To hear audio through an external monitor, the display must have built-in speakers or an audio output connected to speakers or headphones, and the computer must send playback to the right device. In Windows, open Settings > System > Sound and choose an output under Output. On a Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound and select the output. If the monitor has no speakers, choose your computer speakers or headphones instead.
First check what the monitor can actually play
A monitor is not automatically a speaker. Check its specifications or manual for built-in speakers, an audio output jack, or both. If it has neither, sending audio to the display will not make sound; use the computer’s speakers or headphones, or connect separate speakers to a supported audio output. Microsoft cautions that selecting a monitor without built-in speakers as Windows’ output will produce no audio (Microsoft Support).
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If the monitor has a jack, confirm whether it is an output for headphones or speakers rather than an input. The direction and intended use of ports matter: an audio input cannot substitute for an output. Some monitor audio controls are in the display’s physical buttons or on-screen menu.
Make sure the connection can carry audio
HDMI and DisplayPort commonly carry audio, but sound depends on the entire path: the computer’s port, the display, the cable, and any dock or adapter in between. Matching HDMI-to-HDMI or DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort is a useful first check when using audio over the video cable, as ASUS recommends in its monitor sound troubleshooting guidance. It does not guarantee that every device combination supports audio.
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- 【HDMI Audio Extractor】The HDMI audio extractor can extract audio from HDMI signal and transmit it to AV receiver through optical or 3.5mm Cable.(Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC.TV is not supported as the input source，otherwise product doesn't p video.)
- 【3 modes】2.0CH, 5.1CH and PASS mode. Select 3.5mm stereo output, please use 2.0CH mode. Select optical output, please use 5.1CH mode. When you use the first and two modes and find that no audio and video signal is output, use the pass mode.
- 【4K Ultra-HD with HDMI 1.4V】HDMI audio converter up to 10.2G bandwidth, support HDCP1.4,4K@30Hz RGB / YUV4:4:4 Ultra high definition image quality. The optical output supports DTS 5.1. The 3.5mm output supports PCM2.0. The audio splitter does not support 7.1 channels.Note: Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4/5 etc. only support 1080p format signals and do not support 4K
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USB-C, VGA, DVI, docks, and adapters vary by model and implementation. Check the documentation for the exact computer, monitor, dock, and adapter rather than assuming a connection carries audio. Dell’s audio troubleshooting guidance and Microsoft’s notes on DisplayPort and HDMI audio issues illustrate why endpoint behavior can be device-specific.
Select the right playback device
Windows 11 and Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select the device that should play sound: the monitor or its HDMI/DisplayPort audio endpoint, computer speakers, or headphones.
- Raise the computer’s volume and confirm it is not muted. If you selected the monitor, also check its volume and mute controls.
Microsoft’s instruction is to select the device you want to use for playback in the Output section (Microsoft Support). Choose a device that can physically produce sound; do not leave a speakerless monitor selected.
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- Supported Resolution: Video Pass-through Up to 4K @ 50/60Hz (YUV4:4:4), DOES NOT SUPPORT 1440@120hz, 4K @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 120Hz and 1080P 3D @ 60Hz. Supported Audio: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
- Supports HDMI High Bit Rate(HBR) audio pass through & CEC Bypass| HDMI 2.b (18Gbps), HDCP 2.2 and DVI compliant, NO ARC SUPPORT. The device comes with a dual voltage supply using a US plug, and an adapter/converter is provided for international use
- Dolby Digital & DTS Support – Supports LPCM 2CH, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS audio formats via optical output. Enjoy reliable surround sound performance for home theater systems
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macOS
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound.
- Select the intended output device.
- If speakers are connected to the computer or the display’s audio output, turn them on and adjust their volume.
Apple’s sound guidance covers selecting an output and checking external speakers. Labels can vary by macOS release.
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If the monitor is missing from Windows’ output list
First confirm the cable and connection path support audio for this setup, then inspect Windows’ audio devices. Microsoft recommends these steps when an output is missing or undetected (Microsoft Support):
Rank #3
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- Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- If the relevant device is listed but disabled, enable it.
- If it is absent, show hidden devices and scan for hardware changes.
- If it still does not appear, install the current audio driver from your computer or sound-card manufacturer, then restart.
Microsoft’s cited audio instructions cover Windows 10 and 11. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so check which version you are using when following instructions or seeking support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the selected output appears but stays silent
- Reselect the intended output in sound settings; the system may have switched to another endpoint.
- Check mute and volume on the computer, monitor, and any attached speakers or headphones.
- Confirm the monitor has speakers, or that a connected audio device is powered on and plugged into an output jack.
- Reseat the cable and check that the source port, display port, cable, dock, and adapters support audio together.
- On Windows, try turning off audio enhancements for the selected output. Microsoft includes this among its steps for audio that plays no sound (Microsoft Support).
If those checks do not help, consult the manuals or model-specific support pages for the computer, monitor, and dock. A driver, adapter, port, or display-specific issue may need a fix tailored to that hardware.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 8K HDMI Audio Extractor: Designed to extract audio from any HDMI-compliant source and convert it to Optical (S/PDIF) or high-quality stereo 3.5mm audio output. Input: 1× HDMI | Output: 1× HDMI ARC, 1× L/R Audio Out, 1× Optical Out (S/PDIF).
- DOES NOT SUPPORT eARC: Supports video pass-through up to 8K @ 50/60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz (YUV 4:4:4), 4K @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 120Hz, and 1080P 3D @ 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 protocols supported — ALLM, QMS, QFT, SBTM, HLG Pass-through, Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR+. Supported Audio: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
- High Bandwidth & ARC Support: Supports 48 Gbps FRL and 18 Gbps TMDS video bandwidth. Features HDMI High Bit Rate (HBR) audio pass-through and CEC bypass. HDMI 2.1 | HDCP 2.3 | DVI Compliant | Supports ARC. NOTE: Volume cannot be controlled using the TV’s remote. The device comes with a dual voltage supply using a US plug, and an adapter/converter is provided for international use.
- HDMI 2.1 Cable Required: HDMI Input supports Computer, Laptop, PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox, Blu-ray DVD Player, and STB devices. HDMI Video Output supports Projectors, HDTVs, Monitors, and Screens. Heavy-duty metal enclosure ensures efficient heat dissipation and durability; compact size allows easy plug-and-play installation.
- Package Includes: 100-240V 50/60 Hz auto-switching power supply (worldwide use), HDA-913 Audio Extractor, User Manual, Lifetime OREI Tech Support, and 12-Month Manufacturer’s Warranty.
Rank #4
- 4K@30Hz HDMI to HDMI audio extractor converter box in durable metal housing
- Supports HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output
- Supports two channel left-right or SPDIF stereo output and uncompressed and compressed audio
- Supports up to 4k video resolution; 8-bit 4K (30 Hz), 12-bit 1080p (60 Hz), or 12-bit 720p/1080i (60 Hz), plus 3D formats
- Compatible with devices such as Blue-ray, DVD/HD/DVR players, cable/satellite, PS3/4, Xbox, PC/laptop, HD cameras and more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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