Troubleshooting Sound Issues on a Mini PC After Upgrading to Windows 11

Upgrading to a new operating system can be an exciting experience, but it can also bring about unexpected challenges. If you’ve recently transitioned from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on your mini PC and are suddenly faced with sound issues, you’re not alone. Many users encounter audio problems when making the switch, particularly when using HDMI to connect to a television. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential causes of this issue and provide you with a step-by-step guide to restore audio functionality on your system.

Understanding the Problem

After upgrading to Windows 11, some users report that sound output via HDMI to their television is no longer functional. You might find that while your TV speakers work perfectly fine with other devices, they fail to produce sound from your mini PC. Interestingly, if your headphones are functioning correctly, it indicates that the PC itself can output audio but is likely having issues with HDMI settings or drivers.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve HDMI Audio Issues

Check HDMI Connection: Begin by ensuring that your HDMI cable is securely connected to both your mini PC and TV. A loose connection can sometimes interrupt the audio signal.
Set the Correct Playback Device:
Right-click the sound icon on the taskbar and select “Sound settings.”
Under the “Output” section, you should see a list of audio devices. Make sure your TV is selected as the default playback device. If it’s not listed, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable.
Update Audio Drivers:
Outdated drivers can cause audio problems after an OS upgrade. Go to the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the menu.
Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section, right-click the HDMI audio device, and select “Update driver.” Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver Software.
Adjust Sound Settings:
Sometimes, the audio settings need to be adjusted after an upgrade. Return to the “Sound settings” and check if any enhancements are enabled. Disable them to see if that resolves the issue.
Also, check the “Advanced” settings in the sound control panel to ensure the format is compatible with your TV.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter:
Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix