If your laptop picture appears on the TV but the sound does not, the most common first check is the laptop’s audio output: it may still be sending sound to its own speakers. On Windows, select the TV or HDMI device under Settings > System > Sound > Output, then check that neither device is muted. If the HDMI option is missing or remains silent, check whether it is disabled or disconnected, inspect the connection and any adapter, and then troubleshoot the audio driver.
Why HDMI can show a picture but play no sound
HDMI carries both digital video and audio, but a laptop may continue using its built-in speakers even while sending the picture to the TV. The TV’s HDMI audio output can also be unavailable because it is disabled, not detected, or affected by a driver, connection, or adapter issue. The symptom alone does not identify a failed cable or other hardware fault.
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These steps are aimed mainly at Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops. Menu labels can vary by Windows version, computer, graphics hardware, and TV; the TV may appear by its name, as “HDMI,” or under a graphics or audio-device name. For a general explanation of the interface, LG describes HDMI as a digital interface for transmitting video and audio through one cable.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSet the TV as the laptop’s sound output
- Connect the laptop to the TV and turn on the TV.
- On Windows, open Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select the TV, HDMI device, or corresponding graphics/audio device.
- Play audio again and check whether it now comes through the TV.
Microsoft notes that an audio device connected over HDMI may need to be selected as the default output. Microsoft’s Windows audio troubleshooting guide and Samsung’s HDMI sound instructions both direct users to choose the connected device in Windows sound settings.
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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
- 【Low energy consumption】HDMI audio splitter has a low energy consumption,only requires the USB port to be connected to the 5V-USB port of another device to work. Or use your other 5V-USB power adapter
- 【Wide Compatibility & Plug and Play】Suitable for various HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output as well as Blu-ray/ DVD/ HD player, cable/satellite box, Amazon Fire TV, PS4,PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop etc
Check volume and mute on both devices
- Make sure the laptop is not muted and its volume is above zero.
- Check the TV’s mute status and volume separately.
- If the laptop has a sound-output control or shortcut, confirm it has not switched back to the laptop speakers.
Both the computer and TV need to be checked: a muted or zero-volume setting on either one can make a correctly connected HDMI setup seem silent. LG’s PC-to-TV troubleshooting guidance also identifies the PC speaker output being selected as a possible cause.
If the TV or HDMI output is missing
Check Windows sound-device settings
In Settings > System > Sound, look for options to manage sound devices or show disconnected devices. If the HDMI output appears as disabled, enable it. The exact controls differ between Windows versions. Samsung documents routes for Windows 10 and 11 to manage sound devices and reveal disconnected playback devices in its HDMI sound troubleshooting guide.
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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
- 18Gbps Bandwidth with HDR Pass-Through – Maintains full 4K Ultra HD resolution with 10-bit HDR support. Ensures no video degradation while splitting audio from your HDMI source
- Wide Compatibility & Plug-and-Play – Compatible with Blu-ray players, PS5, Xbox, PCs, streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire TV Stick,and Roku.HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 compliant with a durable metal housing for home or commercial AV setups
Reconnect the devices and check detection
Make sure the TV is powered on, disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable at both ends, and check whether the output appears again. If Windows still does not detect an output device, Microsoft recommends checking Device Manager, showing hidden devices, and scanning for hardware changes. Follow the steps in Microsoft’s guide to missing or undetected audio output devices.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Inspect the HDMI cable, ports, and adapter
Check that the cable is firmly seated and that its connectors and the laptop and TV ports show no visible damage. If you can, test the setup with another known-working HDMI cable or port before buying anything. LG advises checking the connection and testing or replacing a cable when it may be faulty; its troubleshooting article does not establish that every no-sound case needs a new cable.
Rank #3
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with various HDMI players, such as Roku or Chromecast without dedicated audio output, and Blu-ray/DVD/HD players, cable/satellite boxes, PS3/4, PS4 Pro, PS5 Xbox, Fire TV, HD camera, HD DVR, etc.Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC. TV is not supported as the input source,otherwise product doesn't work.)
- 【4k 3D HDMI Audio Extractor】High performance and multifunction high definition audio extractor, can extract audio signals from HDMI high definition signals into power amplifier system to achieve audio effects that difficult to achieve with TV speakers. This HDMI audio extractor supports 3D stereo imaging technology, giving you an immersive and breathtaking visual experience(Requires your input and output devices to support 3D).
- 【Light Weight】Easy installation and smaller size. Normally no external power adapter is required. Plug and play. For some devices with a low power HDMI port (like PS4, PS4 Slim and other Sony devices), please use a USB adapter or other device's USB port to charge it (free USB cable included in the package).
- 【High Resolution】HDMI audio converter, convert HDMI input to HDMI output and R/L analog audio output, audio output supports R/L analog audio output, input resolution up to 4Kx2K@30Hz, can realize audio signal synchronous separation. The picture is more vivid and the visual effect is better.
- 【Package】Each product accessories include 1 x HDMI Audio Splitter,1 x USB Power Supply Cable,1xAudio cable,1x 4K HDMI cable,1 x Manual. Reminder: If you have any questions that need to be consulted, you can contact us at any time.
If the laptop connects through a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter or hub, check the manufacturer’s compatibility information for your computer and confirm that the specific adapter supports audio output. Adapter support cannot be assumed from the picture appearing on the TV. Test the direct connection or another compatible adapter, if available, to help isolate the cause.
Check audio drivers, troubleshoot, and restart
A missing, outdated, disabled, or malfunctioning audio driver can stop Windows from detecting or using HDMI audio. Microsoft recommends checking drivers and using the audio troubleshooter; Samsung notes that a graphics-card manufacturer may provide an HDMI audio driver.
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
- Run the Windows audio troubleshooter from the sound troubleshooting options in Settings.
- Check Device Manager for the relevant audio or graphics device and whether Windows reports a problem.
- For a driver update, use the computer manufacturer’s or sound-device manufacturer’s instructions; for HDMI audio tied to graphics hardware, check the graphics-device manufacturer’s support information.
- Restart Windows after driver changes, or restart if the output remains undetected.
See Microsoft’s sound troubleshooting steps and instructions for undetected output devices. Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; after that date, it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. This support status does not change the initial output-selection checks, but it matters when considering ongoing Windows 10 updates.
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Consider hardware replacement only after checking output selection, mute and volume, device detection, and drivers. A different cable or port that restores audio points toward the original connection path, but the symptom by itself does not prove which component failed. If an adapter is involved, verify its audio support and model compatibility before choosing a replacement. The cited support guidance does not establish a particular cable brand, length, or specification as necessary for this setup.
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.
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