How to Fix Chrome Remote Desktop Audio Not Working
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You’re currently in a Chrome Remote Desktop session, but there is something wrong: you can’t hear any sound or audio output. Now, your work or entertainment experience is completely disrupted.
Chrome Remote Desktop audio issues are actually common. They’re usually caused by network issues, outdated software versions, driver problems, or misconfigured settings. In this article, we’ll help you troubleshoot these sound issues and fix them right away.
Causes of Chrome Remote Desktop Audio Not Working Issue
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- • Connectivity Problems: When the Internet connection is slow and unstable, the app’s audio transmission might lag or fail.
- • Outdated Software: An outdated Chrome Remote Desktop version blocks essential audio features, which leads to muted remote sessions.
- • Poorly-Configured Audio Settings: An incorrect audio setting setup in the host or client machine can hinder sound transmission between them.
- • Driver Issues: If a relevant system audio driver is outdated or missing, the host machine might prevent seamless sound transmission.
- • Blocking by Security Software: A faulty or overly protective firewall or antivirus application can prevent any audio transmission in a remote connection.
How to Fix Chrome Remote Desktop Audio Problems
Once you have diagnosed the audio problem’s root cause, it is now easy to enable Chrome sound again. Here are some recommended fixes for Chrome Remote Desktop Audio issues:
Review Your Audio Settings
On the host machine, enable the “audio sharing” feature in Chrome Remote Desktop Settings. Then, select the correct output sound device. Also, make sure that the volume is up and unmuted. This process applies as well to the client machine.
To test sound, play a local media file and listen to the audio quality. But for web users, make sure to allow sound in the browser site settings. Then, confirm Chrome Remote Desktop outputs sound to the right device.
Update Your Chrome and Chrome Remote Desktop App
Check for the latest app version and immediately update Google Chrome and Chrome Remote Desktop. Upon updating, reinstall Chrome Remote Desktop on your computer.
Test Network Connection Stability
Assess your router or WiFi’s current network download and upload speed. If these rates are low, consider switching to a wired connection or reducing network traffic.
Use the Web Version of Chrome Remote Desktop
Sometimes, the web version is more stable than the application. Hence, you might also try using Chrome Remote Desktop’s web version if there are some audio issues. Make sure to clear the web version’s cache and cookies upon use.
Update Audio Drivers on the Host System
You need an Internet connection to update your host system. Once you are connected to a network, follow the steps to perform the update:
1. Check Audio Drivers on the Host Machine
Open Device Manager (press Windows + X) and look for Sound, video, and game controllers category.
Search for your audio device and check for yellow warning icons. Right-click the device and press Properties. Check if it says “This device is working properly.” If not, update or reinstall the driver.
2. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Go back to the Device Manager, right-click your audio device, and select Update driver. Locate and install driver updates by clicking Search automatically.
Once installation is done, restart the host machine and test audio in Chrome Remote Desktop.
But if the issue is not resolved, you need to reinstall the device. On the Device Manager, select the driver and press Uninstall device, reboot the machine, and then test the audio again.
3. Use Driver Update Software (If You Prefer Automated Updates)
Manual driver updates can be tedious. Fortunately, you can opt to automatically update your driver software.
You need to install a driver update software (e.g., Driver Booster) for this. Then, run a scan to spot outdated drivers. Follow the on-screen instructions to update audio drivers automatically.
Disable Security Software Temporarily
This approach works if your system’s firewall or antivirus application blocks audio transmissions. To temporarily deactivate the software:
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Step 1: Open your firewall settings.
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Step 2: Proceed to allowed apps/exceptions.
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Step 3: Add Chrome Remote Desktop or Chrome if they’re not listed in the allowed apps. Ensure that both private and public networks are enabled.
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Step 4: Enable audio and video permissions for Chrome Remote Desktop.
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Step 5: Test your remote session audio again.
Restart Both Machines
For Windows machines, you can open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end all unnecessary processes.
You can also delete irrelevant temporary files. To do this on Windows, clear C:\Windows\Temp and %temp% folders. On macOS, delete contents of ~/Library/Caches.
Once done, restart both host and client devices, then test sound quality again in the Chrome Remote Desktop.
Get HelpWire as an Alternative
Say you have exhausted all the steps above, but the audio issues of Chrome Remote Desktop persist. It’s not a hopeless case. HelpWire, an advanced remote tech support software, is ready to troubleshoot and resolve these problems in a heartbeat.
Why HelpWire?
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Using HelpWire’s Client History tool, users can review past interactions with their remote technicians, which makes it easier to revisit solutions for recurring audio problems.
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Exchange messages live with a support agent for reliable step-by-step guidance and resolution of remote sound problems.
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HelpWire provides tools for support teams for easy collaboration and task organization. This enables multiple tech experts to work together and fix a complicated Chrome Remote Desktop audio issue.
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All remote support processes in HelpWire are secured using advanced encryption methods. All sensitive data is kept safe during troubleshooting and post-resolution.
Wrap Up
It’s common to experience sound issues in Chrome Remote Desktop. Oftentimes, these problems are due to misconfigurations in the systems or issues with the computer’s network. Either way, a lot of smart fixes are available to resolve these problems in no time.
But if you have no time to resolve these issues on your own, HelpWire can help you connect with a professional and solve these persistent, complex, and time-consuming problems with ease.