Restart: Audio Driver Windows 'link'

Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek High Definition Audio ). Select . Click Yes to confirm.

When the audio service itself has crashed or Method 1 didn't work.

If you are using USB headphones or a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), the driver is usually generic USB Audio. Unplugging the device and plugging it into a different USB port forces a driver reset.

If the shortcut doesn't work, you can manually toggle the driver to force a clean start. Right-click the button and select Device Manager . Expand Sound, video and game controllers .