How to Fix No Sound in Firefox on Windows?

If you’ve launched Mozilla Firefox and noticed that audio isn’t playing during video or media playback, the issue is typically linked to either browser-level settings or system-level sound configuration. In many cases, Firefox shows media is playing, but no sound is heard due to output device misrouting or inactive system audio. If audio is missing across all applications, the problem likely lies within the operating system rather than Firefox itself.

The most common causes are misconfigured sound settings in the browser or operating system. These include muted tabs, disabled audio permissions in Firefox, incorrect default playback devices, or volume levels set too low in the system mixer. Some users also encounter this issue after a major browser update, changes in connected audio devices, or HDMI-related output conflicts.

Before proceeding with any fixes, first check whether sound works in other applications such as YouTube in Chrome, VLC, or Spotify. If audio plays fine elsewhere, the issue is likely isolated to Firefox. If no audio is available across all apps, focus on system-wide audio troubleshooting first.

1. Adjust Windows Sound Settings

This solution is applicable when Firefox appears to be playing media, but no audio is heard due to incorrect Windows sound settings. This may happen if Firefox is muted in the volume mixer or assigned to a disconnected output device.

Check Volume Mixer for Firefox

Windows remembers per-app volume levels. If you previously muted Firefox, it may still be muted—even after a restart.

1. Make sure Firefox is running and playing audio (e.g., a YouTube video).
2. Right-click the speaker icon on the bottom-right of the taskbar and select Open Volume Mixer.
3. Look for the Firefox volume slider. If it’s muted or very low, drag it up to 100%.
   

Set Firefox to Use Default Output Device

If Firefox is assigned to a specific output device that’s disconnected or inactive, sound won’t play. Setting the output to Default ensures Firefox uses whichever device is currently active.

1. Open the Windows search bar and type “Sound settings” to access System sound settings.
   
2. Scroll to “Advanced sound options” and click “App volume and device preferences”.
3. Ensure Firefox is playing media so it appears in the list.
4. Find Firefox, then click the drop-down under Output and select Default.
   

2. Enable Firefox Autoplay Settings

By default, Firefox blocks autoplaying media with sound to minimize distractions. This can make it seem like there’s no audio, especially if you’re expecting sound without interacting with the page or the site lacks clear playback controls. Allowing autoplay lets sites like YouTube, Facebook, and embedded players start media with sound automatically, without manual input.

1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) at the top right corner of Firefox and select “Settings”.
   
2. In the left-hand panel, click “Privacy & Security”.
   
3. Scroll down to the “Permissions” section and click “Settings” next to Autoplay.
4. From the drop-down menu next to “Default for all websites”, select “Allow Audio and Video”.
   
5. Click “Save Changes” to apply the new setting.
   

3. Dissociate Bluetooth Devices

If you’ve previously used Bluetooth headphones or speakers, Windows may still route audio to them—even if they’re turned off, out of range, or removed. In such cases, Firefox continues playing sound, but it’s sent to a disconnected or inactive device.

Manually removing these Bluetooth devices forces Windows to switch back to the default or currently active output device, allowing Firefox to route audio correctly through your speakers or wired headphones.

1. Open the Windows search bar and type “Bluetooth and other devices” to open the Bluetooth settings.
2. Under the “Audio” section, locate any paired Bluetooth audio devices. Click the device, then select “Remove device” to disconnect it. You will need to pair the device again if you want to use it in the future.

4. Common System-Wide No Sound Fixes

The previous fixes focused on audio issues limited to Firefox. However, if you’re experiencing no sound in any apps—including system sounds, media players, or browsers—the issue likely lies at the system level. One common cause is a disabled output device in Windows, which prevents all software, including Firefox, from producing sound.

Check the Intended Device from Playback Devices

An output device may become disabled in Windows due to the following reasons:

• Manually disabled: A user might have right-clicked the device in Sound settings and selected “Disable”—intentionally or by mistake.
• Windows updates or crashes: A system or driver update, or an unexpected crash, can cause Windows to disable a previously active device.
• New audio devices: Adding devices like Bluetooth headphones may automatically disable the former default output device.
• Third-party audio software: Tools like Dolby or Realtek Audio Manager may disable devices when switching profiles or configurations.

Enabling the correct output device restores system-wide sound, allowing Firefox and other apps to output audio normally.

1. Open the Windows search bar and type “Sound settings” to open System sound settings.
   
2. On the right side, click “Sound Control Panel”.
   
3. In the Playback tab, locate your intended output device. If it’s disabled, right-click on it and select “Enable”.

Uninstall and Reinstall Audio Drivers

Audio drivers can become corrupted due to Windows updates, incompatible software, sudden power loss, or improper shutdowns. This can result in no sound across all applications, including Firefox.

Reinstalling audio drivers helps restore the connection between Windows and your audio hardware, resetting device configurations and resolving registry-level audio access issues.

1. Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager” from the list.
   
2. Expand the category “Sound, video and game controllers.”
   
3. Locate your active audio device, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall device.”
   
4. Restart your system. Windows will automatically reinstall the correct drivers upon reboot. Allow some time after startup for the process to complete.