When a Windows 11 computer is connected to a TV or monitor through HDMI, the picture may work normally while there is no sound. The most common causes are an incorrect audio output, a disabled HDMI audio device, a driver problem, or an issue with the TV, monitor, cable, or adapter.
Select the HDMI Audio Device
Windows 11 may continue using the computer’s speakers or another connected audio device instead of HDMI.
Open Settings → System → Sound and look at the Output section. Select the TV or monitor connected through HDMI.
If the HDMI device is not available, open Settings → System → Sound → All sound devices and check whether it appears there.
If Windows does not detect the HDMI audio device, continue with the driver check.
Check the Display Audio Driver
HDMI audio is normally handled by the graphics system. Depending on the computer, the device may appear as Intel Display Audio, AMD High Definition Audio Device, or NVIDIA High Definition Audio.
Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
If the HDMI or display audio device is disabled, enable it. If Windows shows a warning or reports a driver problem, update or reinstall the graphics driver.
A driver problem is particularly likely if HDMI sound stopped working after a Windows or graphics-driver update.
Check the TV, Monitor and HDMI Connection
If Windows detects the HDMI audio device but there is still no sound, check the receiving equipment.
Make sure the TV or monitor:
- is not muted;
- has its volume turned up;
- is using the correct audio input;
- has built-in speakers or another connected audio output.
Some monitors accept audio through HDMI but have no built-in speakers. In this case, Windows can send sound to the monitor without producing audible sound.
Also check the HDMI connection. Try another HDMI port or cable if possible.
If you use a USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, test the connection without the adapter if your computer has a native HDMI output. A compatible video connection does not always guarantee that the adapter handles audio correctly.
Find the Cause of the Problem
| What happens | Most likely cause |
|---|---|
| HDMI picture works, but sound comes from the computer | Wrong output device |
| HDMI device is missing from Windows | Driver, adapter, or connection |
| HDMI device is disabled | Windows device settings |
| Problem appeared after a driver update | Graphics/display-audio driver |
| Windows detects HDMI, but the monitor is silent | Monitor has no speakers or has incorrect audio settings |
| Another cable or port fixes the problem | HDMI connection |
| Direct HDMI works, but an adapter does not | Adapter compatibility |
If the problem remains, restart both the computer and the TV or monitor after reconnecting the HDMI cable. This forces Windows to detect the display and its audio device again.
