If It Takes Two has no audio on your PC, start with the game’s separate volume and speaker settings, then correct Windows output routing. When music and effects work but character voices are missing, the most useful targeted fix is changing the Windows playback device from Surround or 7.1 to Stereo. If every Windows application is silent, move beyond the game and check the connection, device status and audio driver.
Identify the symptom before changing anything
The fastest fix depends on whether the problem is limited to It Takes Two, affects only dialogue, or affects all sound on the computer. Use this first-pass comparison to choose the narrowest path.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| What you hear | Most relevant checks | Why this path fits |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from the game at all | Game volume controls, Windows output selection, mute state, audio enhancements | The game may be routed to a different or muted playback device, or its own sliders may be down. |
| Music and effects play, but character speech is silent | Dialogue Volume, Speaker Type, Channel Setup, then Windows Stereo configuration | Speech can be sent to a center channel that a stereo TV, headset or speaker pair does not have. |
| Every Windows app is silent | Cables or Bluetooth, device enabled status, default playback device and driver troubleshooting | A system-wide failure is outside the game’s menus. |
| Sound works through one output but not another | Windows output selection and matching game Speaker Type | HDMI/TV, headphones and speakers can appear as separate playback paths. |
Make one change at a time and test the game after each change. That makes it clear which setting solved the issue and prevents a working configuration from being lost.
Recommended Free Tools
1. Check the audio controls inside It Takes Two
Electronic Arts’ PC accessibility documentation lists independent controls for the game’s master, dialogue and music audio. It also provides speaker and channel choices. Open the game’s Sound menu before changing Windows settings.
#1 Best Overall
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50 MM DRIVERS — Our 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 as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Sturdy closed earcups fully cover the ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH MEMORY FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240 g, the headset features thicker headband padding and memory foam ear cushions with leatherette to keep gaming in peak form during grueling tournaments and training sessions
- WORKS WITH WINDOWS SONIC — Make the most of the headset’s powerful drivers by pairing it with lifelike surround sound that places audio with pinpoint accuracy, heightening in-game awareness and immersion
Raise the relevant volume sliders
- Open It Takes Two and go to its Sound menu.
- Check Master Volume. Raise it above zero and make sure it is not effectively muted.
- Check Dialogue Volume separately. A normal Master Volume does not guarantee that speech is audible if Dialogue Volume is low.
- Check Music Volume as well. This helps distinguish a dialogue-only problem from a complete game-audio failure.
- Apply or leave the menu using the game’s normal confirmation control, then test a scene containing both speech and background sound.
These controls are independent, so changing only Music Volume will not restore character voices. Conversely, if all three sliders are raised and the game remains silent, continue with the output path rather than repeatedly adjusting the same controls.
Match Speaker Type to the device you are actually using
The Sound menu’s Speaker Type option is intended to set the type of speaker used. Choose the option that matches the active physical output:
- Speakers for a conventional left/right speaker pair.
- TV when the sound is coming from a television, commonly through an HDMI connection.
- Headphones for a wired or wireless headset or headphones.
Do not select a device merely because it is connected. Match the setting to the output that Windows is sending sound to right now. For example, selecting Headphones while Windows is sending audio to an HDMI television can make diagnosis confusing because the game and operating system are describing different paths.
Set Channel Setup deliberately
Channel Setup offers Stereo and Surround. Select Stereo for a two-channel setup, including a stereo TV, ordinary left/right speakers or typical headphones. Select Surround only when the connected playback system and its Windows configuration genuinely provide surround channels. If voices disappear while effects and music remain, use Stereo in both the game and Windows as the diagnostic baseline described below.
Use Dynamic Range as a listening check
Dynamic Range provides Low, Medium and High. This option changes how strongly quiet and loud sounds are separated; it does not replace the Master, Dialogue or Music controls. If speech is difficult to hear rather than completely absent, try another Dynamic Range value while keeping the output and channel configuration correct. If the voice channel is being sent to a nonexistent speaker, changing Dynamic Range alone will not restore it.
Rank #2
- 【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.
2. Route Windows audio to the intended output
Windows can send the game to a different device than the one you are listening to. Microsoft recommends selecting the intended output in the system sound settings, confirming that it is not muted and making it the default playback device.
Select and unmute the output in Settings
- Open Settings.
- Go to System > Sound.
- Under the output controls, select the device you intend to use: speakers, headphones or the television/HDMI output.
- Check the output volume and mute state. Make sure the selected device is not muted and that its level is audible.
- Return to It Takes Two and test a section with music, effects and dialogue.
If several devices are listed, temporarily select the one you can physically verify. A connected headset, a monitor with HDMI audio and built-in laptop speakers can all be present at once, and choosing the wrong one can look like a game failure even when Windows is working normally.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSet the device as the default playback device
- In Settings > System > Sound, open More sound settings.
- Open the Playback tab in the classic Windows sound window.
- Select the device you want to use.
- Set it as the Default playback device using the available control.
- Close the dialog and launch or resume the game to test the change.
This step matters when Windows has multiple active outputs. The game’s audio may follow the default playback path even though another device is plugged in and producing sound for a different application.
3. Turn off audio enhancements and run Windows diagnostics
Microsoft notes that audio enhancements can cause audio issues. Disable them temporarily for the active output so processing is not masking the underlying signal, then use the built-in diagnostic.
Disable enhancements for the active device
- Open Settings > System > Sound and select the output device you are testing.
- Find the device’s audio properties and the setting for audio enhancements.
- Turn enhancements off.
- Play It Takes Two again with the same game volume and speaker settings.
Enhancements are processing applied after the game produces audio. Turning them off is a diagnostic step, not a requirement to leave every system permanently unprocessed. If disabling them restores sound, you can later decide whether to re-enable individual processing features one at a time.
Rank #3
- Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound: This gaming headset delivering stereo surround sound for realistic audio. Whether you're in a high-speed FPS battle or losing yourself RPG adventures, this Ps5 headset provides crisp treble, punchy bass, and precise directional cues, giving you a competitive edge
- Great Humanized Design: Comfortable and breathable permeability protein over-ear pads perfectly on your head, adjustable headband distributes pressure evenly, you’ll enjoy lasting comfort during hours of gaming and suitable for all gaming players of all ages
- Sensitivity Noise-Cancelling Microphone: 360° omnidirectionally rotatable sensitive microphone, premium noise cancellation, sound localisation, your voice comes through loud and natural, ensuring your teammates catch every callout, even in chaotic battle scenes.
- Universal Compatibility: This gaming headphone support for PC, Ps5, Ps4, Xbox one, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Laptop, Mobile Phone and other devices with 3.5mm jack.Note 1: When you use headset on your PC, be sure to connect the "1-to-2 3.5mm audio jack splitter cable" (Red-Mic, Green-audio). (Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter when connect with an old version Xbox One controller)
- Cool style gaming experience: Colorful RGB lights create a gorgeous gaming atmosphere, adding excitement to every match. Heightening immersion for FPS, MOBA, and action titles. These eye-catching lights give your setup a gamer-ready look while maintaining focus on performance. (*Note: The USB connector is for LED lighting only)
Run the Windows audio troubleshooter
- Open the Windows audio troubleshooting entry from the sound settings or launch the Get Help application.
- Choose the audio problem diagnostic.
- Follow its prompts for the output that is currently selected.
- Apply a suggested correction only after confirming that it refers to the device you want to use.
- Test the game again when the diagnostic completes.
The diagnostic is most useful after the correct output has been selected and unmuted. Running it against an unused HDMI monitor or disconnected Bluetooth device can produce a result that does not address the path used by the game.
4. Restore missing dialogue by correcting channel configuration
A distinctive symptom is audible background noise, music or effects with silent character speech. A Steam discussion describes a case where Windows had configured a stereo television as 7.1. Speech was sent to a center or speech channel that the television did not have. This is a user-reported workaround, not a guaranteed diagnosis for every system.
Use Stereo in the classic Windows playback setup
- Press the Windows key, type
mmsys.cpl, and open the classic Sound control panel. - Open the Playback tab.
- Select the active speakers, headphones or TV device.
- Choose Configure.
- Set the speaker arrangement to Stereo rather than Surround or 7.1.
- Complete the configuration and test the game again.
Use this route when the physical setup is stereo. A two-channel TV cannot reproduce a center channel that Windows believes exists. The same principle applies to a left/right speaker pair or ordinary headphones that have been incorrectly assigned a multichannel layout.
Keep the game and Windows modes consistent
After setting Windows to Stereo, return to the game’s Sound menu and set Channel Setup to Stereo and Speaker Type to the matching device category. Consistency removes one major source of channel mapping errors. If you actually own a surround system, do not force Stereo as a permanent solution without checking that the receiver, Windows playback layout and game mode all describe the same number of channels.
When this workaround does not apply
If dialogue is silent even with a confirmed surround system, or if all game audio is silent, the missing-voice symptom is not enough to establish a channel mismatch. Recheck Dialogue Volume, output routing and enhancement settings before changing more advanced speaker layouts. If only one output has the problem, compare that device with an output that works rather than altering every Windows audio setting.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #4
- 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.
5. If every application is silent, broaden the investigation
When browser audio, system sounds and other applications are also silent, treat the problem as a Windows device or connection issue. The game cannot restore a disconnected or disabled output.
Check the physical or wireless connection
- For wired speakers or headphones, inspect the cable at both ends and confirm it is connected to the output you selected in Windows.
- For Bluetooth headphones or speakers, confirm the device is connected rather than merely paired, and select its active playback endpoint in Settings > System > Sound.
- For HDMI or TV audio, confirm the television or monitor is the device selected in Windows and that its own audio is not muted.
- If the output has a hardware mute switch or volume control, verify that control separately from Windows’ volume slider.
These checks establish whether the intended endpoint can produce any sound before you return to game-specific settings.
Confirm that Windows sees and enables the device
In the sound settings, make sure the intended output appears and is enabled. If it does not appear, select another known output to determine whether Windows audio works at all. A missing device points to the connection, device availability or driver path rather than the game’s Dialogue Volume or Channel Setup.
Investigate driver problems through Windows guidance
Microsoft’s Windows audio guidance and troubleshooter cover driver-related failures. Follow those diagnostics when the device is missing, disabled or silent across applications. Keep the investigation focused on the output that should carry the game’s sound; changing an unrelated device’s driver will not correct a wrong playback selection.
Driver investigation is especially appropriate after a device change or when the same output fails in every application. It is less appropriate as the first response to a dialogue-only problem that disappears when Windows is configured for Stereo.
Choose the shortest path for your exact case
Case A: No sound only in It Takes Two
- Check Master Volume, Dialogue Volume and Music Volume in the game’s Sound menu.
- Set Speaker Type to the actual output and choose the matching Channel Setup.
- Select and unmute that output in Settings > System > Sound.
- Open More sound settings > Playback and make it the default playback device.
- Disable audio enhancements and run the Windows audio diagnostic.
Case B: Music and effects work, speech does not
- Raise Dialogue Volume and verify that Master Volume is also audible.
- Set the game to the correct Speaker Type.
- In
mmsys.cpl, use Playback > device > Configure > Stereo for a stereo TV, speakers or headphones. - Set the game’s Channel Setup to Stereo and test again.
Case C: Every Windows app is silent
- Check cables, Bluetooth connection or HDMI selection.
- Confirm the intended device is visible, enabled and unmuted.
- Set it as the default playback device.
- Disable enhancements and run the Get Help audio diagnostic.
- Use Microsoft’s Windows audio guidance to investigate driver problems if the failure remains system-wide.
Case D: One device works and another does not
- Test the working device to confirm that the game can produce audio.
- Select the non-working device explicitly in Settings > System > Sound.
- Set its matching Speaker Type in the game.
- Check whether its Windows channel layout is incorrectly set to Surround or 7.1 when the hardware is stereo.
- Run the enhancement and diagnostic steps for that device only.
Verify the fix without losing the working configuration
Use a repeatable test after each correction: keep the same Windows output selected, play a scene with dialogue and background audio, and listen for both. If you change from headphones to a TV or speakers, update the game’s Speaker Type before judging the result. Record the setting that works, particularly the Windows default device and Stereo/Surround choice, so a later device switch does not recreate the mismatch.
If the game remains silent while other applications work, return to the game’s three volume sliders and output selections rather than changing Windows drivers indiscriminately. If every application remains silent, stop treating it as an It Takes Two-only problem and continue with the connection, device and driver checks.
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 also 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; its free trial is offered by category for at least two days before a paid subscription. It complements antivirus software rather than replacing it, results vary, and no tool repairs every crash.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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.
