How to Get Sound of of Computer Monitor: How to Get Sound Off
Honestly, for years I just assumed my computer monitor was a glorified picture frame. Sound? Nah, that was for speakers. Then one day, staring at a sleek, brand-new ultrawide with absolutely zero audio output, I thought, ‘Wait a minute…’ Maybe I was missing something obvious.
Turns out, I was. And you probably are too, or you wouldn’t be looking this up.
Getting sound off of computer monitor setups can feel like a dark art. There’s a ton of jargon, and most of it is designed to sell you something you don’t need. I’ve wasted enough cash on what I now call ‘sparkle dust’ cables to know better.
Let’s cut through the noise and figure out how to get sound of of computer monitor displays, the right way. No fluff.
Monitors with Built-in Speakers: The Dream (sometimes Reality)
Okay, so the simplest way to get sound from your monitor is if it actually has speakers. Revolutionary, I know. But here’s the kicker: most monitors *don’t*, or the ones that do are often an afterthought. They’re usually tiny, tinny things that sound like a hamster shouting through a toilet paper tube. I once bought a ‘gaming’ monitor specifically because it advertised built-in speakers. Big mistake. The audio quality was so bad, I’d have preferred the ambient hum of my PC fan.
When you’re looking at specs, search for ‘built-in speakers’ or check the port list for an audio-out jack *on the monitor itself*. If it has them, you’re usually in business by just plugging in the HDMI or DisplayPort cable that carries both video and audio signals. Sometimes, though, you’ll need a separate audio cable, especially if your graphics card or motherboard doesn’t support audio over the display connection. This is less common these days, but it happens.
External Speakers or Headphones: The Reliable Workhorses
This is where most people end up, myself included, after one too many disappointing built-in speaker experiences. Plugging in external speakers or a decent pair of headphones is like switching from a kazoo to a Stradivarius. It’s night and day.
For speakers, you’ve got a few options: USB powered speakers, speakers that plug into a 3.5mm audio jack (usually on your PC tower or motherboard), or even Bluetooth speakers if your setup supports it. The 3.5mm jack is the classic. You’ll find it on the back or front of your PC. Just plug one end into the PC, the other into the speaker’s input. Simple. USB speakers draw power and send audio through the USB cable, which can be handy if you’re tight on jacks. (See Also: How To Put 144hz Monitor At 144hz )
Headphones are even simpler. They plug into that same 3.5mm jack. Easy peasy. But here’s a hot take: everyone says to get the best audio from your monitor, just plug in speakers. I disagree. If your monitor doesn’t have good speakers, or you’re using it in a shared space, good headphones are almost always the better, more isolating experience. You can get lost in the game or movie without annoying anyone else, and often for a fraction of the cost of a decent speaker system. My trusty Beyerdynamics have seen me through countless late-night gaming sessions where blasting speakers would have ended friendships.
Checking Your Pc’s Audio Output Settings
So, you’ve plugged stuff in. Nothing’s happening. Annoying, right? This is where I usually start kicking my desk, but resist the urge. The problem is often in the software, not the hardware. You need to tell your computer WHERE to send the sound.
On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the system tray (bottom right corner). Select ‘Sound settings’ or ‘Playback devices’. You’ll see a list of all your audio output devices. Make sure the one you want (your monitor’s speakers if it has them and you’re using HDMI/DP, your external speakers, or your headphones) is selected as the ‘Default Device’. Sometimes it’s just set to the wrong thing after a driver update or a Windows patch. I once spent two hours troubleshooting a new sound card only to find out Windows had randomly switched the default output back to my old, unplugged motherboard audio.
Mac users, it’s similar. Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output. You’ll see your options there. Select the correct device.
Understanding Audio Over Hdmi/displayport
This is a big one, and often where confusion lies. Modern graphics cards and motherboards usually support sending audio signals through HDMI and DisplayPort cables. If your monitor has built-in speakers or an audio-out jack that accepts the signal from these ports, you should theoretically get sound this way.
However, it’s not always automatic. Graphics card drivers play a role. If your drivers are outdated, or if the audio component of the driver wasn’t installed correctly, audio over HDMI/DisplayPort might not work. Running a quick driver update (especially for your graphics card, like NVIDIA or AMD) can fix a surprising number of issues. According to NVIDIA’s support documentation, ensuring the HDMI audio driver is installed is a common step when troubleshooting audio problems with their cards.
Also, check your monitor’s own settings menu. Some monitors have an option to enable or disable audio input over HDMI/DisplayPort. It sounds daft, but I’ve found this setting hidden away on a few models, causing me to scratch my head for ages. It’s usually buried under ‘Input Settings’ or ‘Audio Settings’ on the monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display). (See Also: How To Switch An Acer Monitor To Hdmi )
The Audio Jack on Your Monitor: What It’s For
Some monitors, particularly higher-end ones or those marketed for gaming or multimedia, might have a 3.5mm audio-out jack. This is NOT to be confused with an audio-in jack. If your monitor has this, it usually means it has a small internal amplifier and speakers, or it’s designed to pass through the audio signal it receives from your PC (usually via HDMI or DisplayPort) to headphones or external speakers you plug *into the monitor*.
This can be a neat trick if your PC is far from your desk or tucked away, as it consolidates your audio connections to the monitor. You plug your PC’s audio out (if needed, though usually HDMI/DP handles it) or just your headphones into the monitor itself. The quality of these monitor-integrated jacks varies wildly. I’ve found some to be perfectly fine for casual listening, while others introduce static or a noticeable hiss. It’s like buying a budget car; it gets you there, but don’t expect a luxurious ride.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: When Nothing Works
So, you’ve tried everything. Speakers are plugged in, drivers are updated, default devices are set. Still silence. What now?
1. The ‘Other’ Cable: Double-check that you’re not trying to use an audio cable that’s meant for something else. A 3.5mm audio cable is pretty standard, but sometimes people grab a different type of cable by mistake. Also, ensure the cable is fully seated in both the PC and the speaker/headphone jack. I’ve had cables that looked plugged in but weren’t making a solid connection, leading to crackling or no sound at all.
2. Monitor Audio Input Settings: As mentioned, dive deep into your monitor’s OSD. Sometimes there’s a specific setting that needs to be toggled. Look for anything related to ‘Audio Source’ or ‘Input Select’ and make sure it’s set to receive audio from the correct port (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.).
3. Volume Levels: This sounds stupidly simple, but check the volume on your PC, your monitor (if it has physical volume controls), and your speakers/headphones themselves. I’ve been caught out by having the master volume at 100% on my PC, but the speaker volume at 0%. It’s like having a roaring engine but forgetting to put the car in gear.
4. Test with Different Devices: If possible, plug your speakers or headphones into a different device (a phone, another computer) to rule out the speakers/headphones themselves being faulty. Conversely, if your monitor has a different input you can test with, try that. (See Also: How To Monitor My Sleep With Apple Watch )
5. Reinstall Audio Drivers: Sometimes, drivers get corrupted. Go to your PC manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) or your motherboard manufacturer’s website (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI) and download the latest audio drivers specifically for your model. Uninstall the current ones via Device Manager (search for ‘Device Manager’, expand ‘Sound, video and game controllers’, right-click your audio device, select ‘Uninstall device’). Then, install the freshly downloaded drivers.
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Monitor Speakers | Simplest setup, minimal cables. | Often poor sound quality, limited volume. | Okay for basic alerts, useless for immersion. |
| External Speakers (3.5mm/USB) | Good to great sound quality, wide range of prices. | More cables, takes up desk space. | The most common and reliable solution for most users. |
| Headphones | Excellent immersion, privacy, often better value for quality. | Not ideal for sharing, can get uncomfortable after long periods. | Best for focused listening, gaming, or when privacy is key. |
| Bluetooth Speakers/Headphones | Wireless freedom, declutters desk. | Potential for latency (delay), connection drops, battery charging. | Convenient for casual use, but avoid for competitive gaming. |
Faq: Getting Sound From Your Monitor
My Monitor Has Speakers, but I Don’t Hear Anything. What’s Wrong?
Most likely, your computer isn’t sending audio to the monitor. You need to go into your PC’s sound settings and make sure the monitor (identified by its name, usually via HDMI or DisplayPort) is set as the default audio output device. Check your monitor’s own settings menu too, to ensure audio input is enabled.
Can I Plug Headphones Directly Into My Monitor?
Yes, if your monitor has a 3.5mm audio-out jack. Many do, especially models designed for multimedia. It’s a convenient way to get audio without running a cable all the way back to your PC. Just plug your headphones into the monitor, and then ensure your PC is set to output audio to the monitor.
Do I Need Special Cables for Sound to Work with My Monitor?
Generally, no. Standard HDMI or DisplayPort cables carry both video and audio signals. If your monitor and graphics card both support audio over these connections, you won’t need anything extra. The only time you might need a separate audio cable is if you’re using analog audio outputs from your PC to external speakers, or in some very old or specific setups.
My Sound Is Crackling or Distorted. What Should I Do?
This can be caused by several things: outdated audio drivers, a loose cable connection, interference from other electronics, or the audio source itself. Try updating your audio drivers from your motherboard manufacturer’s website, ensuring all audio cables are firmly plugged in at both ends, and testing with a different audio source or cable to isolate the problem.
Final Verdict
So, there you have it. Getting sound of of computer monitor setups isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of detective work sometimes. It’s mostly about understanding what your monitor actually has, what your PC is set to do, and making sure the signal is getting where it needs to go.
My biggest regret was spending $150 on tiny monitor speakers that sounded like they were wrapped in tin foil. I should have just bought a decent pair of headphones from the get-go. Seven out of ten times when I’ve had audio issues, it’s been a simple settings tweak or a driver update, not some exotic hardware failure.
If your monitor has built-in speakers and you’re not getting sound, the first place to look is your Windows or macOS sound output settings. Make absolutely sure the monitor is selected as the default device. If it’s still silent, try plugging in headphones into your PC’s audio jack to see if sound comes out of there – that tells you if the issue is your PC’s audio output or the monitor connection itself.
Seriously, don’t overcomplicate how to get sound of of computer monitor displays. Most of the time, it’s a simple fix.
Recommended For You
