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Failed to Play Test Tone: How to Fix the Error

Check expert-approved solutions for the problem

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 9, 2024

updated onOctober 9, 2024

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Key notes

The Windows OS, though getting refined over the years, still throws a few errors every now and then. One of these isFailed to play test toneerror when troubleshooting issues with an audio device.

The error can be faced with a range of devices and could point to a wide array of underlying causes triggering the message, which makes it difficult to troubleshoot things.

But don’t worry! We have covered every aspect of theFailed to play test toneerror and the most effective solutions for it in the following sections.

Why does it sayFailed to play test tone?

There could be several reasons behind the error, and here are the common ones:

In addition to this error, users reported the following problems as well:

Let’s now head to the solutions.

How do I fix error Failed to play test tone?

Before you head to the solutions that require reconfiguring the settings or making other advanced changes, here are a few things you can try:

In case these don’t work, head to the solutions listed below:

1. Update the drivers

If Windows doesn’t find the updates, go to the manufacturer’s official site and manually download the latest driver version. However, the manual method isn’t always effective and may introduce instability if the incorrect drivers are installed.

Windows 10 usually installs all the necessary drivers, and it does a good job of finding and recognizing your devices. But, sometimes, it does not, and you have to manually install or update them.

The easiest solution is to have a tool that automatically installs all the drivers you need.

Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Install the High Definition Audio Device driver

1.PressWindows+Rto openRun.

In the text box, typedevmgmt.msc,and hitEnter.
Go to theSound, video and game controllerssection.

4.Right-click on the problematic device and selectUpdate driver.

5.Choose theBrowse my computer for driver softwareoption.

6.Now chooseLet me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

7.From the list of drivers, chooseHigh Definition Audio Device, and clickNext.

8.ClickYesonthe warning box.

If updating the driver didn’t work, you can install theHigh Definition Audio Devicedriver to fix things in case of theFailed to play test toneerror.

This can be done via Device Manager, and you need to browse your PC for the driver you want to install.

3. Restart the Windows Audio service

If your speaker failed to play the test tone in Windows 11, starting the Windows Audio service should help.

4. Disable all audio enhancements

Sometimes, theFailed to play test toneerror can appear if you’re using certain audio enhancements, and disabling all of them should work.

5. Remove recently installed updates

Many users received theFailed to play test toneafter Windows 10 update due to bugs in the recently installed version.

If the problem is fixed after uninstalling it,disable automatic updatesin Windows, and wait for a newer version to release before you re-enable it.

6. Change the security permissions in the registry

If you’re getting this error frequently, you might be able to fix it by changing the security permissions. You’ll need to find another Windows 10 PC and compare the security permissions between the two.

7. Reset Windows

If nothing so far has worked, we suggest youfactory reset Windows 10. Also, if possible, make sure to delete everything, including the files stored on the PC.

Once done, the computer will be as good as new and theFailed to play test toneerror fixed.

In case this, too, doesn’t work, the problem likely lies with the hardware, and you will have to get it checked by a professional, or if it’s still under warranty, take it to the dedicated repair center.

Also, if the speakerFailed to play test tonein Windows 11, the same set of solutions would apply

Besides, check thebest sound enhancement softwarefor Windows 10.

If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, just write them down in the comments below.

Failed to Play Test Tone: How to Fix the Error#

Why does it sayFailed to play test tone?#

How do I fix error Failed to play test tone?#

1. Update the drivers#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

2. Install the High Definition Audio Device driver#

3. Restart the Windows Audio service#

4. Disable all audio enhancements#

5. Remove recently installed updates#

6. Change the security permissions in the registry#

7. Reset Windows#