HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface is a proprietary interface that is capable of transmitting standard, enhanced, and high-definition video signals, as well as up to 8-channels of digital audio signals. You basically just need one cable to connect your computer to a TV or monitor to experience watching and listening to high definition content. Although this is a solid technology there are instances when you only the video part is working and not the sound. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the HDMI sound to TV not working issue.
How To Fix HDMI Sound To TV Not Working Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem. Disconnecting then reconnecting the HDMI cable from the computer and TV or monitor will also help fix the problem.
Make sure to enable the HDMI as the default playback device
There are several ways that your computer can output the sound coming from the system. It can output it using the speakers or to HDMI. Try to check if the correct sound setting is made which in this case should be set to HDMI.
- Press Windows + R Key to open Run
- Type mmsys.cpl and hit Enter to open the sound and audio device settings window.
- Go to the playback tab. Plug in your HDMI cable. It should appear on the list and if not, right click anywhere on the list and make sure that the “Show Disabled Devices” and “Show Disconnected Devices” options are checked.
- If there is any HDMI audio device that is disabled, right click on it and select “Enable”
- Click on your HDMI output device to select it. At the bottom click “Set as default” to bring it online whenever it is connected. Click OK to exit.
Check if the HDMI sound to TV not working issue still occurs.
Update the sound drivers
There’s a possibility that the problem can be caused by outdated sound drivers or corrupt sound drivers. If this is the culprit then you will need to update these drivers.
- Press Windows Key + R to open Run
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter which should open the device manager
- Expand the “sound, video and game controller” section
- Right click on your audio device and select “update driver software”
- Click “Search automatically for updated driver software”
- Device manager will search for drivers online and install them.
Check if the HDMI sound to TV not working issue still occurs.
Try rolling back the graphics driver
Since HDMI works with video and audio, you should also check if the problem is caused by the video aspect of your computer. To check if the problem is caused by a video issue you will need to rollback your graphics drivers.
- Press Windows Key + R to open Run
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open the device manager
- Expand the “Display Adapters” section
- Right click on your driver and select ‘Properties’
- Go to the “Driver” tab and click “Roll Back Driver”
- Click ‘Yes’ on the warning/confirmation message box and wait for your drivers to be rolled back.
- Restart your computer.
Check if the HDMI sound to TV not working issue still occurs.
Enable all audio controllers
This will allow Windows to automatically use the best audio setting for your system.
- Press Windows Key + R to open Run
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open the device manager
- On the menu, click on “View” and then select “View hidden devices”
- Expand the “System Devices” section
- Look for audio controllers, e.g. ‘High Definition Audio Controller’
- Right Click on the device and go to ‘Properties’
- Go to the ‘Driver’ tab and click on “Enable”
- If you have more than one audio controller, make sure all are enabled.
- Restart your computer.
Check if the HDMI sound to TV not working issue still occurs.
Change the TV or Monitor settings
There’s a possibility that the problem is not caused by a wrong setting on your TV or monitor.
- Go to your TV/Monitor menu > Settings > Audio and try changing the audio coding to automatic or to HDMI.
- Try toggling the “Dolby Volume Mode” to OFF.
- Try toggling the “Audio Range” between WIDE and NARROW.
Check if the HDMI sound to TV not working issue still occurs.