I've being trying to get Minecraft sounds working lately without success using javaw.exe, but strange enough with the console oupout (java.exe) my sounds are working. Since this is just a workarround and doesn't solve the issue itself, I would like to know if any of you know what could be causing this problem.

I have no sound anywhere including main menu and f3 + s isn't doing anything.

Yes I did try to re-install Java on my machine (when defined Minecraft launcher to use the JRE installed on my machine), I tried to re-install the game and I tried to check if sounds were working using the javasounddemo that I downloaded on Oracle website (it works).

Here is a installation log of minecraft latest version using javaw.exe: https://pastebin.com/cNVnTWVN .

This answer applied only to windows - if you are using Unix you would need to use different commands

After quick search in launcher logs you would notice this:

12:45:23 dgr Thread-2 info Initializing No Sound
12:45:23 dgr Thread-2 info (Silent Mode)
12:45:23 dgr Thread-2 info OpenAL initialized.


This is mostly caused by OpenAL loading error. Detailed error would be shown in actual game logs witch should be included in such situtations.

But why this happens ? OpenAL could error while loading due to multiple issues:

1. Mojang shipped wrong OpenAL library - they did it in past, they could do it now.


2. Mismatch between in java version that are used by game or launcher - launcher downloads binaries based on its java, not one that is used to start-up game ( Depends on launcher version - Notch's old launcher uses same java instance to launch game )


3. Another OpenAL.dll library somewhere in java's libpath. This case is pretty rare but can happen with some software that uses java "in wrong way"

First case isn't applicable for you as sound does work with java.exe , but doesn't with javaw.exe .

As for second one - you reinstalling java doesn't do much! Your old version is still there and it could be defined in %PATH%! This is why where.exe comes in play:

1. Open up any command prompt that you like.


2. Type in where.exe java and where.exe javaw. .exe part is required if you are using PowerShell!


3. Compare output of both commands - it should be semi-equal

Also including game logs could help finding issue as there are many more OpenAL errors that can happen.

METHOD 1: Reinstalling Java

1. On your Computer, Uninstall Java.


2. Go To: https://java.com/en/ and click "Free Java Download".


3. Go To your Download Directory Location (Example: C:UsersUSERNAMEDownloads).


4. Click on the Java Setup & Follow the On-Screen Instructions.


5. Uninstall Minecraft. [WARNING: Backup your Minecraft if you want to save Worlds, etc..]
   


6. Go To https://minecraft.net & on the Top-Left, click "DOWNLOAD".


7. Go To your Download Directory Location (Example: C:UsersUSERNAMEDownloads).


8. Click on the Minecraft Installer & Follow the On-Screen Instructions.


9. Start Minecraft and Start a World and See if the Problem is Solved.

METHOD 2: Sound Settings

1. Go To your Control PanelHardware and Sound and click Sound.


2. Make sure ALL Devices Connected are Working Properly.


3. Start Minecraft and Go to your Options Menu.


4. Make Sure your Sounds are at %100 and your Master Volume is at %100.


5. Start a World and See if the Problem is Solved.


6. If this did NOT Solve your Problem, then attempt METHOD 1: Reinstalling Java Above.

METHOD 3: Reinstalling Windows

1. If you are Desperate for Sound on Minecraft, then Reinstall Windows
   


2. Go To https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/.../windows-reset-or-reinstall-windows-10
   


3. Follow the Instructions & Reinstall Windows.


4. Go To your Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge and Go To https://www.google.com/chrome/ & Install Google Chrome.


5. Go To https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ & Install Adobe Flash Player. [WARNING: Uncheck Optional Downloads in the Middle Section on the Download Page, Scroll Down to know Why you MUST Download Adobe Flash Player.


6. Go To your Download Directory Location (Example: C:UsersUSERNAMEDownloads).


7. Click on the Adobe Flash Setup & Follow the On-Screen Instructions.


8. Go To https://minecraft.net & on the Top-Left, click "DOWNLOAD".


9. Go To your Download Directory Location (Example: C:UsersUSERNAMEDownloads).


10. Click on the Minecraft Installer & Follow the On-Screen Instructions.


11. 
    [OPTIONAL]: Upload your Minecraft Backup.


12. Download ANY Mods, Texture Packs, or Skins you wanted for Minecraft.


13. Start Minecraft and Start a World and See if the Problem is Solved.

[NOTE: You MUST Download Adobe Flash Player because Most Games Require Adobe Flash Player.]

[NOTE: You MUST Download Java because Minecraft REQUIRES Java to Run.]

If NONE of these Methods Work, then Please Reply and I will Research to Find More Possible Ways to Solve This Problem.