How to Get Audio to Come Out of Monitor: The Real Deal
Honestly, trying to get audio out of a monitor can feel like wrestling an octopus in a phone booth. You’ve probably spent way too long staring at driver settings, fiddling with cables that look identical, and wondering if your fancy new display is just a glorified paperweight for your desk. I’ve been there, countless times.
Years ago, I spent a solid 45 minutes trying to get sound from my brand-new, supposedly top-tier monitor, convinced it had built-in speakers. Spoiler: it didn’t. The sheer amount of marketing fluff out there makes it seem like this should be a no-brainer, plug-and-play situation. It rarely is.
So, let’s cut through the noise. We’re talking about how to get audio to come out of monitor speakers, or how to make sure your monitor is passing audio correctly to external speakers. It’s not always about the monitor itself, often it’s about what you’re connecting it to and how it’s configured.
This whole audio routing thing can be a real headache if you’re not paying attention to the details. Expect a few surprises.
Is Your Monitor Even Supposed to Have Speakers?
First things first, and this is where a lot of people (myself included, back in the day) get tripped up. Not all monitors have built-in speakers. They might have audio ports, or even support HDMI audio pass-through, but that doesn’t mean there are tiny woofers hidden behind that sleek bezel. You wouldn’t expect a car to play music just because it has a stereo jack, right? Same principle applies here.
Quick check: look up your monitor’s model number. If the specs don’t explicitly mention ‘built-in speakers’ or ‘integrated audio,’ then you’re likely wasting your time trying to coax sound out of it directly. The good news is, this usually means you need external speakers or headphones, which often sound way better anyway.
My first big monitor was a gorgeous 27-inch ultrawide. No speakers. I spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to find the ‘speaker icon’ that just wasn’t there, all while my roommate casually plugged his external speakers into the PC. Rookie mistake, and a costly one if you buy the wrong gear thinking it has what it needs.
The Cable Conspiracy: HDMI, Displayport, and Your Audio
Now, if your monitor *does* have speakers, or you’re trying to send audio *through* it to external speakers connected to the monitor itself, the cable you use is paramount. This is a point where I think many articles miss the mark by not being direct enough. HDMI and DisplayPort are designed to carry both video and audio signals simultaneously. USB-C, when configured for display output, often does too.
However, not all devices output audio over every port, and sometimes, even if the port *can* carry audio, the device you’re connecting (like a laptop or a game console) might be set to prioritize a different audio output. It’s like trying to send a text message through a fax machine – the technology is there, but the setup is wrong. (See Also: How To Run 144hz Monitor )
The key here is ensuring your source device (your PC, your console, your streaming box) is actually sending the audio signal down the cable. For PCs, this usually means checking your sound settings. Did you know that Windows sometimes defaults to your motherboard’s audio output even if you’ve got a shiny new monitor with audio capabilities plugged in via HDMI? I’ve seen this happen at least five times with friends who just bought new setups.
If you’re using DisplayPort, it’s generally very reliable for audio. HDMI is also great, but sometimes older HDMI versions or specific cables can be finicky. It’s not usually the cable itself, but the handshake between devices that can go awry. A loose connection can feel like a broken component, but it’s just a simple physical issue that you can fix by reseating everything. Honestly, I find myself wiggling the HDMI cable more often than I’d care to admit, just to see if that’s the gremlin.
Checking Your Computer’s Sound Settings: The Real Gatekeeper
This is the part everyone dreads, but it’s where the magic (or lack thereof) usually happens. On Windows, you’re looking at the Sound control panel. Right-click that little speaker icon in your system tray. Go to ‘Sounds’ or ‘Playback devices.’ You should see a list of all your audio output devices.
If you’re using HDMI or DisplayPort to get audio to your monitor (or through it to speakers), your monitor should appear in this list. Sometimes it’s listed by its model name; other times, it might just say ‘HDMI Audio’ or ‘DisplayPort Audio.’ Your goal is to right-click on the correct one and select ‘Set as Default Device.’ This tells your computer, ‘Hey, send all the sound this way!’
This is also where you’ll find out if your PC thinks your motherboard audio is still the boss. If your monitor audio device is showing up but is disabled or has a red ‘X’ through it, right-click and enable it. It’s surprisingly common for these to get disabled automatically during driver updates or when new hardware is introduced. I once spent three hours troubleshooting a no-audio issue only to find the HDMI audio device was accidentally disabled when I installed a new graphics card. The frustration was immense, a slow burn of disbelief that something so simple was the culprit.
On macOS, it’s similar. Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output. Select the appropriate HDMI or DisplayPort output device. It’s usually more straightforward, but I’ve still seen Macs get confused about which audio device is the one you actually want to use, especially with multiple displays connected.
The visual cue of a disabled device with a red ‘X’ is one I wish more tech support would emphasize. It’s like a flashing neon sign saying, ‘Fix me!’ but so many people miss it, or they think it’s an error they can’t resolve.
When the Monitor Speakers Are Just… Meh
Okay, so you’ve got sound coming out of your monitor. Great! Now, does it sound good? Often, no. Built-in monitor speakers are usually an afterthought, designed for basic system alerts or maybe a quick YouTube video. They lack bass, clarity, and volume. It’s like listening to a symphony through a tin can; you get the notes, but not the richness. (See Also: How Do I Get 2nd Monitor To Work )
This is where the common advice to use external speakers or headphones comes in, and frankly, I agree with it wholeheartedly. If your monitor has an audio-out jack, you can plug your headphones or external speakers directly into the monitor. This is handy because you can control monitor volume and speaker volume independently, and it keeps your desk tidy.
However, there’s a hidden pitfall here. Some monitors send a *line-level* audio signal from their built-in source, which is great for powered speakers. Others might send a *headphone-level* signal. This distinction matters if you’re connecting passive bookshelf speakers that require an amplifier. You’d need a small amplifier between the monitor’s headphone jack and your passive speakers. It’s a small detail, but it can save you from buying the wrong kind of speaker setup. I learned this the hard way when I bought passive speakers assuming they’d just plug into my monitor’s headphone jack, only to be met with a pathetic whisper of sound. Turns out, I needed a separate little amp.
So, while getting sound out of your monitor is the primary goal, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to bypass those built-in drivers for a truly enjoyable audio experience. It’s not about the monitor being broken; it’s about physics and speaker design. You can’t fit a concert hall into a postage stamp, and you can’t fit booming bass into a half-inch speaker.
Troubleshooting: The Oddball Scenarios
What if nothing seems to work? We’ve covered cables and settings, but there are other gremlins.
Driver Issues: Sometimes, the audio drivers for your graphics card (which handle HDMI/DisplayPort audio) or your motherboard’s audio chip are outdated or corrupt. Visit the manufacturer’s website for your GPU and motherboard and download the latest drivers. Don’t just rely on Windows Update.
Monitor Firmware: Less common, but some monitors have firmware that can be updated. Check the manufacturer’s support page for your specific model. Updates can sometimes fix bugs related to audio transmission.
Specific Device Quirks: Every device is a snowflake. A PS5 might behave differently than an Xbox Series X, which might behave differently than a Windows PC. If you’re struggling with a specific device, search online for “[Your Device Nam + [Your Monitor Model] + no audio.” You might find someone else has already battled the beast and won.
The ‘Mono’ Effect: I once encountered a monitor that, for some bizarre reason, would only output audio in mono when connected via HDMI. It sounded thin and weird. Turns out, there was a specific setting buried deep in the monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display) menu that had been accidentally toggled. It was like finding a needle in a haystack. Forcing the audio settings on your PC to stereo can sometimes override this, but it’s worth checking the monitor’s own audio settings if you have them. (See Also: Will Any Intel Nuc Work With An Apple Thunderbolt Monitor )
External Devices Not Passing Audio: If you’re using a docking station or a KVM switch, these can sometimes mess with audio signals. They add another layer of complexity. Test your audio by connecting your source device directly to the monitor to rule out the intermediate hardware. I spent half a day chasing a phantom audio problem only to realize my KVM switch was the culprit. It was then I remembered reading a forum post from about 2017 that mentioned this specific switch had audio issues.
A Word on Volume: Always check the volume controls at every step: your source device (PC volume), your monitor’s volume control (if applicable), and your external speakers’ volume. A single muted control can bring the whole system to a halt. It sounds obvious, but in the heat of troubleshooting, we often forget the basics.
Ultimately, getting audio to come out of a monitor is a multi-stage process that requires a bit of detective work. It’s rarely just one thing.
| Component | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Monitor Speakers | Convenience, minimal desk clutter. | Typically poor sound quality, low volume, lack of bass. Often an afterthought. | Skip them if you care about sound quality. Use only for system alerts or basic notifications. |
| External Speakers (Powered) | Good to excellent sound quality, wide range of options, easy setup. | Requires desk space, can increase cable clutter. | My go-to for most setups. A good pair makes a massive difference. |
| Headphones | Immersive sound, privacy, no desk space required. | Can be uncomfortable for long periods, not suitable for sharing. | Excellent for focused work or gaming, but not a permanent monitor solution. |
| Audio Passthrough (Monitor Audio Out) | Allows connecting external speakers/headphones to the monitor. | Quality of passthrough can vary, still relies on monitor’s internal audio processing. | Useful if you want to control volume from the monitor, but often less ideal than direct PC connection. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
My Monitor Has Speakers, but I Can’t Hear Anything. What Now?
First, verify your computer’s audio output is set to the monitor. Right-click the speaker icon in your system tray, go to Playback devices, and select your monitor (often listed as HDMI Audio or DisplayPort Audio) as the default. Also, check the volume on both your computer and the monitor itself. Make sure it’s not muted or turned all the way down. Sometimes, a simple reboot of your computer can resolve temporary glitches.
Can I Get Audio From My Pc to My Monitor’s Speakers via USB-C?
Yes, often you can. If your monitor supports USB-C for display input, it usually also supports audio transmission over that same cable, provided your computer’s USB-C port also supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (which carries audio and video). Ensure your monitor settings and computer sound settings are configured to use the USB-C connection for audio. It’s one of the cleaner solutions if your hardware supports it.
Why Does My Monitor’s Audio Cut Out Intermittently?
Intermittent audio cutouts can be caused by a few things. Check your HDMI or DisplayPort cable for damage and ensure it’s securely connected at both ends. Outdated audio drivers on your graphics card or motherboard can also be the culprit; try updating them from the manufacturer’s website. Lastly, some cheaper KVM switches or docking stations can interfere with stable audio signals, so try connecting directly if possible to see if the problem persists.
Verdict
So, you’re trying to figure out how to get audio to come out of monitor speakers, or pass through it. It’s a journey, right? Most of the time, it boils down to checking your computer’s playback devices, ensuring the right cable is plugged in securely, and confirming your monitor actually *has* speakers in the first place. Don’t be like me and spend half an hour looking for a feature that doesn’t exist.
If you’re still scratching your head, take a step back and look at the entire chain: source device → cable → monitor (or external speakers connected to monitor) → your ears. Somewhere in that chain is the answer.
Honestly, for most people, if your monitor speakers are just ‘meh,’ consider the audio-out jack on the monitor or directly from your PC as your gateway to better sound. External speakers or a decent pair of headphones will make your multimedia experience infinitely better than those tinny built-ins.
The next time you set up a new display, I’d recommend checking the audio capabilities *before* you buy, and then just budget for a decent pair of external speakers or headphones. It saves a lot of headaches down the line.
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