HDMI Monitor No Audio? Fixes That Work

If your HDMI monitor shows no audio, the problem is almost always a Windows or macOS setting that routes sound to the wrong output device, or a loose/cable issue—not a broken monitor. This guide walks you through the exact steps to get sound from your monitor’s speakers or headphone jack, starting with the most common fixes.

Why HDMI Audio Stops Working

HDMI carries both video and audio signals over a single cable. When you connect a monitor, your computer should automatically switch the default audio device to that monitor. But that switch doesn’t always happen—especially after a driver update, a reboot, or when you’ve plugged in a second display. The monitor itself may be fine; the operating system just isn’t sending audio to it.

Common culprits include:

• Wrong default playback device selected (e.g., speakers still chosen)
• HDMI cable that doesn’t support audio (very old cables or some adapters)
• Monitor speakers muted or set to zero volume
• Graphics or audio driver outdated or corrupted
• Port issue on the computer, monitor, or cable

How to Fix HDMI Audio on Windows 10 and 11

Start with the simplest check: make sure the monitor’s volume isn’t muted and the cable is firmly connected. Then follow these steps in order.

1. Set the monitor as the default device. Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and choose Open Sound settings (Windows 11) or Sounds (Windows 10). Under Output, select your monitor from the drop-down list. If you don’t see it, click Manage sound devices and check if the monitor is disabled—if so, enable it.
2. Restart the audio service. Press Win + R, type services.msc, find Windows Audio, right-click and choose Restart. This often clears glitches.
3. Update or reinstall the driver. Open Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your monitor’s audio device (often listed as “NVIDIA High Definition Audio� or “AMD High Definition Audio�), and choose Update driver. If that doesn’t work, uninstall the device and restart—Windows will reinstall it.
4. Check the cable and port. Try a different HDMI cable, or plug into another HDMI port on the monitor. If you’re using an adapter (e.g., HDMI to DisplayPort), note that some adapters don’t carry audio—use a direct HDMI connection instead.

How to Fix HDMI Audio on macOS

On a Mac, HDMI audio usually works out of the box, but if it doesn’t:

1. Go to System Settings → Sound → Output and select your monitor.
2. If the monitor isn’t listed, reset the NVRAM (on Intel Macs) by restarting and holding Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds. On Apple Silicon Macs, just restart the computer.
3. Check the HDMI cable and try a different port. Some Macs only output audio over certain ports (e.g., the Thunderbolt port that supports HDMI).

When the Monitor Has No Built-In Speakers

Many monitors, especially budget or gaming models, lack speakers entirely. If your monitor has no speakers, you won’t get audio from it no matter what you do. Look for a headphone jack on the monitor—if it has one, you can plug in speakers or headphones. If not, you’ll need to use your computer’s speakers or connect a separate audio system. To check if your monitor has speakers, look for “speakers� in the specs or search for the model online.

HDMI Audio Not Working After a Driver Update

Driver updates—especially graphics driver updates—can reset your audio settings or install a new audio driver that conflicts with the monitor. If you notice the problem right after an update, try rolling back the driver:

1. Open Device Manager and find your graphics card (under Display adapters).
2. Right-click and choose Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver (if available).
3. If rollback isn’t available, download the latest driver from the GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and do a clean install.

Also, check Windows Update for optional driver updates—sometimes a newer audio driver fixes the issue.

Common Misconceptions and Quick Checks

• “The monitor is broken.â€� Usually not—if you see video, the cable and port are working. Audio is a separate signal, but the issue is almost always software.
• “HDMI cables don’t carry audio.â€� They do—all HDMI cables carry audio. But very old cables (pre-1.0) might not, and some cheap adapters don’t.
• “I need a special cable.â€� No, any standard HDMI cable works for audio. If you have a very long cable (over 25 feet), signal degradation could cause issues, but that’s rare.

Before diving into driver updates, try these 30-second checks:

• Unplug and replug the HDMI cable at both ends.
• Turn the monitor’s volume up (use the buttons on the monitor).
• Reboot your computer with the monitor connected.
• Try a different HDMI port on the monitor (some ports are for video only).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my HDMI monitor not showing up as an audio device?

Windows sometimes hides disabled devices. In Sound settings, click Manage sound devices and check the “Disabled� section. If your monitor is there, click Enable. If it’s not listed at all, the driver may be missing—update your graphics driver, which usually includes the HDMI audio driver.

Can I get audio from my monitor if it has no speakers?

No, not from the monitor itself. But if the monitor has a 3.5mm headphone jack, you can plug speakers or headphones into that jack and get audio that comes from the HDMI signal. If there’s no jack, you’ll need to use your computer’s speakers or a separate audio output.

Does HDMI carry audio on all devices?

Yes, HDMI is designed to carry both video and audio. However, some devices (like certain laptops) may have HDMI ports that only output video—check your device’s specifications. Also, some monitors have HDMI ports that are “MHL� or “video-only� but that’s rare.

Why does audio work on my TV but not my monitor?

Most TVs have built-in speakers and are set up to receive audio over HDMI. Many monitors don’t have speakers, or they may be disabled by default. The same steps apply—select the monitor as the default device and ensure the volume is up.

How do I know if my monitor has speakers?

Look for speaker grilles on the monitor’s bezel or check the model’s specs online. Also, if the monitor has a headphone jack, it almost certainly has speakers (or at least audio processing). If you’re unsure, try plugging in headphones—if you hear sound, the monitor is receiving audio.

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