Windows HP Envy 2-in-1 laptop audio randomly goes out

Troubleshooting Audio Dropout Issues on HP Envy 2-in-1 Laptop Running Windows

Experiencing inconsistent audio performance can be frustrating, especially when it interrupts your daily activities. If you’re using an HP Envy 2-in-1 laptop and facing random audio cutouts—where sound suddenly stops while the system indicates audio should still be playing—you’re not alone. Here, we explore common causes and effective solutions to help restore reliable audio functionality.

Recognizing the Issue

Many users have reported that their HP Envy 2-in-1 laptops work perfectly for a period, only to experience sudden audio loss during web browsing or media playback. Typically, the system’s sound output graphics indicate that audio is still being transmitted to the speakers, yet no sound is audible. This problem persists across multiple applications and streaming platforms, like YouTube and other media players.

Preliminary Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into complex fixes, there are quick measures that might temporarily resolve the issue:

• Restart the audio service: Sometimes, restarting Windows audio services can restore audio. You can do this via the Services app (services.msc) by restarting “Windows Audio” and “Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.”
• Use HP Support Assistant: The HP Support Assistant is a valuable tool that can diagnose and repair common driver issues. Running its automatic repair for audio drivers often temporarily restores functionality.
• Check audio settings: Ensure that the correct playback device is selected, and that volume levels are appropriately configured.

While these steps can be helpful, they may only provide short-term relief, as the underlying issue could persist.

In-Depth Solutions

To establish a more permanent fix, consider the following approaches:

1. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupt audio drivers are common culprits for audio disruptions. To update your drivers:

• Via Device Manager:
• Right-click on the Start menu button and select “Device Manager.”
• Expand “Sound, video, and game controllers.”
• Right-click on your audio device (e.g., realtek, IDT, or similar) and select “Update Driver.”

• Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

• Reinstall Drivers:

• If updating doesn’t help, right-click on the device and select “Uninstall device.”
• Restart your laptop. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
• Alternatively, visit HP’s support website to manually download and install the latest