Article Number: 000125795
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Summary: This article provides information about how to connect external speakers, headphones, or sound bar to a Dell computer. Find information about audio ports, connecting speakers,See more
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Article Content
Symptoms
External speakers or headphones that are connected to a computer improves the audio quality while enjoying web content, digital music, and other sound sources.
Cause
Connecting the speakers or headphones correctly and setting the correct audio playback device in Windows sound settings are important. Speakers or headphones for computers come in two variants:
- Wired speakers or headphones - can be connected to a desktop or laptopusing a 3.5mm audio connector or a USB cable.
- Wireless speakers or headphones - can be connected to a Bluetooth-capable computer using Bluetooth.
Resolution
Expand the sections below for detailed information.
Connect a wired speaker or headphone
Desktop computers have three or more audio connectors at the back (Figure 1) and some desktops also have a headphone and microphone, or a headphone/microphone combo connector on the front panel. Audio connectors on desktops and plugs on the sound card are color-coded to help connect the speaker correctly. On a Dell all-in-one computer, the speaker, headphone, or line-out connector are located at the back or the side of the computer. To learn model-specific information about the location of the audio connectors, see the User Manual of your Dell computer.
NOTE: The front panel audio and USB connectors can be enabled or disabled in the BIOS or System Setup. See the User Manual of your Dell computer to learn how to navigate to the BIOS and enable or disable the front panel audio port(s).
Most laptop computers have one headphone/microphone combo connector (Figure 2).
- Verify that the speakers are powered on.
NOTE: Depending on the type or model, the speaker may use an AC adapter, USB cable, or batteries to provide power. See the user manual of the device to learn more.
- Connect the speaker or headphone jack to the 'line-out' or 'speaker-out' (green) connector on the computer.
NOTE: To learn more about the different type of audio connectors on a desktop computer, see the User Manual of your Dell desktop.
- Set the volume using the volume knob on the external speaker. For headphones, volume control is either through the application (media players like Windows Media Player or VLC, online video players like YouTube, Facebook video players and so on, or communication apps like Skype, Zoom, Discord and so on) that is being used or the main Windows volume control in the system tray.
- Set the volume on the computer.
- Proceed to the next step to set the default audio playback device in Windows.
Figure 1: Illustration of color-coded audio ports on the back of a desktop computer. For model-specific information, see the User Manual of your Dell computer.
Figure 2: Illustration of a combo audio port on a laptop computer. For model-specific information, see the User Manual of your Dell computer.
Connect a wireless speaker or headphone
Wireless speakers or headphones can be connected to a computer using Bluetooth. Some wireless headphones may come with a pre-paired USB dongle, which can be used to connect to a computer.
- Turn on the Bluetooth speaker, and make it discoverable. See the user manual of the Bluetooth speaker to learn how to put the Bluetooth device in discoverable mode.
- Turn on Bluetooth on the computer.
- Connect and pair the Bluetooth speaker or headphone with the computer.
NOTE: Some Bluetooth speakers or headphones may require a passcode to connect and pair, see the user manual of the Bluetooth device for device-specific instructions.
NOTE: The Bluetooth speaker or headphone and the computer automatically connect anytime the two devices are in the range of each other when Bluetooth is turned on. The range of Bluetooth signal may vary between different Bluetooth devices.
- How to Pair Dell Bluetooth Devices in Windows 10
- Connect to a Bluetooth Device From Your Dell Computer in Windows 8(8.1)
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
- Proceed to the next step to set the default audio playback device in Windows.
Set default audio playback device in Windows
Setting the correct playback device is important. This ensures that the sound or audio is available from the correct speaker or headphone. If some devices like Bluetooth speakers or headsets are not listed, verify that the Bluetooth device is paired with the computer.
NOTE: Only one device can be set as a default playback device.
To change the default sound playback device in Windows 10
- Click Start, and then click Settings (gear icon).
- Click System.
- On the left menu, click Sound.
- Under choose your output device, select the audio device that you want to use.
To change the default sound playback device in Windows 8 or 8.1
- Right-click Start, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound.
- Click Sound.
- In the Playback tab, select the audio device that you want to use.
- Click Set Default, and then click OK.
NOTE: The correct audio playback device must be set in Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and other audio or video conferencing applications. See the software manufacturer's website for more information about how to set the default audio playback device.
Set default audio recording device in Windows
Setting the correct recording device or microphone is important. This ensures that the sound or audio is available from the correct microphone. If some devices like Bluetooth headsets are not listed, verify that the Bluetooth device is paired with the computer.
NOTE: Only one device can be set as a default recording device.
To change the default sound recording device in Windows 10
- Click Start, and then click Settings (gear icon).
- Click System.
- On the left menu, click Sound.
- Under choose your input device, select the audio device that you want to use as the primary microphone.
To change the default sound recording device in Windows 8 or 8.1
- Right-click Start, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound.
- Click Sound.
- In the Recording tab, select the default microphone that you want to use.
- Click Set Default, and then click OK.
NOTE: The correct microphone or recording device must be set in Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and other audio or video conferencing applications. See the software manufacturer's website for more information about how to set the default microphone.
Additional Information
Helpful resources for troubleshooting audio-related issues on a Dell computer.
- How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Playback Issues
- How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Recording Issues
Troubleshoot Audio Related Issues
Duration: 02:34
Closed captions: English only
Frequently asked questions
What is a headphone/microphone combo connector?
The headphone/microphone combo connector is often seen on laptops and on the front panel of desktop computers. This type of connector supports either a headphone, earphone, or a headset with a built-in microphone. The headphone/microphone combo connector is a standard 3.5mm audio connector.
NOTE: Headsets with built-in microphones may either have a single cable or dual cables (one each for headphone and microphone support. The headphone/microphone combo connector supports headsets that uses a single cable only.
What are the different color-coded audio connectors on the back of a desktop computer?
On desktop computers, the audio ports on the back panel of the computer are color-coded for easy reference. The color-code may vary between different models. See the User Manual of your Dell computer to learn more about what each color-coded audio port supports.
How to set up audio with a monitor that has built-in speakers?
Certain monitors have built-in speakers. Such monitors support audio transmission over the standard HDMI or DisplayPort connection that supports both audio and video.
- Verify that the monitor you are using has a built-in speaker.
- Verify that the HDMI or DisplayPort cable is connected between the computer and the monitor.
NOTE: Audio and video signal transmission is supported on HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C (DisplayPort or Thunderbolt-capable) cable only.
- Follow the steps below to set the default audio playback device as the monitor.
To change the default sound playback device in Windows 10
- Click Start, and then click Settings (gear icon).
- Click System.
- On the left menu, click Sound.
- Under choose your output device, select the audio device that you want to use.
To change the default sound playback device in Windows 8 or 8.1
- Right-click Start, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound.
- Click Sound.
- In the Playback tab, select the audio device that you want to use.
- Click Set Default, and then click OK.
How to set up a sound bar with the monitor or the Dell computer?
To set up the sound bar on a Dell monitor, see the User Guide of the Dell monitor or the sound bar for detailed information.
To set up a non-Dell or third-party sound bar, see the user guide of the device on the device manufacturer's website.
How to set up a microphone on the Dell computer?
To ensure that the microphone works correctly, set the correct audio recording device in Windows.
- Click Start, and then click Settings (gear icon).
- Click System.
- On the left menu, click Sound.
- Under choose your input device, select the audio device that you want to use as the primary microphone.
To change the default sound recording device in Windows 8 or 8.1
- Right-click Start, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound.
- Click Sound.
- In the Recording tab, select the default microphone that you want to use.
- Click Set Default, and then click OK.
NOTE: The correct microphone or recording device must be set in Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and other audio or video conferencing applications. See the software manufacturer's website for more information about how to set the default microphone.
Article Properties
Affected Product
Alienware Aurora, Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10, Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, Retired Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Retired Models, Fixed WorkstationsSee more
Last Published Date
19 May 2021
Version
8
Article Type
Solution
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FAQs
How do I connect speakers to my Dell computer? ›
- Verify that the speakers are powered on. ...
- Connect the speaker or headphone jack to the 'line-out' or 'speaker-out' (green) connector on the computer. ...
- Set the volume using the volume knob on the external speaker.
Use an audio splitter or Bluetooth adapter
Simply plug the splitter into your PC and plug the headphones into one port and the speakers into another.
So in case if you have a desktop and you want to connect wired speaker or headphone. So if you look
How do I connect my headset to my Dell laptop? ›And open bluetooth. And other devices settings verify that bluetooth is turned on. Now click on add
Why wont my speakers work on my Dell computer? ›Ensure the external speaker has power and the cables are connected properly. Connect external speaker/headphone to another device and check for sound. Test your computer's hardware. Click each of the links to run a test on the Motherboard, Sound card and/or USB Port (if the external speaker is connected to a USB port).
How do I connect speakers to my Dell monitor? ›Plug the computer speaker jack into the computer port of a corresponding color. If you have a simple pair of computer speakers, you'll likely have just a green jack; plug it into the green port at the back of your computer. If you have a more sophisticated setup, match the port color to the plug color.
How do I set up headphones and speakers? ›How do I use headphones and speakers at the same time on ...
How do I add speakers to my computer? ›- Locate the sound card jacks on your computer. ...
- Plug one speaker into the other, if required. ...
- Plug the speaker cable into the green “Line-out” jack of a desktop computer. ...
- Plug the power cord from the speakers into an electrical socket and turn the speakers on.
How to Install Computer Speakers - YouTube
Why wont my headphones work on my Dell laptop? ›This issue could be faced because of the Waves MaxxAudio Service Application was not enabled. Go to Settings > Apps & features > Startup, locate the app and turn it ON. If you have the Realtek audio driver installed, test the jack by switching to the Windows native audio driver. 1.
How do I install speakers on my Dell laptop? ›
- Locate the green 3.5-mm (1/8-inch) plug-in adapter hole on the rear of the computer. ...
- Plug the 3.5-mm male adapter plug from the speakers into the green plug-in adapter hole. ...
- Click on the "Start" button and then "Control Panel" tab. ...
- Enable the "Place Volume Icon on the Taskbar" option.
The speakers are positioned on the bottom of the laptop towards the left and right sides. Hence, the audio will not be muffled.
How do I connect my headset to my laptop? ›- Step 1: Open Settings.
- Step 2: Go to Devices.
- Step 3: Switch on Bluetooth.
- Step 4: Click the plus.
- Step 5: Select Bluetooth.
- Step 6: Put your headphones or earbuds in pairing mode.
- Step 7: Pair your headphones or earbuds.
If you have headphones with a 3.5mm jack, plug them into the headphone port on your computer. If your computer's jack doesn't have TRRS (which allows a separate microphone connection, which is what you need for a headset), you may need to buy external hardware.
How do I turn my laptop Speakers on? ›In Windows 10, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Sounds. Select the Playback tab and select the device you want to use. If you don't see it, try right-clicking and checking Show Disabled Devices. Select the output device you want and click the Set Default button.
Why is my computer not detecting my speakers? ›If your computer has the Windows operating system, make sure the correct playback device is set as the default device for sound output. If the wrong playback device is set as the default device, the sound doesn't come out of the expected device (i.e., speakers or headphones).
Why won't my speaker connect to my computer? ›Check your Bluetooth device
Make sure your device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is in range of the PC you want to connect to. Then, try the following: Turn off your Bluetooth device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range.
Does this Dell monitor have audio or a headphone jack? No, there is no audio component to this Dell monitor and there is no headphone jack. You can either use the audio on your laptop or you can purchase external speakers.
How do I get the speakers on my monitor to work? ›First, make sure that your monitor has built-in speakers and that they're turned on. Next, open the Control Panel and navigate to "Sound." Under the "Playback" tab, you should see your monitor listed as a playback device. If it's not already selected as the default device, click on it and then click "Set as Default."
Do Dell Computer monitors have speakers? ›Dell Gaming and Alienware monitors (except the AW5520QF) do NOT have in-built speakers.
How do I set up Speakers on Windows 10? ›
In the taskbar, in the bottom right corner of the screen, click the "Speaker" Icon. Click the arrow next to the currently being used speaker. Click the speaker you want set as your default.
How do I set up multiple audio outputs? ›You should enable Stereo Mix and select multiple outputs devices for audio playback Windows 10: right click on the sound volume -> select Sounds -> choose a primary audio playback device -> enable Stereo Mix -> set as default -> select a secondary audio playback device -> apply changes.
How do I play sound through my headphones? ›Sound Through Speakers & Headphones AT THE SAME TIME
How do I set up speakers? ›Move your speakers at least 2-3 feet away from the nearest wall. This will minimize sound reflections, which can negatively impact playback clarity. Adjust speaker angle (toe-in). Angle your speakers inward so they're pointed towards the listener - more specifically, at a point directly behind the listener's head.
How do you connect speakers? ›Hold your smartphone close to the speaker and wait until it appears on the Bluetooth screen under Other devices. In most cases, the speaker's name or brand will appear here. Tap the name and your smartphone will establish a connection to your Bluetooth speaker.
Which jack is for speakers? ›Unless your computer is very old, the jacks are color-coded green for line-out -- for speakers or headphones -- blue for line-in and pink for a microphone. The microphone and speaker jacks may also have small images next to them. The line-in jack is intended for music players or other audio devices.
How do I connect my wired speakers to my laptop? ›Plug the connector into the laptop.
With your laptop turned on, plug the audio connector cable (the USB or 3.5mm (1/8") connector) into its corresponding port on the laptop. If you're using a 3.5mm (1/8") connector, look on the sides of your laptop for a small jack that has a drawing of headphones or a speaker.
You might have the sound muted or turned down low in the app. Check the media volume. If you still don't hear anything, verify that the media volume isn't turned down or off: Navigate to Settings.
Can you plug speakers into headphone jack? ›If the speakers have a plug that fits a headphone jack, yes, you can. That would be a ⅛″ (3.5mm) stereo plug. If they have that plug they're likely to be powered, either by a battery or an AC cord and plug, so as to provide amplification. If they're not powered you won't get enough sound out of them.
What is the color of the speaker jack on a computer? ›Identify the audio jacks on the back of your computer. Unless your computer is very old, the jacks are color-coded green for line-out -- for speakers or headphones -- blue for line-in and pink for a microphone.
How do I enable my speakers? ›
Change Your Audio Device
In Windows 10, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Sounds. Select the Playback tab and select the device you want to use. If you don't see it, try right-clicking and checking Show Disabled Devices. Select the output device you want and click the Set Default button.
-In Control Panel, select Large icons from the View by drop down menu. -Select Sound. -Right click the Speakers and click Enable. -Right-click it again and select Set as Default Device.
Can you connect stereo speakers to a computer? ›Most PC speakers include a 3.5mm stereo cable to plug into the computer's output jack. Connect this now. Connect power to the speakers (note: some USB speakers use a USB port for power in addition to a separate audio input cable.)
What are the 3 audio ports? ›The color-coded jacks on the sound card
The pink port is normally the microphone input, and is usually mono but might be stereo. The light blue port is normally the line input port and is usually stereo. The green port is normally the headphone output port, also usually stereo. Check your computer manual to be sure.
3.5 mm audio out - This is the standard audio-out plug-in that you see on headphones and speaker systems. 3.5 mm connectors plug into headphone ports, and are usually green in color. Typically, 3.5 mm audio-out ports also support audio-in (e.g., microphones).
Which jack do I plug my speakers in? ›Connecting speakers or headphones to a 3.5 mm mini jack
One of these wires should connect to the left speaker, and another should have a 3.5 mm mini plug that connects to your computer's audio output jack. If your speakers require a power source to amplify the audio, there should also be a power cord.
If your computer has the Windows operating system, make sure the correct playback device is set as the default device for sound output. If the wrong playback device is set as the default device, the sound doesn't come out of the expected device (i.e., speakers or headphones).
How do I make my computer speakers work? ›- Check your speaker output. ...
- Run the audio troubleshooter. ...
- Verify that all Windows Updates are installed. ...
- Check your cables, plugs, jacks, volume, speaker, and headphone connections. ...
- Check sound settings. ...
- Fix your audio drivers. ...
- Set your audio device as the default device.
- Solution 1: Run the Sound Troubleshooter.
- Solution 2: Re-Enable your Sound Card.
- Solution 3: Update your sound card driver.
- Update your driver from Windows itself.
- Update your driver with a third-party app.
- Solution 4: Disable front panel jack detection (Realtek)
Right-click the Volume icon in the notification area. From the pop-up menu, choose Playback Devices. The Sound dialog box appears, listing the gizmos on your PC that produce sound.
Does Dell desktop have internal speakers? ›
Internal speakers come standard on the majority of computers sold today, including Dell products. You may need to find out how to turn off the internal speakers on your Dell if they do not work, or if you choose not to use them.
How do I fix no output devices found? ›You can choose from the follow 3 options to fix the “No Audio Output Device Installed” error; Automatically update your audio device drivers. Manually uninstall device driver & Manually reinstall the drivers. Re-enable the device.
How do you connect speakers? ›Hold your smartphone close to the speaker and wait until it appears on the Bluetooth screen under Other devices. In most cases, the speaker's name or brand will appear here. Tap the name and your smartphone will establish a connection to your Bluetooth speaker.
How do I connect speaker wires to my computer? ›Purchase a speaker wire to RCA adapter from an online retailer like Amazon.com or from an electronics store. This is a small adapter that will fit on the end of your speaker wire, converting the signal into the RCA input that is accepted by your PC's sound card.
How do I connect my wired speakers to my laptop? ›Plug the connector into the laptop.
With your laptop turned on, plug the audio connector cable (the USB or 3.5mm (1/8") connector) into its corresponding port on the laptop. If you're using a 3.5mm (1/8") connector, look on the sides of your laptop for a small jack that has a drawing of headphones or a speaker.