If your computer's speakers aren't working and you don't want or can't get them to a professional, you can learn how to diagnose and repair them yourself. This type of repair requires a great deal of technical knowledge, but most malfunctions that affect speakers are caused by easily repairable hardware and software problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Perform a comprehensive check
Step 1. Know how your speakers work
To know how to solve speaker problems, it is good to know the basics of how they work.
- Sound signals generated inside your computer are sent to the audio port (usually green).
- You plug your speakers into this port and the sound passes along the wire to the small built-in amplifier.
- The output of the amplifier is connected to the speakers.
- Power, which comes either from the battery (for a laptop) or the wall outlet (for a desktop) allows the amplifier to amplify the tiny signal coming from your computer into something powerful enough to vibrate the speaker magnets, causing their cone to vibrate, which in turn vibrate the air, creating sound.
Step 2. Know what may be causing a malfunction
Although any failure in the chain of events listed in the last step could cause your speakers to malfunction, there are 2 main reasons why you may not have sound.
- A software glitch: Software glitches can occur as a result of many factors ranging from insufficient power on a laptop to outdated drivers or audio settings.
- A hardware problem: Hardware problems are caused by parts of the enclosure that are physically damaged or loose. If your speaker hardware is damaged, there's very little chance you'll be able to fix it yourself (and that's next to impossible if you're using a laptop).
The only exception is if your speakers are not properly connected to your computer
Step 3. Make sure your laptop is plugged in
Many Windows laptops go into low power mode if their battery drops below a certain threshold, which can cause certain functions (such as sound) to malfunction. You can avoid this problem by plugging your laptop into a wall outlet.
Of course, this will not be necessary if you are using a desktop computer
Step 4. Check the volume of your speakers or your computer
If your speakers have a separate volume control from your computer, make sure the volume is set to a level where you can actually hear them. It sounds obvious, but checking for an accidental mute is quick and more common than you might think.
If you have a laptop instead of a desktop, make sure the volume is on maximum
Step 5. Make sure you don't have a headset plugged in
If a device is plugged into the headphone jack on your computer, the speakers will not work.
- On some desktops, the headphone jack is located on the back of the tower.
- Many speakers have their own headphone jack, so check the connections there as well.
Step 6. Turn off Bluetooth on your computer
Sometimes your computer can connect to an external audio source (for example, a soundbar or a car) without you realizing it, making it look like the audio output is not working.
- On Windows: press ⊞ Win + A (or click on the box in the lower right corner of the screen), then click on the colored Bluetooth icon
- On Mac: click on the Bluetooth icon
at the top right of the screen then select Turn off bluetooth from the drop-down menu that appears.
Step 7. Test the sound with headphones
If you have determined that your speakers are not working even if the headphones are not plugged in, listening to sound through headphones will help you know whether the problem is with your computer or not.
- If the sound from your computer is going through the headphones, but not through the speakers, then the speakers or their connections are the problem.
- If sound from your computer still does not come out through the headphones, you are dealing with a software problem.
Step 8. Check your speaker connections
Your speakers may not be properly connected to the computer (or to each other). You can check their connections by looking at the cables that run between them on the back of each sub, and you can check their connection to your computer by looking at the connections on the back of your machine.
- Your speakers should be plugged into the “Audio Out” port on your computer, which is typically a green headphone jack on Windows desktop computers.
- If your speakers connect via HDMI, an optical cable, Thunderbolt, or the like, make sure the connections are tight.
Step 9. Restart your computer
This will help you resolve most temporary software issues. The best way to restart your computer in this kind of situation is to shut it down, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back on.
- On Windows: open To start up
, click on On Off
, select Stop, do not touch your computer for 5 minutes and then press the power button.
- On Mac: open the apple menu
, click on Switch off, choose Switch off At the command prompt, do not touch your Mac for 5 minutes and then press the physical power button.
Step 10. Try to resolve the software problems
The methods below are about changing the audio settings and drivers on your Windows computer or Mac to ensure that it uses the connected speakers and makes the most of the software currently available.
If none of the software tune-ups below work for your speakers, you'll need to take them (or take your computer) to a technical repair center and ask for help
Part 2 of 5: Change audio settings on Windows
Step 1. Open the Start menu
Click on the Windows logo at the bottom left of the screen.
Step 2. Go to the Sound section of the control panel
Type sound, then click the option His in the shape of a loudspeaker at the top of the menu.
Under the Sound option, you will see Control Panel
Step 3. Click the Playback tab
You'll find it at the top of the Sound window with a list of your computer's audio options.
If the open tab doesn't change when you do this, it means you're already on the Reading tab
Step 4. Select the name of your speakers
Click on the name of your pair of speakers (this is usually a combination of the manufacturer's name and model number) to select them.
Step 5. Choose Set As Default
This option is located at the bottom right of the window. Click on it to set your speakers as the default audio output of your computer. This means that all sound will now be output from the speakers (unless you plug in headphones).
Step 6. Click Apply then on OK.
These 2 options are at the bottom of the window. Click on it to save your changes and close the window.
Step 7. Test your speakers
Make sure the volume is high enough then start playing a video or song. If your speakers are working, you can stop there. Otherwise, try updating their drivers.
Part 3 of 5: Change audio settings on Mac
Step 1. Open the Apple menu
Click on the Apple logo at the top left of the screen to open a drop-down menu.
Step 2. Click System Preferences
This option is in the drop-down menu.
Step 3. Select Sound
This speaker icon is located in the System Preferences window. Click on it to open the Sound window.
Step 4. Go to the Output tab
You'll find it at the top of the Sound window. Click on it to display a list of audio output options for your Mac.
Step 5. Choose your speakers
Click the name of your speakers to select them as your Mac's audio output.
Step 6. Make sure the Silence box is unchecked
This box is located at the bottom right of the Output tab. If it is checked, click on it to uncheck it.
Step 7. Test your speakers
Make sure the volume is at an audible level and then start playing a video or song. If your speakers are working, there is nothing more you can do. If they don't work, try updating their drivers.
Part 4 of 5: Update Drivers on Windows
Step 1. Click on the Start menu
Click on the Windows logo at the bottom left of the screen.
Step 2. Open the device manager
Type device manager in Start, and then click Device Manager when it appears at the top of the menu.
Step 3. Double-click on Audio inputs and outputs
You'll find this option at the top of the Device Manager window. Double click on it to expand the header Audio inputs and outputs and display more options below.
If you see several options directly under this heading, it means that its tree structure is already displayed
Step 4. Select the name of your speakers
Click on the name of your speakers, which is usually a combination of the manufacturer's name and model number, under the Audio Inputs and Outputs heading.
Step 5. Click the Update Driver icon
It is a black box with a green arrow facing up at the top of the window. Click on it to open a context menu.
Step 6. Choose Automatically check for updated driver software
This option is found in the contextual menu and allows you to launch the search for updated drivers for your speakers.
Step 7. Follow the on-screen instructions
In most cases, the drivers will install automatically and you will see a confirmation at the end of the process. For some speakers, you may need to click a menu or restart your computer at the command prompt.
- If there is no driver available for your speakers, you will see a message that says “The best drivers for your device are already installed” in the pop-up menu. However, you can click Check for updated drivers on Windows Update to check on the Windows Update service.
Step 8. Test your speakers
Make sure the volume is audible then start playing a song or video. If the speakers were not outputting any sound due to a problem with their drivers, they should now be working.
If your speakers are still not working, you will need to take them (or return your computer) to a repair center and explain to one of the technicians on site the problem you are having
Part 5 of 5: Update Drivers on Mac
Step 1. Open the Apple menu
Click on Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. You will see a drop-down menu appear.
Step 2. Click Software Update
This option is in the drop-down menu and opens the Software Update window which displays a list of available updates.
Step 3. Choose Update All
Even if there is only one update available, you will see this option in the upper right part of the window.
Step 4. Wait for the update process to complete
How long it takes to install updates will depend on how many files you need to install, but if your speaker drivers are outdated, their update will be included in the list.
You may need to restart your Mac before you can continue
Step 5. Test your speakers
Adjust the volume to an audible level then listen to a song or watch a video. If the problem with your speakers was software, they should now be working.
If your speakers still aren't working, you'll need to take them (or bring your computer) to a repairman and tell them what the problem is
Advice
- If you are looking for drivers for your speakers, you can visit the manufacturer's website to download them. Usually you will find them in the “Support”, “Downloads” or “Help” section.
- If you just bought your speakers that don't work and are still under warranty, bring them back and ask for a replacement. Don't try to take them apart.
- You can check the welds as well as the internal wiring of the speakers by opening their boxes. This is not recommended unless they are already old or out of warranty.
Warnings
- It is often cheaper to buy a new pair of speakers than to have damaged ones repaired.
- Disassembly and physical repair of the speakers requires a great deal of technical knowledge. Unless you know what you are doing, do not attempt to re-solder or repair internal parts.
