: Launch the game; it will generate a fresh configuration with default audio settings. 3. Compatibility and Admin Settings

Microsoft removed native DirectPlay support after Windows 8. Stronghold Crusader needs it for multiplayer and sometimes for audio handling.

Even if you have DirectX 12, the game needs the old DLLs.

Sometimes the game appears as “Desktop App” instead of its own name. Leave the game running, then check the mixer again.

If you are on Mac or Linux using Wine/Proton, the “no sound” issue is often due to missing lib32-alsa-plugins . Install wine-pulseaudio or wine-alsa . For Steam Deck, force Proton GE (Glorious Eggroll), which includes custom audio patches.