cannot increase volume even if trouble shooter updates it

Thasha 0 Reputation points
2026-02-28T15:30:26.6666667+00:00

when i try to increase the volume, it goes back to zero. Trouble shooter states that there is a problem or and output device playing with the audio. It updates and says it is ready but the issue is still ongoing.

Surface | Surface Pro | Sound and camera
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Answer recommended by moderator

S.Sengupta 30,991 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2026-03-01T01:10:03.44+00:00

Press Win + X → Device Manager

Expand Sound, video and game controllers

Right-click Realtek High Definition Audio (or Surface Audio)

Select Uninstall device

Check Delete the driver software

Restart your Surface

After restart:

Go to Windows Update → Check for updates

Install everything including Optional Updates

In Start Search type Services.msc and hit the Enter Key:

Search for:

Windows Audio

Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

Right-click each → Restart

Make sure Startup type is set to Automatic

Right-click speaker icon → Sound settings

Click Speakers (your output device)

Scroll to Audio Enhancements

Set to Off

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  1. AI answer

    2026-02-28T15:30:37.3266667+00:00

    Try these steps on the Surface to fix the volume resetting to zero:

    1. Run the audio troubleshooter again
      • Open the Get Help app and run the audio troubleshooter. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix sound issues.
      • If it reports a problem with the output device, let it apply the fix and then test the volume slider again.
    2. Check and set the correct output device
      • Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
      • Select the arrow next to the volume slider to open Select a sound output.
      • Choose the built‑in Speakers (or the output device actually being used) and test changing the volume.
    3. Set the default audio device in Settings
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Output, select the device that should play sound. Selecting it also sets it as the default.
      • Test the volume slider there; confirm it no longer jumps back to zero.
    4. Install all Windows and Surface updates
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
      • Install all available updates, restart the Surface, and test the volume again.
    5. Update or reinstall the audio driver
      • Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Update the driver for the Surface audio device.
      • If the issue started after an update, use the Driver > Roll Back Driver option in the device Properties to return to the previous version, then test again.
      • If needed, download and install the latest audio/Sound drivers for the specific Surface model from the device manufacturer’s support site.
    6. If still not fixed
      • On a Surface, if all software steps fail, use the Restart or Force shutdown and restart options described in Surface troubleshooting, then test again.
      • As a last resort, use Restore or reset your Surface if the problem persists and appears to be software‑related.

    References:

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