desktop apps access your microphone .

Allow Desktop Apps to Access Microphone on Windows 11 - 4

Similarly, if you’re using Discord in Chrome or any other web browser, see if Discord is allowed to use a microphone and speaker. Click the padlock icon on the left of the URL bar and ensure Discord is allowed access to both Microphone and Sound .

Allow Discord Permission in Chrome - 5

Fix 3: Enable Legacy Audio Subsystem

Another reason Discord audio may stop working is if your PC or headset’s hardware is incompatible with Discord’s latest audio subsystem. Fortunately, Discord provides an option to use the “Legacy Audio Subsystem” instead. Here’s how to enable it.

Step 1: In the Discord app, click the gear icon to open Settings.

Step 2: Switch to the Voice & Video tab and scroll down to Audio Subsystem . Use the drop-down menu to change it to Legacy .

Use Legacy Audio Subsystem on Discord for PC - 6

Fix 4: Disable Audio Enhancement

Windows 11 ships with audio enhancement packages that help you achieve the best possible sound output. But if you face audio problems, you should turn them off entirely.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type sound settings , and press Enter .

Open Sound Settings on Windows - 7

Step 2: Select the problematic device.

Output Audio Device on Windows 11 - 8

Step 3: Click the drop-down menu next to Audio enhancements and select Off .

Disable Audio Enhancements on Windows 11 - 9

Fix 5: Reset Voice Settings

Incorrect settings in Discord can also cause the audio to stop working. Instead of going through each voice setting one by one, consider resetting them all and starting over.

Step 1: Launch the Discord app and click the gear icon at the bottom left corner to open Settings.

Step 2: Use the left pane to switch to Voice & Video . Scroll down and click on the Reset Voice Settings button. Click on Okay to confirm.

Reset Voice Settings on Discord on PC - 10

If nothing else works, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Discord app on your PC as a last resort. This should clear all the app-related data and get the audio working again.

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