Windows 10: We can't find an audio playback device

Hi, I have just purchased a new laptop. When I insert a USB to try and view video files, I get the error message "We can't find an audio playback device. Make sure your headphones or speakers are connected then try again". Code: 0x8889000F. I have completed all Windows updates. As this is a brand-new laptop, I am not sure what could be causing this problem. Any help would be appreciated.I have pasted my Windows specifications below:Edition Windows 11 Home in S mode Version 24H2 Installed on ‎22/‎06/‎2025 OS build 26100.4351 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.107.0

:)

 

Playback Audio

To separate your speakers and headphones into their own playback devices on Windows, you can follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the volume icon in the taskbar and select "Sounds".
   
2. In the Sounds window, go to the "Playback" tab.
   
3. Right-click on the audio device you want to split (e.g. "Speakers") and select "Properties".
   
4. In the Properties window, go to the "Advanced" tab.
   
5. Under "Default Format", select a format that is compatible with your audio device (e.g. "16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)").
   
6. Check the box next to "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device".
   
7. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
   
8. Right-click on the audio device again and select "Configure Speakers".
   
9. Select the appropriate speaker setup (e.g. "Stereo") and click "Next".
   
10. Select the audio device you want to use as your default playback device (e.g. "Speakers") and click "Next".
    
11. Test your audio device by playing sound and verifying that it is playing through the correct device.
    

Repeat these steps for any additional audio devices you want to split. Once completed, you should see separate playback devices for each audio device in the Sounds window.

 

"Playback Device" not showing up in "Device advanced settings" in the Realtek HD Audio Manager

Hello Aditya,



Welcome to Microsoft Community.



It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue with Realtek HD Audio Manager where the front panel audio and back panel audio are treated as a single audio device instead of separate ones. Here are a few things you can try to fix the issue:

1. Update your Realtek audio drivers: Go to the Zebronics website and download the latest Realtek audio drivers for your motherboard model. Install them and see if the issue is resolved.
   
2. Check your audio settings in Windows: Open the Windows Sound settings by right-clicking on the speaker icon in the taskbar and selecting "Open Sound settings". Under the "Output" section, check if your headphones are listed as a separate playback device. If not, right-click in the window and select "Show disabled devices" and "Show disconnected devices". If your headphones appear, right-click on them and select "Set as Default Device".
   

If you already have Realtek HD Audio Manager installed on your device, the following steps may help:

1. Enable front and rear audio playback: Open the Realtek HD Audio Manager and click on the gear icon in the top right corner to access the settings. Under the "Device advanced settings" section, check the box next to "Make front and rear output devices playback two different audio streams simultaneously". This should enable separate playback for front and rear audio devices.
   
2. Disable front panel jack detection: In the Realtek HD Audio Manager, go to the Connector Settings tab and uncheck "Enable auto popup dialog, when device has been plugged in". This will disable the front panel jack detection and may enable separate playback for front and rear audio devices.
   

These steps involve the use of software from three parties, and since they are not Microsoft programs, my instructions may not be absolutely correct, and the solutions you find online may not be correct. Therefore, I suggest you consult the motherboard customer service for targeted guidance.

Hopefully, one of these solutions will help you resolve your issue.

If anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to let me know.



Best regards,

Mitchell - | Microsoft community support expert from MSFT

 

Problem with audio devices

Hi Marcello,

I appreciate you for trying some steps in order to get the issue resolved.

If you're connecting to an audio device using USB or HDMI, you might need to set that device as the default.

Open Start, enter Sound, select it from the list of results, and then, on the
Playback tab, select a device, then Set Default.

I would also suggest you to turn off Audio enhancements.

• 
  Go to Start, enter Sound, and select Sound Control Panel
  from the list of results.
  
• 
  On the Playback tab, right-click (or tap and hold) the
  Default Device and select Properties.
  
• 
  On the Enhancements tab, select the Disable all enhancements
  check box and try to play your audio device.
  
• 
  If that doesn't work, select Cancel and, on the Playback
  tab, select another default device (if you have one), select the Disable all enhancements check box, and try to play audio again. Do this for each default device.
  

Please revert if you face any issues with Audio.

Thank you.