Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If Fortnite has no sound on your PC, check Fortnite’s selected output device first, then Windows’ output and per-app mixer settings. A wrong route can leave Windows volume looking normal while Fortnite is silent. If the output device is missing, unreliable, or your headphones crash when the game launches, use the separate driver and headset procedures below.
Identify which audio failure you have
The quickest fix depends on what still works. Use this symptom map before changing settings:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| What you notice | Start with |
|---|---|
| Fortnite is silent, but Windows sounds and other apps work | Fortnite Audio output and Windows Volume mixer |
| All PC audio is silent | Windows output selection, mute state, and audio services |
| Your speakers or headphones are not listed | Device Manager and the manufacturer’s driver support |
| Headphones lose sound or crash Fortnite as it launches | The mmsys.cpl Exclusive Mode procedure |
| Game audio works but voice chat does not | Windows playback, recording, and microphone privacy settings |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 can use slightly different menu wording, and Fortnite labels may change after an update. Follow the closest matching path on your installation and restart Fortnite when a step specifically calls for it.
1. Select the real output device in Fortnite
Fortnite can be routed to a different playback device even when Windows’ master volume is raised. This commonly happens after connecting a headset, monitor, USB audio device, or another output.
#1 Best Overall
- 285G LIGHTWEIGHT BUILD — Experience superior audio and game for hours without being weighed down by the headset
- TRIFORCE 40MM DRIVERS — Cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows —producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- HYBRID FABRIC AND MEMORY FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — Wrapped in a combination of breathable fabric and plush leatherette to provide a snug fit to ensure constant comfort for prolonged gaming
- 7.1 SURROUND SOUND — Provides accurate positional audio that lets you pinpoint intuitively where every sound is coming from. *Only available on Windows 10 64-bit
- Launch Fortnite and open the main menu.
- Open Settings, then choose the Audio tab.
- Find Audio Output Device.
- Select the speakers or headphones you are actually using now.
- If two entries appear identical, select the entry that does not begin with “Default output”. Epic’s guidance specifically uses that distinction for duplicate entries.
- Apply the change, close Fortnite completely, and launch it again.
Test a menu sound and a match after restarting. If the game is still silent while other applications play normally, continue with Windows’ per-app controls rather than repeatedly changing the same Fortnite setting.
2. Check Windows’ output device, volume, and mute state
Windows has its own output selection. It can disagree with Fortnite’s choice, particularly after you switch between a monitor, speakers, Bluetooth equipment, and a wired headset.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select the speakers or headphones you intend to hear.
- Confirm that the selected device is not muted.
- Raise the device volume slider to a clearly audible level.
- Play a Windows test sound or another known-working application.
Microsoft identifies four broad causes of no sound: an incorrect output device, muted audio, audio enhancements that interfere, or an audio driver that is not working correctly. If another application also has no sound, stay in Windows’ Sound settings and work through the device and driver checks below. If only Fortnite is silent, go directly to Volume mixer.
3. Check Fortnite’s per-app Volume mixer entry
Windows can assign an individual volume and output device to each application. App volume controls can override the system volume, so Fortnite may be muted or routed elsewhere while browser, notification, or music audio continues.
Rank #2
- Enjoy expansive cinematic sound. Big 50 mm audio drivers deliver an incredible sound experience
- Hear Enemies From All Sides. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound(1) lets you hear enemies sneaking behind you, special ability cues, and immersive environments. It’s positional clarity that can make the difference between victory and defeat. Experience three-dimensional audio that goes beyond 7.1 channels to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. (1) DTS Headphone:X 2.0 requires Logitech G HUB Software.
- Be Heard Loud and Clear. The big 6 mm boom mic makes sure you’re heard by gaming partners and mutes when flipped up.
- Use One Headset For Most Game Platforms. Your headphones work with your PC or Mac via USB DAC or 3.5 mm cable, mobile devices with 3.5 mm cable or with gaming consoles including PlayStationⓇ 5 and PlayStationⓇ 4 (USB wireless stereo sound only), Nintendo Switch (wireless stereo sound when docked)
- Game for Hours in Comfort. Everything about these headphones is about comfort: The deluxe lightweight leatherette ear cups and headband are made to keep pressure off your ears. Ear cups rotate up to 90 degrees for convenience.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.
- Scroll to Apps and locate Fortnite. You may need the game running for its entry to appear.
- Make sure Fortnite is not muted.
- Raise Fortnite’s app volume.
- Check Fortnite’s Output device in the same entry and select the speakers or headphones you are using.
- Close the mixer and test the game again.
This check matters even if the device shown at the top of the Sound page is correct. The app-level route can remain on an older headset, a monitor, or another output until you change it explicitly.
4. Restart Windows audio services
A temporary failure in the Windows audio stack can affect one game without changing the visible volume controls. Restarting the two audio services is a reversible way to clear that state.
- Open Start, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - In the Services window, find Windows Audio.
- Right-click it and choose Restart.
- Find Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
- Right-click it and choose Restart.
- Close Services, relaunch Fortnite, and test both game audio and voice chat if you use it.
If a service is still stopped after the restart, start it from the same context menu. If the problem returns every time Fortnite launches, note whether the failure is limited to one headset or output; that distinction determines whether to continue with the headset procedure or the driver checks.
5. Repair a missing, disabled, or unreliable audio device
When Windows does not list the speakers, headset, or sound hardware you need, the issue is different from a muted game. Microsoft says Windows may fail to detect an audio output when the required driver is missing, outdated, disabled, or not loading correctly.
Rank #3
- [Wide Compatibility] This professional gaming headset for PC gamers is compatible with PC (Windows 7/8/10), PS4/PS5 console, laptops, and other devices with a USB audio port.(Note: EKSA E1000 is not compatible with game controllers.)
- [Driver-free 7.1 Surround Sound] Enjoy an instant immersive gaming experience with its 7.1 surround sound. EKSA PC gaming headset has a built-in USB audio sound chip and 50mm magnetic neodymium driver that gives you a vivid surrounding sound field. No extra downloads or hassle to get the best experience, just plug and play.
- [Noise Cancelling Microphone] The EKSA gaming headset for PS5 reduces distracting background noise and guarantees loud and crystal-clear communication with its 120° adjustable high-sensitive microphone. The headset’s omnidirectional noise reduction tech allows you to enjoy quality sound when gaming or in-game chats.
- [Comfortable Ergonomic Design] Premium soft memory protein earmuffs ensure ultimate comfort even for a prolonged period. In addition, there’s absolute comfort during lengthy gaming sessions with an adjustable headband designed for balanced weight distribution and reduced clamping force. Short cables are also not your problem anymore as its 2.2m extremely durable cable allows you to enjoy your game with no boundary.
- [2 Years Warranty] EKSA gaming headsets are under strict quality inspection on each production line. We offer 24-hour customer support and a 2-year warranty. We will make our most incredible effort to take responsibility for your shopping experience.
Update the device in Device Manager
- Open Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Find the audio device associated with your PC, motherboard, sound card, monitor, or headset.
- Open its context menu and choose the available driver-update option.
- Complete the update process, then restart the PC.
- Return to Start > Settings > System > Sound and check whether the output now appears.
The exact device name varies by hardware. Do not assume that a monitor’s HDMI or DisplayPort audio uses the same entry as the motherboard’s speakers, and do not select a device you do not recognize merely to make the list longer.
When Device Manager does not solve detection
If the output is still absent, consult the support site for the PC maker or the sound-card maker and use the driver intended for your exact model and Windows edition. A driver can fail to load even when an entry remains visible, so an apparently present device does not prove that its driver is healthy.
After installing a manufacturer-supplied driver, restart Windows before judging the result. Then select the device in Windows Sound, select it again in Fortnite’s Audio settings, and check Volume mixer. Those three layers can each hold a separate route.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →6. Fix headphones that crash or lose sound when Fortnite starts
A headset-specific launch crash has a separate Epic procedure. Use it when Fortnite becomes unstable, the headset stops producing sound as the game opens, or the failure occurs only with that microphone and headset combination.
Rank #4
- 【Amazing Stable Connection-Quick Access to Games】Real-time gaming audio with our 2.4GHz USB & Type-C ultra-low latency wireless connection. With less than 30ms delay, you can enjoy smoother operation and stay ahead of the competition, so you can enjoy an immersive lag-free wireless gaming experience.
- 【Game Communication-Better Bass and Accuracy】The 50mm driver plus 2.4G lossless wireless transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal in Fortnite, Call of Duty, The Legend of Zelda and RPG, so you will never miss a step or shot during game playing. You will completely in awe with the range, precision, and audio quality your ears were experiencing.
- 【Flexible and Convenient Design-Effortless in Game】Ideal intuitive button layout on the headphones for user. Multi-functional button controls let you instantly crank or lower volume and mute, quickly answer phone calls, cut songs, turn on lights, etc. Ease of use and customization, are all done with passion and priority for the user.
- 【Less plug, More Play-Dual Input From 2.4GHz & Bluetooth】 Wireless gaming headset adopts high performance dual mode design. With a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which is super sturdy, lag＜30ms, perfectly made for gamers. Bluetooth mode only work for phone, laptop and switch. And 3.5mm wired mode (Only support music and call).
- 【Wide Compatibility with Gaming Devices】Setup the perfect entertainment system by plugging in 2.4G USB. The convenience of dual USB work seamlessly with your PS5,PS4, PC, Mac, Laptop, Switch and saves you from swapping cables.
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter
mmsys.cpland press Enter. This opens the classic Sound control panel. - Open the Recording tab.
- Double-click the microphone you use for Fortnite.
- Open the Advanced tab.
- Enable both Exclusive Mode check boxes.
- Select OK, close the remaining Sound windows, and restart Fortnite.
If you use two headsets, repeat the procedure for each microphone. Test the game after each change so you know which device resolves the launch problem. If the crash continues with one headset but not another, compare the connections and detection steps in the fallback section rather than repeatedly changing unrelated Fortnite graphics or network settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. Restore voice chat when game audio works
Voice chat has an additional input path. You can hear gameplay normally and still have no microphone or teammate audio if Windows defaults and Fortnite’s voice settings point to different devices.
Set Windows playback and recording defaults
- Open Control Panel > Sound.
- On the Playback tab, select the speakers or headphones you want Fortnite to use and set them as the Windows default.
- On the Recording tab, select the microphone you want to use and set it as the default.
- Apply the changes and close Control Panel.
Epic states that Fortnite’s default input and output choices work when Windows is set to the sound device being used. If Fortnite is configured to use a named device instead, verify that the name still corresponds to the connected headset.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCheck Fortnite voice settings and privacy
- In Fortnite, open Settings and review the voice-chat mode and channel.
- Confirm that voice chat is enabled for the mode you are using and that the intended input and output devices are selected.
- In Windows privacy settings, check that microphone access is allowed for desktop applications.
- Return to a match or party and test both speaking and listening.
Changing only the game’s voice toggle cannot correct a Windows microphone permission or default-device problem. Check both sides of the connection before concluding that the headset itself has failed.
Best Value
- TRIFORCE 40 MM DRIVERS — Razer patented 3-part driver design pushes out exceptional highs, mids and lows that doesn’t muddy, providing a more dynamic listening experience for deeper immersion
- RETRACTABLE HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — The improved pickup pattern in the microphone ensures more voice and less noise, while its retractable design allows for optimal positioning or protection when not in use
- 7.1 SURROUND SOUND — With our advanced 7.1 surround sound, enjoy true-to-life acoustics that optimize the game’s sound design and hear everything as if you were right in the middle of it all
- COMFORTABLE MEMORY FOAM CUSHIONS — Features hybrid fabric and leatherette cushions with close-fitting earcups that provide superior sound isolation and comfort, even during long gaming sessions
- CONVERTIBLE TYPE C & TYPE A CABLE — Enjoy immersive audio across various platforms with just a single headset; switch between PC, consoles, phones, and more with a convertible Type C and Type A cable
Use a second headset to isolate hardware
If the software checks do not identify the fault, test another headset or speakers before replacing drivers repeatedly. The goal is to separate a Fortnite or Windows routing problem from a device-specific problem.
- Connection type: Compare a USB headset with a 3.5 mm headset. They can appear as different Windows output devices and therefore test different parts of the audio path.
- Detection: Confirm whether Windows lists the test headset as a separate output device and whether it remains listed after Fortnite launches.
- Microphone: If voice chat matters, use a test headset that includes a microphone and verify its Recording entry separately.
- Cross-application test: Play audio in another application, then launch Fortnite. A device that works elsewhere but disappears or fails only when Fortnite starts points back toward routing or the headset-launch procedure.
For a generic search, “USB gaming headset” describes the relevant category without implying that one brand or model is guaranteed to work. No particular headset model is established as a universal fix. Keep the original device available so you can compare output selection, microphone detection, and behavior at launch.
A clean retest order after every change
Changing several layers at once makes it difficult to know what solved the problem. Use this short retest sequence after each substantial change:
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute- Close Fortnite fully and reopen it when the step changed Fortnite’s output or a classic Sound setting.
- Confirm the selected Windows output and the Fortnite output are the same physical device.
- Play a menu or match sound before testing voice chat.
- If voice chat is the only remaining failure, test the microphone separately and recheck privacy permission.
- If the device is absent rather than silent, return to Device Manager and the manufacturer’s support driver instead of treating it as a volume problem.
This order distinguishes a wrong route from a disabled device and from a headset that fails during launch. It also prevents a working change in one layer from being hidden by a conflicting setting in another.
Quick Recap
As an optional shortcut after the manual checks, Outbyte PC Repair can address more than 100 common Windows issues where possible, including broken system elements and shared DLL problems, while offering settings tweaks, temporary and cache cleanup, privacy tools, vulnerability checks, a real-time boost, file shredder, and app-crash log. It runs on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7; a free trial by category lasts at least two days before a paid subscription. It complements antivirus software rather than replacing it, results vary, and no tool repairs every crash.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
