This wikiHow teaches you how to diagnose and repair faulty computer speakers on Windows and Mac computers. While repairing loudspeakers requires some technical expertise, most speaker problems are caused by hardware and software problems that can be easily fixed.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Performing a General Check
Step 1. Understand how loudspeakers work
To solve speaker problems, we recommend that you understand the basics of how a speaker system works:
- The sound signal generated by the computer is sent to the speaker port (usually green) on the computer case.
- When a loudspeaker is connected to the port, the sound signal will flow through the cable to a small amplifier located on the speaker.
- The signal coming out of the amplifier will be sent to the loudspeaker.
- An amplifier that receives power from a battery (on laptops) or a wall outlet (on desktop computers) will amplify the tiny signal generated by the computer so that it is strong enough to shake the magnets in the speakers, vibrate the speaker mouthpiece, and eventually vibrate the air and produce sound.
Step 2. Find out the cause
If any part of the working system circuit described above does not work, the loudspeaker will not sound. However, there are two main things that usually keep speakers from playing:
- Software - Causes can vary, from low power on the laptop, to not updating drivers or sound preference settings.
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Hardware - This problem could be caused by a faulty speaker or a loose component. If a component in the speaker is damaged, you may not be able to repair it yourself, even if it is a laptop speaker that is damaged.
The only exception is when the speakers are not properly installed on the computer
Step 3. Make sure the laptop is connected to a power source
Most Windows laptops will enter low power mode when the battery drops below a certain limit. This may prevent some computer features (such as sound) from working properly. This can be solved by connecting the laptop to a charger that is plugged into a wall outlet.
This step is not necessary on a desktop computer
Step 4. Check the loudspeaker or computer volume
If the speaker has a separate volume control from the computer, check that the volume is set so that the sound can be heard. This is actually an obvious thing, but accidentally turning the volume down is usually a common problem that often occurs, but is ignored by people.
If you are using a laptop, make sure the volume is shifted up all the way up
Step 5. Make sure there are no headphones plugged into the computer
If something is plugged into the computer's headphone jack, the speakers won't sound.
- On some desktop computers, the headphone jack is placed on the back of the case.
- Many loudspeakers have their own headphone jack. You should also check the jack.
Step 6. Turn off Bluetooth on the computer
Sometimes the computer is unwittingly connected to an external audio source (such as a soundbar or car), which makes it appear as if the audio output is not working.
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Windows - Press Win+A (or click the box in the lower right corner), then click the Bluetooth icon
Macbluetooth1 colored.
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Mac - Click the Bluetooth icon
Macbluetooth1 at the top right of the screen, then click Turn Bluetooth Off in the drop-down menu that appears.
Step 7. Test the audio using headphones
If the speakers still fail to work even when no headphones are connected, use headphones to listen to computer audio. This is to find out if the problem is coming from the computer or not:
- If you can hear sound through your headphones, but the speakers still don't work, the problem is with the speakers or their connections.
- If your computer still doesn't sound through your headphones, there's a software problem.
Step 8. Check the speaker connections
Perhaps the speakers are not properly connected to the computer (or between individual speakers). Check the speaker connections by looking at the cables connected to each speaker (those on the back), and also check the speaker connections to the computer located on the back of the computer case.
- Loudspeakers must be plugged into the computer's "Audio Out" port, which is usually the green headphone jack found on Windows desktop computers.
- If the speakers are connected via HDMI, optical, Thunderbolt, and so on, make sure the connections are firmly plugged in.
Step 9. Restart the computer
This can solve most software problems. The way to restart your computer to fix software problems is to turn it off, let it sit for a few minutes, and then turn it back on:
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Windows - Click Start
Windowsstart choose Power
Windowspower click Shut down. Let the computer shut down for about 5 minutes, then press the " Power " button on the computer case.
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Mac - Open Apple menu
Macapple1 choose Shutdown…, click Shut Down when prompted, and let the Mac shut down for about 5 minutes, then press the "Power" button on the computer.
Step 10. Try troubleshooting software problems
The next section in this article will focus on changing the sound driver and settings on Windows and Mac computers. This is to ensure that the computer is using the connected speakers and is taking advantage of the latest software for those speakers.
If none of the software settings on the bottom can make the speakers sound, take the speakers or computer to a repair shop
Method 2 of 5: Changing Sound Settings in Windows
Step 1. Go to Start
Do this by clicking on the Windows logo in the lower left corner.
Step 2. Go to the " Sound " section in Control Panel
Type sound, then click options Sound loudspeaker at the top of the menu.
It says "Control Panel" under the options Sound.
Step 3. Click the Playback tab at the top of the Sound window
A list of computer audio options will appear.
If the currently open tab does not change when you do this, you are already in a tab Playback.
Step 4. Select the speaker name
Do this by clicking on your speaker's name (usually a combination of the speaker's manufacturer name and model number).
Step 5. Click Set Default in the lower right of the window
Doing so will set the selected speaker as the default audio output on the computer. This means that from now on all non-headphone sound will come from that speaker.
Step 6. Click Apply, then OK.
These two buttons are at the bottom of the window. Your settings will be applied and the window will close.
Step 7. Test the speakers
Make sure you've set the speaker volume up to audible, then play a song or video. If the loudspeaker can beep, your task is done. If it doesn't sound, try updating your speaker drivers.
Method 3 of 5: Changing Sound Settings on Mac
Step 1. Open Apple menu
Do this by clicking the Apple logo in the upper left of the screen. This will bring up a drop-down menu.
Step 2. Click System Preferences…
This option is in the drop-down menu.
Step 3. Click Sound
This speaker-shaped icon can be found in the System Preferences window. The Sound window will open.
Step 4. Click the Output tab at the top of the Sound window
A list of sound output options for your Mac will appear.
Step 5. Choose a speaker name
Do this by clicking on the speaker's name. Doing so will set the speaker as the output location for your Mac's computer audio.
Step 6. Make sure you uncheck the “Mute” box
This box is at the bottom right of the tab Output. If the box is checked, click once to remove it.
Step 7. Test the speakers
Make sure you've set the speaker volume up to audible, then play a song or video. If the loudspeaker can beep, your task is done. If it doesn't sound, try updating your speaker drivers.
Method 4 of 5: Updating Drivers in Windows
Step 1. Go to Start
Do this by clicking on the Windows logo in the lower-left corner.
Step 2. Open Device Manager
Type device manager into Start, then click Device Manager shown at the top of the menu.
Step 3. Double-click Audio inputs and outputs
It's at the top of the Device Manager window. After doing so, heading Audio inputs and outputs will expand and show many options below it.
If there are already multiple options indented just below this heading, the options have been expanded
Step 4. Select the speaker name
Do this by clicking on the speaker's name (usually a combination of the speaker's manufacturer and model number) under the heading Audio inputs and outputs.
Step 5. Click the “Update device driver” icon
This black box with a green arrow pointing up is at the top of the window. A pop-up menu will open.
Step 6. Click Search automatically for driver software updates
This option is in the pop-up menu. The computer will search for the latest drivers for your speakers.
Step 7. Follow the instructions shown on the screen
Usually, the driver will be installed automatically, and the computer will display a confirmation when the process is complete. On some speakers, you may have to click a menu or restart the computer when prompted.
If there are no new drivers for your speakers, your computer will display a message that says "The best drivers for your device are already installed" in the pop-up menu. However, you can still click Search for updated drivers on Windows Update to check the Windows Update service.
Step 8. Test the speakers
Make sure you've set the speaker volume to audible, then play a song or video. If the speakers don't sound due to a driver problem, they should now work fine.
If the speakers still don't work, take the speakers and/or computer to a repair shop and explain the problem you're having to the technician who is there
Method 5 of 5: Updating Drivers on Mac
Step 1. Open Apple menu
Do this by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner. A drop-down menu will be displayed.
Step 2. Click Software Update…
This option is in the drop-down menu. Doing so will open a software update window, which displays a list of available software updates.
Step 3. Click UPDATE ALL
Provided that at least one update is available, this option will appear at the top right of the window.
Step 4. Wait for the update to finish installing
The length of time for installation and the number of updates that must be installed will vary. If the speaker software is out of date, updates will be included here.
You may be prompted to restart your Mac before you can continue
Step 5. Test the speakers
Make sure you've set the speaker volume to audible, then play a song or video. If the speakers don't sound due to a driver problem, they should now work fine.
If the speakers still don't work, take the speakers and/or computer to a repair shop and explain the problem you're having to the technician who is there
Tips
- When looking for a driver for your speakers, try doing a search on the speaker manufacturer's website for the driver. You can usually find it under " Support ", " Downloads ", or " Help ".
- If the speaker that doesn't sound is newly purchased and is still under warranty, return the device to the dealer and ask for a replacement. Don't try to disassemble it.
- You can check the solder connections and the speaker's internal wires by opening the case. This action is not recommended, unless the device is old/outdated and has no warranty.
Warning
- Buying new speakers can often cost less than repairing them.
- Disassembling and repairing loudspeakers (physically) requires a high level of technical knowledge. If you do not have sufficient skills, never attempt to re-solder or repair the inside of the speaker.
