How to Get Sound Through HDMI

The quick answer

With the HDMI display connected and turned on, open Settings → System → Sound → Output and select the TV, display, or HDMI audio device. Then test audio at a comfortable volume.

Start at both ends

Confirm the HDMI cable is connected to the correct input and that the television isn't muted. Make sure the TV itself can play sound—for example, through its built-in streaming app—before assuming Windows is at fault. Some computer monitors have HDMI video but no built-in speakers.

Tell Windows where to send the sound

1. Connect the television or monitor by HDMI and switch to that input.
2. Open Settings → System → Sound.
3. Select the device under Output. It may use the TV brand, a graphics-card name, or 'Digital Audio.'
4. Play a familiar sound and adjust both Windows and television volume.

Only one application is wrong?

Open Volume mixer under Sound settings and check the application-specific output. A browser may still be routed to laptop speakers even after the Windows default changed. Restart the app if it won't notice the new device.

When the HDMI device isn't listed

Unplug and reconnect HDMI, restart the computer with the display connected, and confirm the graphics driver is installed correctly. HDMI audio is often provided by the graphics subsystem, not the computer's analog speaker driver. Use the manufacturer's or Windows Update's trusted driver source.

Adapters complicate things

Some DVI-to-HDMI or older video adapters carry picture but not audio. Docking stations may have their own limitations. Verify the actual adapter's capabilities before spending time changing Windows settings that can't add an audio signal to unsupported hardware.