I came across another random fix to an annoying computer problem. When using a Windows 11 laptop it started insisting there were no devices capable of playing sound, even though the computer had its standard speaker, I’d plugged headphones in and so on.
Sometimes the built-in audio trouble-shooter would fix it, but only temporarily.
After some fiddling around I determined it seemed to happen when my webcam was plugged in. It turns out that this isn’t a problem unique to me, but Reddit helped provide an answer.
The solution for me was to open Device Manager. One way to get there is to open the Start menu and, type Device Manager.
Then look for the category of devices in it called “Sound, video and game controllers”. Assuming you find that your webcam is listed there (in my case it was a Logitech C920), right click it and choose to disable it.
After a reboot I had my sound back! And the webcam still appears to work. At least as a video camera which is what I use it for. I suppose any audio functionality it has built into it may not work, but I didn’t test that. Personally I don’t need my webcam playing or recording its own audio.
I’ve no idea if this is a bug with Windows 11, the specific drivers some part of my audio setup or the webcam itself, or what. But whatever the cause, the above fixed it. You can always repeat the above and choose to re-enable the thing you disabled if it doesn’t work out for you.