How to Fix Speaker Setup Unknown on Windows 10
Windows update is necessary for the seamless operation of its drivers and devices. That’s why Microsoft releases new updates twice a year. These updates find flaws in the existing operating system, drivers, and hardware to boost the Window’s performance.
However, these updates bring with them a set of new issues and bugs. One of the problems includes Speaker Setup unknown off.
What is the Speaker Setup Unknown Problem in Windows 10?
Many users of Windows 10 have complained about the Speaker Setup Unknown problem after the recent update of Windows 10. If you are unsure about what this issue is, why it happens, and how to fix it, give this article a read.
Whenever you connect your speaker to your system, it detects the new hardware automatically, and it should work fine. But if you see Speaker Setup (unknown), it means either your audio drivers are outdated, or your system’s configuration is altered after an update. There may be other reasons for seeing this message. Fortunately, it can be easily solved by a few tweaks in the system’s configuration or by updating drivers.
8 Ways you can Fix Speaker Setup Unknown Problem in Windows 10
Here are eight different ways to diagnose and resolve the speaker setup unknown issue. Try and check which method works for you.
Identify the cause by connecting your speaker to another PC
If you face an issue related to the audio of a speaker or your device, the first thing is to ensure if the cables are all connected properly and the speaker has power.
Before moving on to troubleshooting or tinkering with configuration, you should check your speaker by connecting it to another system. It helps decide if the speaker is faulty or the audio error is occurring due to a fault in the computer.
If the speaker doesn’t work in another system, it’s time to replace speakers or contact the manufacturer for support. But if the audio plays perfectly in another system, it means the problem lies in your computer.
Now you can try the following methods for figuring out a solution.
Try Windows Troubleshooting Options
Windows troubleshooting is a built-in application to find the source of the problem logically. It not only identifies the issue but also suggests solutions to resolve your problem. So, if you are facing Speaker setup unknown off error, try troubleshooting it.
Step 1: Use the search bar to locate “Troubleshoot settings”. Open troubleshoot panel.
Step 2: Select the “Playing Audio” option, which you can find under the “Get up and running” section.
Step 3: Click on it. It will show the “Run the troubleshooter” option.
Step 4: A new window will popup. Here you can find different options to choose from, like if you want to play troubleshooter for your built-in speaker, your headphone, or external speaker. Choose the one which is being problematic for you to run the troubleshooter.
Step 5: Click on “Next” after choosing your desired audio device. It will take a few moments to analyze your device and detect the issue.
Step 6: All you need to do now is to follow the suggestions of Windows troubleshooter. It will pinpoint the issues it found in your audio device. It will also advise on improving the quality of the audio.
Check The Volume Sliders of Your System
We often overlook to check if our audio device is not muted or disabled. Windows updates can also cause changes in the volume mixer. Follow the given steps to check the sound settings.
Step 1: Look at the taskbar; you will find a speaker icon on it.
Step 2: Right-click the speaker icon and choose the volume mixer from it.
Step 3: Check and play with sliders. Suppose you find some low sliders. It means you have detected your problem. Correct it and check your audio.
Check the Output Device
If you have connected multiple audio devices like headphones, Bluetooth speakers, or external speakers, you might have forgotten to select the desired audio output device. In this case, Windows 10 will try to play audio from a different device.
Step 1: To solve this, click on the small arrow icon pointing upwards.
Step 2: Choose the volume icon from it.
Step 2: Right-click on the icon and choose “Open Sound Settings”.
Step 3: Here on the top, choose your output device from the given options.
Try Setting Your Speaker as Default
Checking your sound configuration and setting your speaker as default can restore audio and help you fix the speaker setup unknown error.
Step 1: To do this, you will have to go to the “Sound Control Panel”. Go to settings.
Step 2: Choose sound from the option. Here you see the “Sound Control Panel” on the right side. Click on it.
Step 3: Under the Playback tab, click your speaker and set it to default.
Step 4: Now, choose the option of “Properties”.
Step 5: Go to the “Advanced” tab, and select the audio quality in a different format.
Step 6: Test your speaker.
Audio Device Driver Update
The audio driver Realtek High Definition (HD) for Windows 10 might be missing or corrupted, and it can contribute to Windows 10 speaker setup unknown error. Updating the driver to the latest version can restore the audio on your system. There are two reliable ways of updating the driver.
a) Using Device Manager
Step1: Right-click on Windows icon or press Window key + X to open “Device Manager”.
Step 2: Scroll down to the sound, video, and game controllers section and expand it.
Step 3: Right-click on the audio driver and choose the “Update Driver” option.
Step 4: Windows will ask you to choose to update automatically or manually. Choose the automatic driver update.
Step 5: Windows will automatically search the updated version and download it for you.
b) Using Third-Party Software Driver Easy:
Driver Easy is a professional-grade driver updater which saves a lot of time and hassle by updating all the drivers that are using the old version.
Step 1: Download and install Driver Easy.
Step 2: Choose the “Scan Now” option. It will show you the drivers that need to be updated.
Step 4: Select your audio driver. Update it and check your system’s audio.
Try Using a High-Quality Audio Device Driver
So far, you have tried many methods to restore audio in your system. Still, no luck? Try a manual update of your audio drivers. It means using Window’s own drivers it offers that are generic. Reverting to Windows audio drivers can also resolve speaker setup unknown off issue.
Step 1: Open Device Manager by pressing Window key + X.
Step 2: Go to Sound Video and Game Controllers.
Step 3: Select your driver, right-click it to choose “Update” from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: This time, instead of selecting an automatic download, select browse my computer for driver software.
Step 5: Choose “Let me pick from a list of available drivers.”
Step 6: It will show you options for a generic driver for Windows 10.
Step 7: Select and download it.
Reinstall Sound Card Drivers
Some computers come with built-in audio capabilities, but for more improved and powerful sound, high-quality sound cards are used. So, if you have already tried and updated your driver, and the audio problem persists, try reinstalling the audio drivers by the following method:
Step 1: Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Windows icon on the taskbar.
Step 2: Another method of opening the device manager is to press Window key + R, and type devmgmt.msc.
Step 3: Scroll and find Sound video and game controllers; expand it.
Step 4: If you find your audio driver with a yellow mark, it means your driver is problematic. Uninstalling and reinstalling it again will give you a cleaned driver.
Step 5: Choose the “Uninstall it” option after Right-clicking.
Step 6: Delete the driver, and reboot your PC.
Step 7: Open “Device Manager” again. Click on Sound video and game controllers.
Step 8: Click on the “Action” tab and select “Scan”. This will reinstall the drivers.
How to Fix Cortana and Microphone Problems
Cortana is a built-in Windows 10 virtual personal assistant that fulfils your commands. It is like Siri. But if your audio isn’t working correctly, you won’t be able to use Cortana. The following are the steps to fix the microphone or Cortana problem.
Step 1: First, check if your mic is connected and set up correctly. If your PC doesn’t have a built-in microphone, you will have to use an external device.
Step 2: Check on any other application such as Skype to see if your microphone is working.
Step 3: If it is not working, click on the sound icon on the taskbar.
Step 4: Open Sound settings and select the microphone as “Input Device”. Please note that if your microphone still doesn’t work, you may need to upgrade microphone drivers.
Step 5: Go to settings and choose “Cortana”.
Step 6: Here, switch on the option for “Hey Cortana Command”.
Step 7: Say something to Cortana to check if Cortana hears and responds to you or not.
Constantly Check for Updates
Windows and driver updates are released from time to time. If your computer is not configured for automatic updates, you may need to do it manually. For that, you may need to go to the manufacturer’s website to check your driver’s updates’ new release. Downloading a reliable third-party driver updater can also save you from a lot of hassle of manually checking in for updates.
In addition to it, you need to keep an eye on the Windows 10 update itself. Every new Windows update secures your operating system from malware attacks. Without these updates, your system will be susceptible to different threats. It can lower your overall computer performance. So, check on different intervals for new updates if your audio issue persists.
Summary
We have tried to cover a list of solutions that can stop your movie night to be ruined. First, try the most obvious and the easiest solutions like checking the volume slider or troubleshooting before moving on to updating or reinstalling the driver for a cleaned, updated version.
Windows 10 has now facilitated us with built-in troubleshooters and other methods for a quick fix. We hope that you figured out the cause of the speaker setup unknown windows 10 error and fixed it.
