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My mute botton is delayed for a couple seconds- can i fix this?

Andrea 70 Reputation points
2025-09-07T07:59:29.7166667+00:00

Hi,

I've noticed this issue recently where my mute button is delayed for a couple seconds before working. I've tried updating my laptop, restarting, updating audio drivers, even tried uninstalling and reinstalling them, also have done the troubleshooting scans and all that.

At this point I'm out of ideas on what to do so I would really love if someone could help me fix this.

Is it the biggest issue ever? No. Could I live with it if i had to? Sure. But it's annoying enough where if I can fix it, I would like to. For reference I have a surface laptop 5 and I'm on windows 11

Thank you!

Surface | Surface Laptop | Sound and camera
Answer accepted by question author
  1. Edward Schlobohm01 9,150 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-07T13:59:13.3866667+00:00

    Hi Andrea,

    Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. I understand how frustrating it is to deal with a delay when using the mute button.

    Just to clarify, does this happen across all apps, or only in specific ones? Also, are you using Bluetooth or USB audio devices?

    To start, try restarting the Windows Audio services by typing “services” in the search bar, then restarting Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, and RPC. You can also try switching to the High Definition audio device driver via Device Manager, which sometimes helps with latency.

    Disabling audio enhancements might also help. Press Windows + R, type mmsys.cpl, and disable all enhancements under your playback device settings.

    If the issue persists, try running the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit to check for hardware or driver problems. And if nothing works, you might consider a system restore or reset—there’s an option that keeps your personal files intact. Here's the guide: Restore or reset Surface, https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/restore-or-reset-surface-for-windows-e1fd649a-6396-a7de-2e87-7ba3b45e0fb1

    Troubleshooting Surface Audio and sound issue: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/troubleshoot-surface-sound-and-audio-accessories-41bdae2f-677a-166b-1cda-03e44520992e#bkmk_solution2w11

    Lastly, make sure nothing is blocking your device’s speaker or mic openings.

    Let me know how it goes!

    Regards

    Edward

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Sheraz 5 Reputation points
    2025-12-01T17:01:44.8533333+00:00

    Just came across a helpful-enough workaround - if you press the mute button and then the volume down button immediately after it will instantly mute. That's good enough for me until there's an actual fix, hope this helps anyone!

    You and 1 other person found this answer helpful.
  2. Jeroen Kuijk 0 Reputation points
    2025-11-14T12:46:51.2766667+00:00

    Hi. I recoginze this, but it changed recently.

    Now pressing the mute button results in the icon receiving a X cross, as if it was muted, but muting of sound only starts if i press the Volume down button once.

    Happens on my surface laptop keyboard, but exactly the same on a external USB keyboard.

    Also the behavure is equal on using integrated speakers or usb dock connected audio.

    Thx for fixing!

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