A Simple Guide to Adding Sound Output Devices to a Computer

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Easily play audio through speakers and more from your computer
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Do you want to add sound devices, like speakers or headphones, to your laptop or desktop computer? You can connect a sound device wirelessly with Bluetooth, or use a wired connection if needed. This wikiHow guide will teach you how to add a sound output device to your PC or Mac, set your audio output so you can start listening, and help you fix any problems that may arise.

Easily Add a Sound Device to a Computer

You can connect a sound device to your computer wirelessly with Bluetooth or wired with USB, HDMI, or audio jack. After you connect it, don't forget to set the audio output so you can hear sound through the sound device.

Section 1 of 5:

Connecting with Bluetooth on Windows

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  1. Your audio device needs to be discoverable to connect to your computer. However, many sound devices, like speakers, time out of pairing mode, so you might need to restart it if you don't see it on the list of available devices.
    • Not all speakers or sound devices are Bluetooth. If you don't have a wireless audio device, check your user manual for more instructions on connecting it to your computer. If your sound device connects via USB or an aux cable, you can skip this method and simply plug it in, download the necessary drivers, and jump down to Connecting a Wired Sound Device .
  2. The steps to do this are a little different depending on your operating system:
    • Windows 10: Open Settings (press Win + i ) and go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . [1]
    • Windows 11: Open Settings (press Win + i ) and go to Bluetooth & devices > Devices .
    • If Bluetooth is not turned on, click the slider to enable it now.
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  3. The options you see will be different depending on your operating system. [2]
  4. Windows will now scan for available devices to pair with.
  5. Once connected, you can start listening to audio through your new speaker or other audio device.
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Section 2 of 5:

Connecting with Bluetooth on Mac

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  1. It needs to be discoverable to connect it. However, many sound devices, like speakers, time out of pairing mode, so you might need to restart it if you don't see it on the list of available devices.
  2. To do this on a Mac, click the Apple logo in the menu bar at the top of your screen and select System Settings > Bluetooth .
  3. It may take a few moments for your Mac to find your new sound device.
    • In some cases, you may need to click Accept or enter a PIN when prompted. [3]
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Section 3 of 5:

Connecting a Wired Sound Device

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  1. Depending on the type of audio device you're connecting, you can go about this in a few different ways:
    • USB — Some audio devices can be connected to your computer using a USB port. You can connect to any free USB port on your desktop or laptop computer.
    • Audio Jack/3.5 mm — The 3.5-millimeter headphone jack can reliably be found on most computers somewhere on the side of a laptop or the back of a computer case.
      • The plug is sometimes color-coded in green and usually has a headphone symbol identifying it. The pink jack is for microphones, and the blue jack is for line-in, similar to an aux input.
      • Many headsets have a single 3.5mm jack for both the audio and microphone.
    • HDMI — these ports work the same on your computer as on your TV, including audio transmission.
    • Optical — A pentagonal port. Optical cables will usually work with high-end, modern speakers, but not all computers have optical ports.
    • RCA — These are red and white color-coded ports. These ports receive 3.5-millimeter cables of the same colors. If your computer doesn't have RCA ports , you'll need to connect a USB sound device with RCA ports to connect your audio device.
      • You might need a converter if your computer doesn't support the connection that the sound device offers. These are usually easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
  2. Once you plug in the sound device, you might be prompted to download additional software and drivers.
    • Only specific sound devices, like gaming speakers or headsets, offer additional firmware to improve your listening experience. Don't worry if you don't get a notification to download anything!
    • Once everything is downloaded, you can test your audio to see if your plugged-in devices work! If not, follow the steps to make sure you have the correct sound output selected .
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Section 4 of 5:

Setting Up the Sound Output

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  1. There are various ways to do this depending on your OS:
    • Mac: Click the Apple logo in the menu bar and go to System Settings > Sound . [4]
    • Windows: Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select Sound settings .
  2. You can skip this step if you're using Windows.
  3. You should find this under the "Output" header in both Windows and Mac.
    • On Windows, make sure you have the device selected as the default output. To do this, click the arrow on the right side of the audio device under "Output," then select Is default for audio from the drop-down menu.
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Section 5 of 5:

FAQ & Troubleshooting

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  1. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can easily follow:
    • Move your sound device closer to your computer. Bluetooth has a 30-foot range, but items like microwaves, wireless routers, and similar electronics can interrupt that range. Clear the path between your computer and the sound device if possible. [5]
    • Make sure your sound device is charged. Many Bluetooth speakers and headphones require a full charge to work correctly; many devices won't pair if they are low on battery power.
    • Put your sound device in pairing mode again. Pairing mode can time out if more than one to five minutes have elapsed since entering pairing mode.
    • Factory reset the sound device. Doing so will erase all the current data on the sound device, including Wi-Fi networks or other paired devices, so you'll have to reconnect to everything in the future. However, starting with a clean slate might help you pair the device with your computer.
  2. Look for a Connect-Audio-Devices-to-Computers#Connecting-via-Audio-CableUSB, HDMI, or audio jack if it's a wired connection. Plug it in, and any necessary firmware or software will download.
  3. Check that you have the audio output correctly set. To do this:
    • Click or control-click the speaker icon in your menu bar (Mac) or taskbar (Windows).
    • Select your sound device.
    • On Mac, go to System Settings > Sound > Output and select the device. [6]
    • On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound , select the audio device, then choose Is default for audio from the "Set as default sound device" drop-down.
  4. Try giving your computer a quick restart, then disconnect and reconnect your audio device. If you keep getting the error, check out our guide to No Audio Output Device is Installed error.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-find-bluetooth-settings-in-windows-5027e93e-a6e8-4b4f-a412-c6c6cd6f57cc#WindowsVersion=Windows_10
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pair-a-bluetooth-device-in-windows-2be7b51f-6ae9-b757-a3b9-95ee40c3e242
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-a-wireless-accessory-blth1004/mac
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-a-wireless-accessory-blth1004/mac
      5. ↑ https://www.bose.com/stories/bluetooth-range-how-far-does-bluetooth-reach
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-sound-output-settings-mchlp2256/mac

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