How to Connect Speakers to Your Laptop: Windows & MacBook Guide

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Simple steps to connect any laptop to computer speakers
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If you watch movies or listen to music on your laptop, external speakers will greatly improve sound quality. To connect wireless speakers to your laptop, enable Bluetooth and put the speakers into pairing mode. You can connect wired speakers using USB or via the 3.5mm (1/8") headphone jack, USB,

Connecting Your Laptop to Speakers

To connect a wired speaker, plug the audio connector cable (USB or 3.5mm aux cord) into the corresponding port on your laptop. To connect a wireless speaker, turn it on, enable Bluetooth in your settings, and select the speaker to pair it.

Section 1 of 3:

Connecting Wired Computer Speakers

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  1. As long as your laptop has a USB or speaker/headphone jack, you should be able to use most wired computer speakers.
    • Most computer speakers have a 3.5mm (1/8") audio input connector, which is the small plug that will fit into a typical headphone jack. These speakers will also need to be plugged into a power source.
    • Some USB speakers, especially more powerful ones and those with subwoofers, also need to be plugged into a power source. Smaller USB speakers are usually powered by your computer, so they won’t need to be plugged into the wall. If you have available USB ports, USB speakers might be more convenient.
  2. Most speakers are clearly marked as Left (L) or Right (R) on the back or bottom of the unit. If your speakers come with a subwoofer, you may want to put it behind your system or on the floor. Make sure that wherever you choose to place your speakers, the connector cable will reach its corresponding input on your computer, and the power cable (if you have one) can safely reach an outlet.
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  3. This is done by turning the volume dial on the speakers (there’s only one) all the way to the left.
  4. You can do this by clicking on the sound icon in the taskbar (bottom right corner on Windows) or menu bar (top right corner on Mac) and sliding it up about ¾ of the way from the top. Windows users will probably see two different sliders—use the one that says “Applications” above the slider.
  5. With your laptop turned on, plug the audio connector cable (the USB or 3.5mm (1/8") connector) into its corresponding port on the laptop.
    • If you’re using a 3.5mm (1/8") connector, look on the sides of your laptop for a small jack that has a drawing of headphones or a speaker. Don’t plug it into the jack with the drawing of a microphone.
    • If you’re using USB, plugging in your speakers may trigger the system to start installing drivers. If you are asked to insert a disk, insert the one that came with your speakers and follow any instructions that came in the packaging.
  6. The On button is usually located on the back of one of the speakers. If your speakers have a power cable, plug that in before turning the speakers on.
  7. Start some audio (streaming music, a CD, a YouTube video, etc.) on your laptop.
    • Find a comfortable listening volume. Slowly turn the volume knob on your computer speakers to the right until you reach your desired volume.
    • If you don’t hear anything, make sure the speakers are connected and plugged in if necessary, then jump down to our troubleshooting guide .
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Section 2 of 3:

Connecting Wireless Computer Speakers (Bluetooth)

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  1. These days, nearly all laptops have Bluetooth built in. However, if you're using an older laptop, yours may not support it by default. Here’s how to check:
    • If you’re using a MacBook, you can rest assured your laptop has Bluetooth capabilities.
    • Nearly all Windows PCs in operation should have Bluetooth, but if your computer is very old, you can check by pressing ⊞ Win + X and selecting Device Manager. If you see a category called "Bluetooth, “Bluetooth Radios,” or similar, click it to expand a list of Bluetooth devices. If anything appears in this list, you have Bluetooth. [1]
      • If your PC laptop doesn't have Bluetooth, you can connect a Bluetooth dongle to add Bluetooth functionality.
  2. Find a location in your home or office to place the Bluetooth speakers. Some things to keep in mind:
    • The speakers will need to be plugged into a power source.
    • Having a wall between the laptop and the speaker shouldn’t affect the connection too much, but it can potentially decrease sound quality.
    • If you want to be able to turn the speakers on and off easily, you may not want to mount them in a difficult-to-reach location.
    • Check your speaker manual to find out how close your laptop must be to your speakers. Typically, these speakers can be up to 30 feet away, but some devices may have lower ranges.
  3. This process is different depending on the manufacturer of your speakers. Often, there is a button on the speakers that must be held down for a few seconds to put the device into “discovery” mode. Check your manual to be sure.
  4. The process to pair the speaker depends on your operating system:
    • On Windows 10:
      • Open the Start menu, select Settings , then click Devices .
      • Click Bluetooth & other devices .
      • If Bluetooth is off, click the switch to turn it on.
      • Click + Add Bluetooth or other device , then select Bluetooth .
      • After a few moments, you should see your Bluetooth speaker. Click the device, then follow the on-screen instructions to pair. [2]
    • On Windows 11:
      • Open the Start menu, select Settings , then click Bluetooth & devices .
      • If Bluetooth is off, click the switch to turn it on.
      • Click + Add device and select Bluetooth .
      • After a few moments, you should see your Bluetooth speaker. Click the device, then follow the on-screen instructions to pair.
    • On a MacBook:
      • Open the Apple menu and select System Settings .
      • Click Bluetooth in the left panel.
      • Hover your mouse over the speaker and click Connect . [3]
  5. This is a little different on Windows and Mac:
    • On Windows:
      • Open the Start menu and select Settings .
      • Click System .
      • Click Sound .
      • Under "Choose where to play sound," select your Bluetooth speaker.
    • On a MacBook:
      • Open the Apple menu and select System Settings .
      • Click Sound .
      • Click Output .
      • Select your Bluetooth speaker. [4]
  6. You can do this by clicking on the speaker in either your menu or taskbar and then moving the volume slider up to about the 75% level. On Windows 10, click the speaker icon near the clock, then select “Mixer.” You’ll want to adjust the slider below “Applications.”
  7. If your Bluetooth speaker has a hardware volume knob, turn it all the way to the left to mute the volume. If not, click the Sound icon on your menu bar or taskbar and drag the volume level down.
  8. Play a song, video, or sound file as you normally would. Slowly turn up the volume on your Bluetooth speaker or until the volume rests at a comfortable place.
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Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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  1. Make sure your audio output is set correctly. If you were able to connect your speaker but don't hear sound, your audio output may be set to the wrong playback device.
    • On Windows:
      • Open the Start menu and select Settings .
      • Click System .
      • Click Sound .
      • Under "Choose where to play sound," select your speakers.
    • On a MacBook:
      • Open the Apple menu and select System Settings .
      • Click Sound .
      • Click Output .
      • Select your speakers.
  2. If your speakers have two separate audio output cables, you will need to get an adapter, or a USB sound card. The adapter has a USB plug on one end, and the other has two inputs into which you can plug your speakers. You can find these adapters on Amazon —just make sure you choose an adapter that has the same type of connectors you see at the ends of your speaker cables.
  3. This might happen if your speaker automatically pairs with a different device before your computer can connect to it. If you were using the Bluetooth speaker with your phone or another device, turn off Bluetooth on that device to disconnect the speaker, then put the speaker back into pairing mode.
    • If that's not the problem, try unplugging the speaker from power (or turning its power off, if battery operated), powering it back on, and then placing the speaker back into pairing mode.
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Common Questions

How do I get my computer to play through my speakers?

On Windows, go to Start > Settings > System > Sound , then select your speakers as the default output device. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Sound , select Output on the right, then select your connected speaker. [5]

Why isn't my laptop finding my Bluetooth speaker?

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your laptop and that the speaker is turned on. If the speaker has a pairing button, you may need to hold it down to place it into pairing mode. If that doesn't work, try disabling and reenabling Bluetooth, then turning the speaker off and back on.

How do I connect active speakers to my laptop?

If you don't have an external audio interface that has XLR jacks for your monitors, you can connect them e, you can connect studio monitors and other active speakers using a 2x XLR to 3.5mm cable.

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Tips

  • You can use streaming sites like Spotify or Pandora to listen to music for free.
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  • Some speakers incorporate an MP3 cradle to store your MP3 Player or iPod while using it with your speakers.
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  • You can also use your new speakers with your MP3 player or iPod. The setup is the same for wired speakers but will vary for Bluetooth.
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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
  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://support.apple.com/en-euro/guide/mac-help/mchlp2256/mac

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