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HDMI audio not working on TV troubleshooting visual guide
Fix It Yourself · Troubleshooting

HDMI Audio Not Working on TV? Here’s the Fix

Updated 12 June 202612 min readEasy
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TL;DR

HDMI audio not working on TV happens when Windows doesn't route sound through the HDMI connection. Right-click the speaker icon, select Sound settings, and choose your TV/HDMI output as default. If that doesn't work, enable hidden HDMI devices in Device Manager or update your graphics drivers (they control HDMI audio, not your sound drivers). Most cases fixed in under 10 minutes.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10-30 mins
Success rate
80% of users

Most guides tell you to "just set the HDMI as default" and call it done. That works maybe half the time. The other half? You're stuck with silent TV speakers whilst your laptop chirps away to itself. After fixing this remotely for hundreds of clients, I can tell you the real problem is usually one of three things: Windows hasn't actually recognised the HDMI audio device, your graphics driver is having a moment, or the HDMI handshake failed during connection. Let's fix HDMI audio not working on TV properly.

⏱️ 11 min read
✅ 80% success rate
📅 Updated March 2026

Key Takeaways

  • HDMI audio not working on TV is usually a Windows settings issue, not hardware failure
  • Graphics drivers control HDMI audio, so updating display drivers often fixes the problem
  • Power cycling both devices and reconnecting the HDMI cable resolves handshake failures
  • Hidden or disabled HDMI audio devices in Device Manager prevent sound output
  • Changing audio format to 16-bit, 48000 Hz fixes compatibility issues with older TVs

What Causes HDMI Audio Not Working on TV?

Here's the thing: HDMI carries both video and audio in a single cable, but Windows treats them as completely separate outputs. When you plug in an HDMI cable, the video side usually works straightaway because Windows prioritises display detection. Audio? That's a different story.

The most common cause is Windows defaulting to your laptop's internal speakers instead of automatically switching to HDMI. The system sees the HDMI audio device, but it doesn't make it the active output. You'll see your screen on the TV, but sound keeps playing from the laptop. Frustrating, but easy to fix.

Second issue: HDMI audio is controlled by your graphics card drivers, not your sound card drivers. This catches people out constantly. If your Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD graphics driver is outdated or corrupted, the HDMI audio interface won't work properly even if your regular audio is fine. I've seen this after Windows updates that mess with driver configurations.

Third culprit: the HDMI handshake. When you connect an HDMI cable, the laptop and TV negotiate what signals they'll exchange. Sometimes this negotiation fails or gets interrupted, and the TV doesn't tell the laptop "yes, I can handle audio". Result? No sound. A proper power cycle usually sorts this.

Less common but still worth mentioning: disabled HDMI audio devices in Device Manager, incompatible audio formats (your laptop trying to send 192kHz audio to a TV that only supports 48kHz), dodgy HDMI cables, or faulty ports. According to Microsoft's official troubleshooting documentation, audio output problems account for a significant portion of Windows support requests.

HDMI Audio Not Working on TV: Quick Fix

1

Set HDMI as Default and Power Cycle Easy

Time: 5-10 minutes | Success rate: 80%

This fixes the majority of HDMI audio not working on TV cases. We're forcing Windows to recognise the HDMI connection properly and route audio through it.

  1. Power off everything properly
    Shut down your laptop completely (not sleep, actual shutdown). Turn off the TV. Unplug the TV's power cable from the wall socket and leave it for 30 seconds. This clears the HDMI handshake state in both devices. Whilst you're waiting, disconnect the HDMI cable from both ends and check for any visible damage or debris in the ports.
  2. Reconnect in the right order
    Plug the HDMI cable firmly into both the laptop and TV. Make sure it clicks into place. Plug the TV back into the mains and turn it on first. Wait for it to fully boot. Then start your laptop. This order matters because the TV needs to be ready to receive the HDMI signal when the laptop sends it.
  3. Check your display mode
    Once Windows loads, press Windows key + P. You'll see projection options. Select either Duplicate or Extend. Not "PC screen only" (that disables external displays entirely). Verify you can see your laptop screen on the TV.
  4. Set HDMI as the default audio output
    Right-click the speaker icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner, near the clock). Select Open Sound settings. Under the "Output" section, you'll see a dropdown menu showing your current audio device. Click it and look for your TV or HDMI output. It might say "HDMI Output", "Digital Output", your TV's brand name (like "Samsung TV"), or something generic like "2 - High Definition Audio Device". Select it.
  5. Test it
    Play a YouTube video or any audio file. Sound should now come from your TV speakers. If it's quiet, check the TV's volume (not just the laptop volume). Some TVs default to low volume when switching inputs.
If you hear audio from the TV, you're sorted. This solution works for about 8 out of 10 people.
Important: Make sure the TV is set to the correct HDMI input. If you plugged into HDMI 2 but the TV is showing HDMI 1, you won't get video or audio. Use the TV remote to cycle through inputs until you see your laptop screen.

More HDMI Audio Not Working on TV Solutions

2

Enable Hidden HDMI Devices Intermediate

Time: 15 minutes | Success rate: 50%

Windows sometimes hides or disables HDMI audio devices, especially after updates or driver changes. You won't see them in Sound settings, but they're still there in Device Manager.

  1. Open Device Manager with hidden devices shown
    Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager. In Device Manager, click the View menu at the top and tick Show hidden devices. This reveals disabled or disconnected hardware that Windows normally hides.
  2. Find the HDMI audio device
    Expand Sound, video and game controllers. Look for any greyed-out entries (these are disabled devices). Common names include "High Definition Audio Device", "NVIDIA High Definition Audio", "AMD High Definition Audio", or "Intel Display Audio". If you have an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, you'll definitely have one of these. Intel integrated graphics uses "Intel Display Audio".
  3. Enable it
    Right-click the greyed-out HDMI audio device and select Enable device. Windows will initialise it (takes about 10 seconds). You might see a notification saying "Installing device driver software". Let it finish.
  4. Set it as default
    Now go back to Sound settings (right-click speaker icon > Open Sound settings). Your HDMI device should appear in the Output dropdown. Select it and set it as default.
  5. Adjust the audio format if needed
    Still in Sound settings, click Device properties for your HDMI output. Then click Additional device properties. Go to the Advanced tab. In the "Default Format" dropdown, try 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality). This is the most compatible format for TVs. Click Test to hear a sample sound, then click Apply.
You should now have audio through HDMI. If the test sound worked but regular playback doesn't, restart the laptop.
Some older TVs only support specific sample rates. If 48000 Hz doesn't work, try 44100 Hz (CD Quality) instead. Avoid anything above 48000 Hz unless you know your TV supports it.
3

Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter Easy

Time: 5 minutes | Success rate: 40%

Windows has a built-in diagnostic tool that can detect and fix common audio configuration problems automatically. Worth trying before diving into driver updates.

  1. Open the troubleshooter
    Press Windows key + I to open Settings. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Playing Audio and click Run.
  2. Follow the prompts
    The troubleshooter will scan for problems. It might ask which device you want to troubleshoot. Select your HDMI/TV output. It'll check for disabled devices, incorrect default settings, and driver issues.
  3. Apply recommended fixes
    If it finds problems, it'll offer to fix them automatically. Click Apply this fix. Common fixes include enabling disabled audio services, resetting audio settings, or updating audio enhancements.
If the troubleshooter fixed something, test your HDMI audio immediately. These automated fixes don't always stick, so verify it works before closing everything.

Advanced HDMI Audio Not Working on TV Fixes

4

Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers Advanced

Time: 20-30 minutes | Success rate: 50%

Because HDMI audio runs through your graphics card, corrupted or outdated graphics drivers are a major cause of HDMI audio not working on TV. This solution requires a bit more technical confidence but fixes persistent issues.

  1. Update via Device Manager first
    Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager. Expand Display adapters. Right-click your graphics card (you'll see something like "Intel UHD Graphics 620", "NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650", or "AMD Radeon RX 580"). Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. Windows will check for updates and install them. Restart if prompted.
  2. Check Windows Update for optional drivers
    Open Settings (Windows key + I) and go to Windows Update. Click Advanced options > Optional updates. Look for any driver updates, especially for your graphics card or display. Install them and restart.
  3. If that didn't work, reinstall the driver
    Back in Device Manager, right-click your graphics card under Display adapters. Select Uninstall device. Tick the box that says Attempt to remove the driver for this device if you see it. Click Uninstall. Your screen might flicker or go black briefly. Don't panic. Restart your laptop. Windows will automatically reinstall a basic driver.
  4. Install the manufacturer's latest driver
    For better results, download the latest driver directly from the manufacturer. For Intel graphics, visit Intel Download Center. For NVIDIA, use GeForce Experience or the NVIDIA website. For AMD, use AMD Radeon Software. Install the driver and restart.
  5. Re-configure HDMI audio
    After the driver installs, go back to Sound settings and set your HDMI output as default again. The reinstallation often resets these settings.
Fresh drivers should restore HDMI audio functionality. Test with a video immediately after restarting.
Warning: Uninstalling graphics drivers can temporarily disable your display or drop you to low resolution. Don't interrupt the reinstallation process. If your screen goes black for more than 5 minutes during driver installation, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then restart normally.
5

Test Hardware and Cables Easy

Time: 10 minutes | Success rate: 30%

If software fixes haven't worked, it's time to rule out hardware problems. Faulty HDMI cables or damaged ports cause about 20% of HDMI audio not working on TV cases.

  1. Inspect the HDMI cable
    Disconnect the cable and examine both ends closely. Look for bent pins inside the connector, frayed shielding, or any visible damage. If you've been unplugging and replugging it frequently, the connector might be worn. Cheap HDMI cables fail more often than quality ones.
  2. Try a different HDMI cable
    If you have another HDMI cable (even one from a different device like a games console), swap it in. Use an HDMI 2.0 or newer cable if possible. HDMI 1.4 works but older cables sometimes have dodgy audio channels.
  3. Try different ports
    Connect to a different HDMI port on your TV. Most TVs have 2-4 HDMI ports, and individual ports can fail whilst others work fine. Also try a different HDMI port on your laptop if it has multiple outputs (some gaming laptops have two).
  4. Test with a different display
    If you have access to another TV or monitor with HDMI, connect to that. If audio works on the second display, your original TV might have a faulty HDMI port or audio processing issue. If audio still doesn't work on any display, the laptop's HDMI port or graphics card might be damaged.
If swapping cables or ports fixed it, you've found your culprit. Replace the faulty cable or avoid the broken port.
I've seen HDMI cables work perfectly for video but fail for audio because of damaged wiring inside. The audio and video signals travel on different pins, so partial cable failure is definitely a thing. When in doubt, replace the cable. Quality HDMI cables cost under £10.
🛠️

Still Stuck? Let Us Fix It Remotely

If you've tried these solutions and HDMI audio still isn't working on your TV, there might be a deeper driver conflict, Windows audio service issue, or hardware fault that needs proper diagnosis. I can connect remotely, check your exact configuration, and fix it whilst you watch.

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Preventing HDMI Audio Not Working on TV

Most important thing: keep your graphics drivers updated. Set Windows Update to automatically install optional driver updates (Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > tick "Receive updates for other Microsoft products"). Graphics driver updates often include HDMI audio fixes.

When connecting your laptop to a TV, always turn the TV on first, then start the laptop. This ensures the HDMI handshake happens correctly from boot. If you're connecting to a laptop that's already running, disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable after the TV is fully powered on.

Use decent HDMI cables. You don't need expensive "premium" cables, but avoid the cheapest ones from pound shops. A proper HDMI 2.0 certified cable from a known brand (Belkin, Amazon Basics, Anker) will last years and handle audio reliably. I've fixed countless HDMI audio problems by just swapping out a £2 cable for a £7 one.

Label your HDMI ports. Sounds daft, but if you find a specific HDMI port combination that works reliably (say, HDMI 2 on the TV with your laptop), stick a small label on it. Saves troubleshooting when you reconnect later and can't remember which port worked.

Clean your HDMI ports every few months. Dust and debris build up inside the connectors and cause intermittent connections. A quick blast with compressed air (hold the can upright, short bursts) keeps them clean. Don't stick anything metal in there to clean them.

Before major Windows updates, check that your HDMI audio is set as default. Windows updates sometimes reset audio settings back to internal speakers. Takes 10 seconds to verify, saves 20 minutes of troubleshooting later.

HDMI Audio Not Working on TV Summary

HDMI audio not working on TV is almost always a Windows configuration issue rather than broken hardware. The fix is usually simple: set the HDMI output as your default audio device in Sound settings, enable any hidden HDMI audio devices in Device Manager, or update your graphics drivers (which control HDMI audio, not your sound card drivers).

Start with the quick fix (power cycle and set default audio). That works for 80% of cases. If that fails, check for disabled HDMI devices and adjust the audio format to 16-bit, 48000 Hz for better TV compatibility. Still stuck? Update or reinstall your graphics drivers and test with a different HDMI cable.

The key thing to remember: HDMI audio runs through your graphics card, not your sound card. So when troubleshooting HDMI audio not working on TV, focus on display drivers and HDMI device settings, not traditional audio drivers. And always power cycle both devices properly before assuming you have a hardware fault.

For related connection issues, check out our guides on laptop not detecting external monitors and display driver problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common reason is Windows hasn't set the HDMI output as the default audio device, so sound continues through laptop speakers. Other causes include outdated graphics drivers (which control HDMI audio), disabled HDMI audio devices in Device Manager, failed HDMI handshake between devices, or incompatible audio format settings. Faulty HDMI cables or ports cause about 20% of cases.

Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray, select 'Open Sound settings', and choose your TV/HDMI output as the default device. If that doesn't work, open Device Manager, enable 'Show hidden devices', and enable any disabled HDMI audio devices under 'Sound, video and game controllers'. Update your graphics drivers (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD) as they control HDMI audio functionality.

Not usually. About 80% of HDMI audio problems are Windows settings or driver issues, not hardware faults. However, HDMI cables can fail for audio whilst video still works because audio and video signals travel on different pins. Try a different HDMI cable or port to rule out hardware problems. Quality HDMI 2.0 cables are more reliable than cheap ones.

This happens because Windows treats HDMI video and audio as separate outputs. The display connection works automatically, but audio requires you to manually set the HDMI device as the default output in Sound settings. The HDMI handshake might also have failed during connection, which a power cycle of both devices usually fixes.

Yes, most cases are fixed by setting the HDMI output as default in Sound settings or enabling hidden HDMI devices in Device Manager. Power cycling both devices and reconnecting the HDMI cable also works frequently. Driver updates are only needed if these basic fixes fail, which happens in about 20% of cases.

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