Windows 10: Lost sound after crash

I'll try to keep this brief for now. Can provide more details later if requested.

Basically what happened, computer froze when I moved mouse to get out of screen saver. I waited around 5 to 10 minutes, tried to open Task Manager but it was still frozen. Ended up holding down the power button to force shut down.

When I started the computer again, I had no sound through headphones (tried multiple) and no sound from the computer's speaker itself.

My sound was not muted. I did the windows diagnostic but no success. I reinstalled my audio drivers, no success, I tried a system restore and after an hour of "system restoring" I got an error saying it can't be done and hence nothing has been changed.

Assuming its a software issue, the only idea I have left is to re install windows. Is there anything besides that which might fix the problem? Thanks.

:)

 

Lost sound on my Creative D80 (Bluetooth) speakers...again after fixing once but lost the instructions.

Lost sound on my Creative D80 (Bluetooth) speakers...again after fixing once but lost the instructions. Grrr!

 

lost sound

Lost sound after upgrade to windows 10

 

Sadly, it appears a reinstall is needed based on what you have posted.

 

By "windows diagnostic", you mean the Troubleshooter?

If not, refer to the green box in the image I attached

 

No, this was not the troubleshooter I used. I've looked at the image you posted and when I go from settings into "Update and Security", the window instantly closes before I can do anything.

About the windows reinstall, since you can keep your files, having to back up everything shouldn't be a concern, but I'm hesitant because what if the windows reinstall fails like the system restore did? I end up with no windows and 300GB of data lost.

 

Try opening Windows Settings' general window, search for Troubleshoot at the top, and open it from there

 

Tried that as well, when I click on any of the search results, it takes me back to the windows settings window (the one you just posted)

Yea, my computer has many other issues besides the sound *Tongue

 

You could use Macrium and do a System Image, Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect Windows 10 Backup Restore Tutorials

And then do a clean install or maybe try a Repair Install first. Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

 

Hmm yea, you right. Seems like your computer got a few issues here and there. =)

I agree with essenbe to do a Repair Install at first, and that should fix many major issues your computer has, and should most likely fix the audio with it too

 

Repair option seems complicated, I think I'll just go ahead with the reset PC and hope for the best.

 

Alright! Sounds like a great plan! I hope the best for you to have that issue repaired!

 

I would still recommend the Macrium image first. Just to be safe.

 

I backed everything up and attempted the reset PC about a week ago. I got an error saying that it couldn't be done and no changes have been made. I also tried reset PC without keeping files (wipe everything) but that failed as well. System restore does not work, going back to a previous windows build does not work. What is the next step?

 

Sounds like a complete reinstall is the best option.
Clean Install Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials