Overwatch Sound Not Working Fix!

It is incredibly frustrating when you load into a match only to be met with complete silence. Usually, your PC hasn't actually broken; Windows just decided to mute the game app in the background or switched your audio output to a device that isn't plugged in.

Why this happens

Windows often aggressively manages per-app volume levels, or recent system updates can unexpectedly swap your default audio device, causing Overwatch to play sound through a monitor or disconnected headset.

Steps

1. 01
   Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select Open volume mixer. Locate Overwatch in the list and ensure the volume slider is not at zero and the speaker icon is not muted.
2. 02
   Launch Overwatch, go to Options then Sound, and verify the Playback Device is set to your actual speakers or headset rather than a generic default or disconnected device.
3. 03
   If sound is still missing, right-click the taskbar speaker icon again and choose Sound settings. Ensure the correct output device is selected at the top, then scroll down to the Volume mixer section to verify Overwatch is specifically mapped to your preferred device instead of a different one.

Still not working?

If you still have no audio, check if your audio drivers are corrupted by opening Device Manager, finding your audio device under Sound, video and game controllers, and selecting Update driver. If other applications also lack sound, your issue may be a failing motherboard audio header or a loose physical connection to your headset.

Frequently asked questions

Does this issue mean my game files are corrupted?

Usually, no. This is almost always a configuration conflict between Windows and your audio drivers rather than a problem with the game files themselves.

Why does the sound keep cutting out during matches?

If sound cuts out mid-match, check your cable connections and ensure your headset is not hitting a low-battery threshold if wireless, as Overwatch may lose its handshake with the device when power fluctuates.