How to Switch Sound From Monitor to Speakers: Easy Fix
Got a monitor with built-in speakers and a separate set of desktop speakers? Yeah, me too. For the longest time, I just lived with the tinny, pathetic sound from my monitor. It was a constant reminder that I hadn’t actually bothered to figure out how to switch sound from monitor to speakers. Honestly, it felt like a whole IT department job.
Finally, I got fed up. It’s not rocket science, folks. But the way some tech sites explain it, you’d think you needed a degree in audio engineering.
Shockingly simple solutions exist, and you probably have the answers already sitting on your desk.
Why Your Monitor Sound Is Probably Awful
Let’s be real. Most monitors that have speakers built into them did so as an afterthought. They’re usually tiny, poorly placed, and designed to deliver just enough volume to not be completely silent. Think of them as a polite suggestion of sound, not a robust audio experience. I once bought a fancy 1440p display that boasted ‘integrated audio.’ integrated was right; it sounded like it was integrated into a tin can filled with angry bees.
Seriously, my first gaming monitor had speakers that sounded like a hamster gargling static. It was so bad, I ended up buying a cheap soundbar just to drown it out. Expensive mistake, that. I spent around $120 testing three different soundbars before I realized the issue wasn’t the monitor speakers themselves, but that I hadn’t figured out how to switch sound from monitor to speakers properly.
This is where many people get stuck. They assume the monitor speakers are just… bad. And they are. But you don’t have to suffer through them. The real problem is getting your computer to send that sweet, sweet audio data to the right place.
Sound needs a pathway. Your computer has multiple potential pathways: HDMI, DisplayPort, the 3.5mm audio jack, and often, Bluetooth. Your monitor might be receiving audio over HDMI or DisplayPort, but that doesn’t mean it’s the *only* place your computer can send audio. It’s like having a package delivery address; you need to tell the delivery driver where you *actually* want the package to go.
The Actual ‘how To’ — It’s Easier Than You Think
Okay, so you want your music or game audio to blast from your actual speakers, not that sad little whine from your monitor. This usually boils down to one of two things: telling Windows (or macOS, or Linux) which device is the primary audio output, or physically plugging your speakers into the right port.
First things first, let’s talk about the physical connections. Most desktop speakers connect via a 3.5mm audio jack. This is that familiar green plug that looks like a headphone jack. Your computer tower will have one of these, usually on the back, sometimes on the front. Look for a small icon that resembles headphones or a speaker. Sometimes, it’s color-coded green.
Your monitor might also have a 3.5mm audio *output* jack. If you’re plugging your speakers into the monitor itself (which is less common but possible), you’d use that. But more often, your speakers plug directly into the computer. This direct connection bypasses the monitor’s audio processing entirely, which is usually a good thing.
Meanwhile, many monitors receive audio through their video cables – typically HDMI or DisplayPort. This is convenient if you only have one cable running to your monitor, but it means the audio is processed by the monitor *before* it can be sent out to its built-in speakers, or to any speakers plugged into the monitor. This is where things get a bit fuzzy for folks trying to get their desktop speakers working. (See Also: Will Apple Monitor Work With Any )
Checking Your Sound Settings in Windows
This is where the magic happens, or where the frustration truly sets in if you don’t know what you’re looking for. On Windows, it’s all about the Sound control panel. Right-click on the speaker icon in your system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of your screen, near the clock). Select ‘Open Sound settings’.
Under ‘Output’, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled ‘Choose your output device’. This is the golden ticket. You’ll see a list of all the audio devices your computer recognizes. It might show your monitor by its model name (e.g., ‘LG 27GL850’), your motherboard’s onboard audio (often something like ‘Realtek(R) Audio’), and any other audio hardware you’ve installed.
Here’s the key: select your *desktop speakers* from this list. If your speakers are plugged into the 3.5mm jack, Windows should detect them. If you’re unsure which one is which, you can click ‘Device properties’ for each option. You can also test them by clicking ‘Test’ in the advanced sound settings, or by playing some audio and seeing which device is active.
I remember spending an entire Saturday afternoon, convinced my new graphics card was broken, because I couldn’t get sound to my speakers. Turns out, Windows had decided my monitor was the preferred audio output *by default* after I plugged in my HDMI cable. The tiny little audio levels icon in the system tray was showing activity, but no sound came out of my actual speakers. All it took was a quick right-click and a selection change. Four hours of my life I’ll never get back, all because I didn’t know to check that one dropdown menu.
Another common issue is when you have multiple audio outputs enabled and Windows gets confused. You might have your monitor speakers, your desktop speakers, and maybe even a USB headset. In this scenario, it’s best practice to disable the audio devices you are *not* currently using. Go back to the main Sound settings, scroll down to ‘Advanced sound options’, and click ‘App volume and device preferences’. Here you can set default output devices for specific applications or disable them entirely.
What About Using HDMI or Displayport for Audio?
This is where it gets confusing for many. When you connect your PC to your monitor using HDMI or DisplayPort, audio often gets routed through that cable by default. If your monitor has speakers, it will play them. If your monitor has a 3.5mm audio *output* jack, you can plug your speakers into *that* and they might work, but it’s still being processed by the monitor.
This is generally the least desirable setup if you have good external speakers. Why? Because the audio signal has to go from your PC, through the graphics card, to the monitor, and then be processed by the monitor’s internal DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and amplifier before outputting to speakers. Each step can introduce potential for noise or degradation. It’s like sending a letter through three different post offices instead of directly to the recipient.
For the best sound quality, especially if you have decent speakers, you want the shortest, most direct path from your PC’s audio hardware to your speakers. That usually means plugging your speakers into the 3.5mm audio jack on your computer’s motherboard or a dedicated sound card. Then, you set that 3.5mm jack as your default audio device in Windows settings.
So, if you’re using HDMI or DisplayPort for video only, you might need to tell Windows to send audio elsewhere. This is done in the sound settings as mentioned above. You simply select the ‘Realtek(R) Audio’ or whatever your motherboard’s audio is listed as, and bingo. Your monitor will still display video fine, but the audio will go to your speakers.
Contrarian Opinion: Why I Avoid Monitor Speakers Entirely
Everyone says, “just plug it in and it should work.” I disagree, and here is why: Most monitors are not designed for audio fidelity. Their speakers are a token inclusion, a box to tick for manufacturers. They are almost universally terrible. You’re better off spending $20 on a cheap pair of desktop speakers or even using a decent pair of headphones if you absolutely need sound and can’t get your main speakers working. Relying on monitor speakers to be anything more than a ‘proof of concept’ is a fool’s errand. They are an audio crutch, not a solution. (See Also: How To Get Driver Disc For Dell Monitor )
Troubleshooting Common Audio Glitches
Sometimes, even after selecting the correct output device, sound still won’t play through your speakers. This can be maddening. You’ve followed all the steps, you’re sure you clicked the right thing, and yet… silence. Or worse, that faint, annoying monitor speaker hum.
Check Physical Connections: Seems obvious, but I’ve spent hours troubleshooting only to find a cable was slightly loose. Make sure your speaker cables are firmly seated in their ports. If you’re using a 3.5mm jack, try unplugging and replugging it. For USB speakers, unplug the USB cable and plug it back in.
Volume Controls: You’d be amazed how many times this is the culprit. Check the volume knob on your speakers themselves. Then, check the master volume in Windows. Also, check the individual application volume. Many apps have their own volume sliders that can be muted independently. The specific volume for a particular application can be found under ‘App volume and device preferences’ in the advanced sound settings.
Driver Issues: Audio drivers are the software that allows your operating system to communicate with your sound hardware. If they’re outdated or corrupted, you’ll have problems. You can usually update them through Device Manager in Windows. Right-click the Start button, select ‘Device Manager’, expand ‘Sound, video and game controllers’, right-click your audio device (e.g., ‘Realtek High Definition Audio’), and select ‘Update driver’. Sometimes, a full uninstall and reinstall of the drivers from the manufacturer’s website (motherboard or sound card) is necessary.
Default Device Confusion: Windows sometimes gets confused about which device is *truly* the default. Even if you’ve selected it, go back to the main Sound settings. Right-click on your desired speaker output device and select ‘Set as Default Device’ and ‘Set as Default Communication Device’. Sometimes, doing both helps reset things. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, properly configured audio settings are important for a secure and functional computing experience, ensuring that unauthorized audio streams cannot be easily intercepted.
Monitor Audio Settings: If you *are* trying to output audio through your monitor (perhaps to headphones plugged into the monitor), check your monitor’s On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. There might be an audio input or output setting that needs to be configured. It’s a long shot, but I’ve seen weirder things.
Quick Comparison: Audio Output Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor Speakers (Built-in) | Convenient, no extra cables. | Generally poor sound quality, low volume. |
Avoid if possible. Only for basic system notifications. |
| 3.5mm Jack to PC | Direct connection, good quality if PC audio hardware is decent. | Requires a separate cable run, some motherboards have noisy audio. |
Recommended. Best balance of quality and simplicity for most users. |
| HDMI/DisplayPort to Monitor (then to Speakers) | Can simplify cabling if monitor has audio out. | Audio processed by monitor, potential for quality loss, more complex setup. |
Use with caution. Only if your monitor’s audio processing is surprisingly good or you have no other choice. |
| USB Speakers | Often come with built-in DACs, can offer good quality, easy setup. | Uses a USB port, can sometimes have higher latency than analog. |
Good alternative. Excellent if your PC’s onboard audio is questionable. (See Also: How To Get Rid Of Black Bars On Ultrawide Monitor ) |
| Bluetooth Speakers | Wireless convenience, no cables needed. | Potential for latency, requires pairing, sound quality can vary. |
Situational. Great for casual listening or when cable management is paramount, but not ideal for gaming or critical listening due to latency. |
How Do I Switch My Audio Output to Speakers on Windows 11?
On Windows 11, right-click the speaker icon in the system tray (bottom right). Select ‘Sound settings’. Under the ‘Output’ section, click the dropdown menu and choose your desired speaker device. If your speakers are plugged into the 3.5mm jack, it will likely be labeled something like ‘Speakers (Realtek(R) Audio)’ or similar. Ensure this is selected.
Can I Send Audio Through HDMI to My Monitor and Speakers Separately?
Generally, no. HDMI is designed to send a single audio stream. If your monitor has an audio output, you can send the monitor’s processed audio to speakers, but it’s all coming from the same source (the monitor). To have separate audio streams, you’d typically need a more advanced audio interface or software solutions that route audio independently, which is beyond basic setup.
Why Do My Monitor Speakers Still Play Sound When I Select My Desktop Speakers?
This usually happens if your monitor is still set as the default audio device, or if the HDMI/DisplayPort connection is overriding your selection. Double-check the ‘Choose your output device’ dropdown in Windows Sound settings. Also, go to ‘App volume and device preferences’ and ensure your desktop speakers are set as the default for system sounds and all applications. Sometimes, simply restarting your computer after changing settings can resolve this.
My Speakers Aren’t Showing Up in the Sound Settings. What Do I Do?
First, check the physical connections. Are the cables plugged in securely at both ends? If they are 3.5mm speakers, try a different audio jack on your PC. If they’re USB, try a different USB port. Restart your computer. If they still don’t appear, it might be a driver issue. Go to Device Manager, find your audio hardware, and try updating or reinstalling the drivers.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out how to switch sound from monitor to speakers shouldn’t feel like a puzzle designed to make you angry. Usually, it’s just a few clicks in the right place. The biggest culprits are Windows defaulting to the wrong device or a loose cable.
Don’t let the marketing hype about ‘integrated audio’ fool you. For anything beyond basic notification sounds, you’ll want dedicated speakers. They make a world of difference.
Honestly, the most frustrating part for me was always the feeling of being technologically incompetent. But once you see that dropdown menu and realize it’s just a setting, it’s actually pretty empowering. You’ve got this.
So there you have it. Most of the time, how to switch sound from monitor to speakers is solved by a quick trip to your Windows sound settings and selecting the correct output device. If that doesn’t work, double-check your physical connections and maybe even restart your PC.
Seriously, don’t overcomplicate it. It’s not about fancy software or expensive adapters for 95% of users. It’s about telling your computer where to send the audio signal.
Next time you’re wrestling with bad monitor audio, remember this little trick. Your ears will thank you.
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