Windows 10: Odd problem with Win10 disabling sound after no activity for a while

Windows 10 on one of my machines is experiencing an odd issue where if there is no user activity for an extended period of time, sound stops working.

My setup:

A refurbished HP Elite 8300 microPC running Win10 Pro that I just purchased and installed a week ago. I use it in my living room connected to a large TV. The PC only has DisplayPort out, so I have an adapter converting that to HDMI and then running into one of the HDMI ports on the TV. The TV then outputs sound via digital coax to a soundbar. I also have a Nintendo Switch and PS4 going to the TV via other HDMI ports.

The problem is that when I leave the PC for the night or even for a few hours, when I come back there is no sound. It looks like it's working, the sound device isn't disabled, it's not muted, etc. There just isn't any sound going to the TV and onto the soundbar. If I switch audio devices to the micro PC's tiny internal speaker, that does work. I know it's a problem with the PC however, since if I switch the TV source over to the PS4 or Switch, everything works fine. Those devices are outputting their sound via HDMI to the TV and the soundbar is working properly. It's only the PC that stops sending sound for some reason to the TV via the DisplayPort/HDMI connection. And it only happens if I leave it unattended for an extended period of time. I can be watching a video and everything works, pause it, come back 2 hours later and there's no sound. If I reboot the PC, it works fine again until the next time I leave it unattended for some time.

I am not sure if there is some sort of sleep setting or energy saving nonsense that is turning off the PC's ability to send sound via the DP/HDMI ports. Everything I've checked is working normally, and it's a totally fresh Windows install since I just got the machine a week ago.

submitted by /u/PrestonGarveysHat
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:)

 

Sound problem

Hi,

We need to investigate further so that we can identify the cause of the issue. We suggest running the Troubleshooter and see if it helps. Follow the steps below:

• Type and select Troubleshooting on the Search bar/Cortana.
• Click Hardware and Sound.
• Select Playing Audio under Sound.
• Follow the steps that will be provided.

If the steps does not work. We suggest downloading a fresh copy of the audio driver from Realtek and see if it helps.

Looking forward to your response.

 

Good surround sound headset

I know you say you're not that guy, but stepping into the $250+ range really brings a change in build quality that might have you never having to buy another set. Otherwise, getting 6 speakers with decent sound in a headset is hard, and that's what you are asking for, and I have no suggestions, but just a bump up the list. *Stick Out Tongue

 

Disable beep sound when plugging/unplugging laptop charger

I would suggest you to follow the steps and check if it helps.

Disable the PC Speakers and check if it helps.

• Right click on Sound Icon in the task bar and go to Playback devices.
  
• Select Speaker and click on properties.
  
• Go to Levels tab, and mute (or you can reduce it) PC Speaker and check if it helps.