How to Fix Valorant Audio Not Working on Windows (Sound Cuts Out Completely)

If your audio cuts out completely when you open Valorant on Windows, you’re not alone. Many players report that sound stops in the game and in other apps like YouTube. The audio only returns after they close Valorant.

This issue usually happens because the game takes exclusive control of your audio device or forces Windows to switch sound modes. But you can fix it quickly. This guide shows you exactly how to restore your sound.

Fix 1: Disable Exclusive Mode (Most Effective Solution)

This fix solves the issue for most players.

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
2. Click Sound settings.
3. Select More sound settings.
4. Under the Playback tab, choose your active audio device.
5. Click Properties.
6. Open the Advanced tab.
7. Uncheck:
   • Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device
   • Give exclusive mode applications priority
8. Click Apply, then OK.
9. Restart your PC.

Open Valorant again and test your sound.

This prevents the game from taking full control of your audio system.

Fix 2: Stop Windows from Lowering System Volume

Windows sometimes treats in-game voice chat as a communication call.

1. Open More sound settings.
2. Go to the Communications tab.
3. Select Do nothing.
4. Click Apply and OK.

Launch Valorant and check if audio stays active.

Fix 3: Set the Correct Audio Format (Sample Rate Fix)

Different sample rates can cause sound to drop.

1. Open Sound settings → More sound settings.
2. Select your audio device.
3. Click Properties → Advanced.
4. Set format to:
   24 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality)
5. Click Apply and restart your PC.

Make sure all playback devices use the same format.

Fix 4: Update or Reinstall Your Audio Driver

Outdated drivers often crash under gaming load.

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device.
4. Select Update driver.

If that doesn’t work:

• Right-click the device again.
• Select Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC.

Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

If you use Realtek or Nahimic, download the latest version from your laptop manufacturer’s website.

Fix 5: Disable Audio Enhancements

Enhancement software often conflicts with Valorant.

1. Go to Sound settings → More sound settings.
2. Select your playback device.
3. Click Properties → Enhancements.
4. Check Disable all enhancements.
5. Restart your PC.

Test the game again.

Fix 6: Check CPU Usage During Launch

High CPU usage can crash audio drivers.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Performance tab.
3. Launch Valorant.

If CPU spikes close to 100%, background apps may overload your system. Close unnecessary programs before launching the game.

When to Contact Riot Support

If none of the fixes work:

• Test other games to see if audio cuts out.
• Try a different headset or speaker.
• Reinstall Valorant.

If the issue only happens in Valorant, contact Riot Games Support with your Windows version and audio device details.

When Valorant disables your entire system audio, the problem usually comes from exclusive device control or driver instability. Disable exclusive mode first. That fix resolves the issue for most players.

Follow the steps above carefully. Your audio should stay stable even while the game runs.

If the problem continues, update your drivers or remove audio enhancement software. These steps fix the issue in almost every case.