3 Easy Ways to Connect a Soundbar to a Windows Computer

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The best ways to connect a soundbar to your Windows computer
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Do you want to play music and audio through a soundbar? You can easily connect your soundbar to your computer in a few simple steps; you'll just need to decide which method works best for your device. You can set up your soundbar using Bluetooth, a 3.5mm jack (AUX) or an optical audio cable. This wikiHow will show you how to connect a soundbar speaker to a Windows PC.

Things You Should Know

  • If your Bluetooth soundbar doesn't enter pairing mode automatically, press and hold the button on the soundbar until you see a tone or flashing light.
  • On Windows, open "Bluetooth & other devices". Click "Add" → "Bluetooth" → select the soundbar.
  • If your soundbar or PC doesn't support Bluetooth, you can usually connect using 3.5mm AUX or optical audio cable.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Bluetooth (Wireless)

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  1. With most soundbars, you'll see an indicator light turn on.
    • If the soundbar is battery-powered, insert the batteries, then press the power button.
    • If the soundbar requires a power source, plug its power cable into a wall outlet or power strip, then press the power button.
  2. Put the soundbar into pairing mode . The steps to do this vary by model, but you'll usually have to press a button somewhere on the soundbar to make it discoverable by your computer.
    • Check your soundbar's instruction manual for steps unique to your model.
    • Some soundbars enter pairing mode automatically.
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  3. Click the Start menu and click the cog icon to open Settings . From there, click Devices . You should automatically be on the Bluetooth & other devices page. [1]
    • Make sure the switch for Bluetooth is toggled on.
  4. You can find this at the top of the window, next to a plus sign. [2]
    • A pop-up window will open.
  5. Your computer will begin searching for Bluetooth devices. [3]
  6. You should see Connecting… . If you don't see your device, make sure it's in pairing mode.
  7. Your soundbar will now be connected. You can now listen to music or watch movies on your computer. [4]
    • Once the speaker is paired, your PC will automatically connect to it whenever it's in range.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using an AUX Cable

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  1. With most soundbars, you'll see an indicator light turn on.
    • If the soundbar is battery-powered, insert the batteries, then press the power button.
    • If the soundbar requires a power source, plug its power cable into a wall outlet or power strip, then press the power button.
  2. Insert the 3.5mm jack into the port that displays a small icon of headphones. It's usually on the side of a laptop's keyboard, or on the front of a desktop unit. [5]
  3. The location is varies by device, but the port will usually be labeled "AUX." Once the connection is made, Windows will automatically play audio through the soundbar.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using an Optical Audio (Toslink) Cable

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  1. With most soundbars, you'll see an indicator light turn on.
    • If the soundbar is battery-powered, insert the batteries, then press the power button.
    • If the soundbar requires a power source, plug its power cable into a wall outlet or power strip, then press the power button.
  2. If your soundbar has a Toslink (also known as optical audio) port, you can use an optical audio cable to connect it to your PC. The port is usually labeled "TOSLINK" or "OPTICAL."
    • Toslink is a standard optical audio cable typically used to connect home theater systems to digital electronics, such as DVD players.
  3. The port is usually labeled "TOSLINK," "OPTICAL," or "DIGITAL AUDIO OUT." If you're using a desktop PC, it should be on the back panel. If you have a laptop, it's likely on one of the sides. Once connected, your PC will send all audio through to the soundbar.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I hook my soundbar to my TV using a USB cable?
    Community Answer
    Possibly, but it depends on the model of your TV and the type of soundbar you have.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18
  • Question
    Can an LG soundbar be connected to a Sharp TV?
    Community Answer
    As long as the TV has a port that can connect to the soundbar (ex. optical, digital audio, RCA, etc.).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How do I get sound to just come out of the soundbar and not my computer as well?
    Community Answer
    I ran a cable (a 3-5 mm audio video extension cable, available on Amazon) from my audio jack (green, usually) on the back of my PC to the two (red and white) jacks on my RCA sound bar. That worked for me.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pair-a-bluetooth-device-in-windows-2be7b51f-6ae9-b757-a3b9-95ee40c3e242#WindowsVersion=Windows_10
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pair-a-bluetooth-device-in-windows-2be7b51f-6ae9-b757-a3b9-95ee40c3e242#WindowsVersion=Windows_10
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pair-a-bluetooth-device-in-windows-2be7b51f-6ae9-b757-a3b9-95ee40c3e242
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pair-a-bluetooth-device-in-windows-2be7b51f-6ae9-b757-a3b9-95ee40c3e242
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-sound-or-audio-problems-in-windows-73025246-b61c-40fb-671a-2535c7cd56c8

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