HDMI is one of the most convenient ways to connect a Windows PC to a monitor, TV, projector, soundbar, or AV receiver because it can carry both video and audio through a single cable. When everything works correctly, Windows automatically detects the HDMI device and routes sound to it. However, many users encounter a frustrating issue where video displays normally on the connected screen, but no sound comes through the HDMI device.
This problem can occur on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and may be caused by incorrect playback device settings, disabled audio outputs, outdated drivers, faulty HDMI cables, graphics driver issues, Windows audio service problems, or incorrect TV and monitor audio configurations. Sometimes Windows continues sending audio to the laptop speakers or headphones instead of the connected HDMI device.
Fortunately, most HDMI audio issues can be fixed without replacing hardware. This guide explains the most effective methods to restore sound through HDMI on Windows.
Why Is HDMI Audio Not Working?
Common causes include:
- Incorrect default playback device.
- Disabled HDMI audio output.
- Faulty HDMI cable or adapter.
- Outdated audio drivers.
- Corrupted graphics drivers.
- Windows audio service problems.
- Incorrect TV or monitor settings.
- Audio enhancements conflicts.
- Windows update issues.
- Hardware connection problems.
Method 1: Check Physical HDMI Connections
Before changing software settings, verify that the hardware connection is working properly.
Steps
- Disconnect the HDMI cable.
- Inspect both cable ends for damage.
- Reconnect the cable firmly.
- Ensure it is fully inserted into both devices.
- Try another HDMI port on the TV or monitor.
- Test a different HDMI cable if available.
Loose or damaged cables are a common cause of missing HDMI audio.
Method 2: Select The Correct HDMI Playback Device
Windows may still be sending audio to the built-in speakers.
Steps
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
- Select Sound Settings.
- Under Output, locate your HDMI device.
- Select the connected:
- TV
- Monitor
- Soundbar
- AV Receiver
- Play audio and verify sound output.
If multiple devices appear, choose the HDMI-connected device specifically.
Method 3: Set HDMI Device As Default Audio Output
Some applications only use the default playback device.
Steps
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
mmsys.cpl- Press Enter.
- Open the Playback tab.
- Locate the HDMI audio device.
- Right-click it.
- Select:
Set as Default Device- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
Test audio playback again.
Method 4: Show Disabled Playback Devices
The HDMI device may be hidden or disabled.
Steps
- Open the Playback tab using:
mmsys.cpl- Right-click inside the device list.
- Enable:
- Show Disabled Devices
- Show Disconnected Devices
- Locate the HDMI audio device.
- Right-click it.
- Select Enable.
- Set it as the default device.
Many HDMI audio devices become visible after enabling hidden devices.
Method 5: Restart Windows Audio Services
Audio services may stop functioning properly.
Steps
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
services.msc- Press Enter.
- Locate:
- Windows Audio
- Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
- Right-click each service.
- Select Restart.
After restarting the services, test HDMI audio again.
Method 6: Run The Audio Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for audio issues.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to:
System → Troubleshoot → Other Troubleshooters- Locate Audio.
- Click Run.
- Follow the on-screen recommendations.
The troubleshooter may automatically detect and correct configuration issues.
Method 7: Update Audio Drivers
Outdated audio drivers can prevent HDMI audio from functioning.
Steps
- Press Windows + X.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand:
Sound, Video and Game Controllers- Right-click your audio device.
- Select Update Driver.
- Choose:
Search Automatically For Drivers- Install available updates.
- Restart the PC.
Updated audio drivers often restore HDMI sound functionality.
Method 8: Update Graphics Drivers
HDMI audio frequently depends on the graphics driver.
Steps
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand:
Display Adapters- Right-click your graphics card.
- Select Update Driver.
- Install available updates.
You can also download the latest drivers directly from:
Restart Windows after installation.
Method 9: Reinstall HDMI Audio Drivers
Corrupted drivers may require reinstallation.
Steps
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand:
Sound, Video and Game Controllers- Locate:
- NVIDIA High Definition Audio
- AMD High Definition Audio Device
- Intel Display Audio
- Right-click the HDMI audio device.
- Select Uninstall Device.
- Restart Windows.
Windows automatically reinstalls the driver during startup.
Method 10: Disable Audio Enhancements
Audio enhancement features can sometimes interfere with HDMI output.
Steps
- Open:
mmsys.cpl- Select the HDMI playback device.
- Click Properties.
- Open the Enhancements tab.
- Check:
Disable All Enhancements- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
Test audio playback afterward.
Method 11: Check TV Or Monitor Audio Settings
The display device itself may be muting audio.
Verify:
- TV volume is not muted.
- Correct audio input source is selected.
- External speakers are configured correctly.
- Soundbar settings are properly configured.
- Audio output is enabled in display settings.
Many HDMI audio issues originate from the receiving device rather than Windows.
Method 12: Disconnect Other Audio Devices
Windows may prioritize another audio device.
Steps
- Disconnect:
- USB headsets
- Bluetooth speakers
- Wireless headphones
- External sound cards
- Restart Windows.
- Reconnect the HDMI display.
Check whether HDMI becomes the active audio device.
Method 13: Run SFC And DISM Scans
System file corruption can affect audio functionality.
Run SFC
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
sfc /scannowRun DISM
Then execute:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRestart the computer after the scans finish.
Method 14: Install Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases fixes for audio and driver compatibility problems.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- Click Check For Updates.
- Install all available updates.
- Restart the computer.
Many HDMI audio issues are resolved through cumulative updates.
Method 15: Test Another HDMI Device
If none of the previous solutions work, test with another display.
Examples
- Another TV
- Different monitor
- AV receiver
- Soundbar
This helps determine whether the problem is related to:
- Windows settings
- Graphics hardware
- HDMI cable
- Original display device
Hardware testing can quickly isolate the source of the issue.
Final Thoughts
No sound through HDMI on Windows is usually caused by incorrect playback settings, disabled audio devices, outdated drivers, faulty cables, graphics driver problems, or display configuration issues. Fortunately, most cases can be resolved without advanced troubleshooting.
Start by checking HDMI connections, selecting the correct playback device, enabling hidden audio devices, and restarting audio services. If the issue continues, update or reinstall audio and graphics drivers, disable audio enhancements, and verify your TV or monitor audio settings. Running SFC and DISM scans and installing Windows updates can also fix deeper system-related problems.
By following the methods in this guide, you should be able to restore HDMI audio and enjoy both video and sound through your connected display device.
FAQs
Why do I get video through HDMI but no sound?
Windows may be sending audio to another playback device instead of the HDMI-connected display.
Does HDMI carry audio automatically?
Yes. HDMI supports both audio and video, but the correct playback device must be selected in Windows.
Can graphics drivers affect HDMI sound?
Yes. NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel graphics drivers often include HDMI audio components required for sound output.
Why is my TV not listed as an audio device?
The HDMI connection may be faulty, the TV may be powered off, the audio device may be disabled, or the graphics driver may need updating.
Will reinstalling audio drivers fix HDMI sound problems?
Yes. Reinstalling corrupted HDMI audio drivers frequently restores missing sound output and resolves playback device detection issues.
