Windows 10: Laptop audio has stopped after 5 years

Dell XPS 13 running the latest update of 64-bit Win 10.

I've had this computer for 5 years. Now I can't get any audio out of it.
The volume control appears normal, but it doesn't make the usual beeps when I adjust it, and no sound comes out of the laptop's built-in speakers, or headphones attached to the headphone jack, or USB speakers.
I don't see any conflicts in the Device Manager.
I ran the Windows Audio Troubleshooter, and it just ran for hours with no outcome until I finally stopped it.
Also ran the Dell diagnostic tool, and I think all drivers are up to date.
Any ideas of how to diagnose it?

Don't know if this is relevant:
The problems with audio began when I attached a USB amp to the computer--audio programs would eventually freeze up and not output to the amp anymore. But audio would always return to normal when I switched to the built-in speakers. Now all the audio is gone, no matter what is selected for output and no matter how many times I restart the machine. So I don't know if the USB amp is a key clue or a read herring.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

:)

 

Have windows 10, and suddenly my audio stopped

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

As the above description is not clear, do let us know the following to assist you better with this issue:

• What is the exactly issue you are facing with audio and how exactly are you trying to access it?
• What exactly do you mean by: Have windows 10, and suddenly my audio stopped?
• Have you made any changes to the operating system, prior to this issue?

I suggest you to install all the pending updates and audio drivers and check if it helps.

Step 1: I suggest you to update the audio drivers from Device Manager and check.

Steps:

• 
  Right click on the Start
  button from the desktop and select Device Manager.
  
• 
  Expand Audio inputs and outputs, right click on
  High Definition Audio Device and click on Update driver software.
  
• 
  Also, try to search for the drivers with the help of model number of your computer from the Manufacturer’s website and install them.
  

Step 2: I suggest you to install all the pending updates after upgrade to Windows 10.

• Connect to the internet.
• Press Windows key and type
  updates.
• Click on Check for updates.
• Under Windows Updates, click on
  Check for updates.
• Try to install the updates being shown.

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of this issue and required information, we will be happy to help you accordingly.

 

Will this build be good for 5 years?

Bro wait for next gen CPUs and GPUs. I was going to do the same thing and they stopped me from taking that big wrong step. Let's say i7 5960x is out for two years and is still on top places of the list it may hold up for two more years in total of four. But if you go for upcoming extreme series it will last for four-five years from its release date which can get you near to your five year pc specs. Same goes for GPU, so wait till next gen is out. All the best for your build

 

Can not record audio.

Hi,

We suggest that you run troubleshooting for Audio Recording by following these steps:

• Type troubleshooting on the search box.
• Click View all.
• Select Recording Audio.
• Follow the steps to troubleshoot Recording Audio.

Let us know if you need further help.