Why is Valve Index Audio Not Working? (Easy Fix!)

Well-known for its immersive VR presence, Valve Index audio not working is a common issue that frequently ruins the entire experience.
Depending on your computer setup, wire installation, and audio interface, the reasons behind your Valve Index’s audio loss can be quite a few.
Starting from an improperly selected audio source, the issue can range all the way to defective equipment or external headset issues.
Let’s fix this!
Valve Index Audio Not Working – 6 Quick & Easy Ways to Fix!
Note: Ensure the Valve Index is turned on and plugged into your PC!
1. Adjust the Index & PC’s Audio Source

The first step is to ensure the correct audio output device is selected, both through your PC’s audio mixer and the Valve Index’s options.
Many users have been complaining that the Index does not switch between the audio outputs automatically, and you would have to adjust it manually each time the unit has been rebooted.
Let’s start with changing the audio source on Windows!
1.1 How to Change Audio Output On a Windows PC?
- Ensure you’re at the desktop of your Windows device.
- Click the small speaker icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Once the audio menu is extended, press on “Options.”
- Next, check all of your devices under “Sound Output.”
- Adjust the output to “Index HMD” in the audio options.
Tip: You could also go to “System” → “Sound” → “Volume Mixer” to specify the audio output device and regulate the output’s strength.
1.2 How to Change Audio Output On a Mac?

- Extend the Apple menu and go to “System Settings.”
- Click “Sound” on the sidebar and scroll downwards.
- Check the available output devices within the menu.
- Click the “Index HMD” option and save the changes.
1.3 How to Change Valve Index’s Audio Output?
- From your PC or Mac, launch the SteamVR app.
- Navigate to “Settings” and then head to “Audio.”
- Extend the drop-down menu of the output devices.
- Search for “Index HMD” and ensure it is selected.
- Optional: If possible, set the output to the “Default.”
Note: The “Index HMD” option in the output menu represents your headset’s audio source!
2. Update the Valve Index’s Audio Driver
The no audio Valve Index error could also be caused by an outdated audio driver through your Windows PC’s device manager.
Regardless of the periphery and output/input devices you have, the drivers must be updated regularly to maintain stable functionality.

Here’s how to update the Valve Index’s audio drivers:
- Type “Device Manager” in your PC’s startup menu.
- Press the “Enter” button to access the device panel.
- Now, extend “Sound, video, and game controllers.”
- The Index is called “High-Definition Audio Device.”
- Double-press on the drivers of your Valve Index unit.
- Head to “Driver” and press on “Update Driver” below.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to start the update.
Tip: We recommend pressing “Automatically search for drivers” as a manual update may take longer and could also fail.
3. Power Cycle the Valve Index Headset
Many users suggested that the audio problem could be a result of a temporary glitch with the audio driver interface.
So, a quick power cycle of the headset should eliminate all underlying issues with the audio output and significantly improve the headset’s performance.

Here’s how to power cycle the Valve Index headset:
- Unplug the Index’s interface cable from your PC.
- Hold the unit’s “Power” button for 10–15 seconds.
- Reconnect the Index’s cable back into the PC port.
- Wait for 30–40 seconds and reboot the VR headset.
Important: While the Index is unplugged, check if there’s any damage to the PC cable and try plugging the device into a different port.
4. Configure the Headset (Third-Party Headphones)

Another reason the Valve Index’s no audio issue is that you’re using an external headset with a separate audio interface.
Well, the built-in earphones of the Valve Index can be regulated directly through the settings, but third-party headphones may have a separate audio controller.
Here are several thighs to check if you’re using an external headset!
4.1 The Quality of the Headset’s Connection
The first step is to ensure that your external headset’s AUX cable is connected securely on both ends.
If not using the built-in earphones, Valve has included a 3.5 mm AUX connector along with the rest of the headset’s wires that allows for the installation of other headphones.
4.2 The Volume Controller of the Headsets

Next, ensure your headset’s volume is increased sufficiently.
Apart from the cable’s physical installation, your external headset may also have a knob that regulates the volume, bass, treble, and even the equalizer.
4.3 The Channel, Source, and Input Options
Apart from a volume knob, your external headset may also have left, right and central channels along with individual buttons for the “Source” and “Input.”
Try cycling your headset across these features to determine if the audio output will be restored.
5. Reset the Index to Default OS Settings

Perhaps, a simple factory reset may eliminate most of your Valve Index’s audio settings and restore the functionality of the built-in earphones or headset.
Keep in mind that as a result of the reset, all of your headset’s system settings will be restored to default values.
Follow these steps to factory reset the Valve Index:
- Unplug the Index from your computer’s video port.
- Hold the “System” on the bottom left of the device.
- While holding “System,” reconnect the Index’s cable.
- Release the button and wait for the LED to turn green.
Once the LED turns solid green and remains this way for several seconds, it means your Valve Index has initiated the factory reset successfully.
Alert: Do not unplug the Index from your PC before the LED light goes off!
6. Configure the Windows Driver Registry (Advanced)
If the Valve Index audio not working still, you could try adjusting the driver registry as upon startup, your PC may be automatically changing some of the read values.
This results in your Valve Index not being detected by the system as a recognizable output device.
However, keep in mind that editing the driver registry could result in Windows installation issues if not done properly.
So, we strongly recommend following our steps closely!
6.1 How to Access the Windows Driver Registry?

- Press Windows + R on your PC to run the dialog.
- Type “regedit” in the box and then press “Enter.”
- Find the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” folder below.
- Now, head to “SYSTEM” → “Current ControlSet.”
- Go to “Control” → “Class(4d36e96c-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318).”
- Locate the “xxxx” folder and enter “PowerSettings.”
There should be registries for all of the audio drivers that belong to your PC’s connected drivers.
6.2 How to Configure the Registry Binary Values?
Note: The binary values consist of either zeroes or other letters in a repeating, numerical order.
Once in “PowerSettings,” adjust the following:
- Set “ConservationIdleTime” to “ff ff ff ff.”
- Set “IdlePowerState” to “00 00 00 00.”
- Set “PerformanceidleTime” to “ff ff ff ff.”
Note: Save the changes and exit the registry before rebooting the PC, and once the device restarts, reconnect the Valve Index and check if the audio is there.

Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.