Dell monitors are popular for their reliability and high-quality displays. However, as with any electronics, Dell monitors can sometimes experience problems. One common issue is that the Dell monitor speaker suddenly stops working, with no sound coming from the device.
While this can be worrying, there are several potential causes and solutions. Dell monitors come in a variety of models, each with its own set of features and functions.
However, many models use similar speaker designs, meaning that the same few fix procedures can often be used. This article provides eight troubleshooting steps for Dell monitors with sound issues.
Dell Monitor Speaker Not Working: Likely Reasons
- Absence of pre-installed speakers.
- Monitor audio not set as the default audio source
- Monitor speaker volume muted or too low
- Improper PC volume settings
- Improper connectivity or faulty audio cables
- Corrupted or outdated audio driver
- Disabled BIOS audio settings
- Corrupted operating system
Absence of Pre-Installed Speakers
Before diving deep into other more complicated causes, starting with the most obvious is essential. Perhaps you've purchased a new monitor but aren't aware that not all Dell monitors have speakers incorporated. And this may be the reason why your monitor has no audio.
How to Fix:
You'll need to check whether your machine supports speakers by reviewing the product specifications manual. The simplest way is to;
Check your device's model number on the sticker, usually at the back of the monitor.
Enter this number into the Dell Monitor Manual Lookup (UK) / (US).
Click on the download icon to get the Specification Summary Document.
Check the product specifications section to determine whether your device has built-in speakers.
If your monitor doesn't have them, you'll need to connect them with external speakers. If it does, then there may be a totally different issue.
But before we look into the next possible cause, it's worth noting that if the manual states that the monitor supports audio output, it may mean something other than integrated speaker functionalities. Supporting audio output means that you can connect headphones or external speakers directly to your monitor.
Monitor Audio Not Set as the Default Audio Source
Once you've established the existence of an integrated speaker in your monitor, you should check the audio source settings. If the default audio source is not set properly, it will result in no sound coming from your monitor.
How to Fix:
The particular settings may vary a little depending on the type of operating system. For most Windows operating systems, however, here's how to change the audio source settings.
Click on the Speaker/Sound icon located on the toolbar.
Click on the arrow symbol beside the Speaker option to display the audio output option.
Select the monitor as your preferred playback gear.
Note that if you are alternating between the monitor and external speakers, you'll have to change the settings every time you use any of them.
Monitor Volume Muted or Too Low
Checking your hardware's volume level is another quick and easy diagnosis procedure to get out of the way early. Maybe your speaker's volume is turned all the way down, or it may be muted.
How to Fix:
Most Dell monitors with integrated speakers have a joystick or physical buttons installed at the bottom, which you can use to adjust the volume.
Move the joystick button left or right (depending on your monitor's model) to display the monitor volume indicator. Adjust the indicator to ensure that the volume level is not muted and that it's at an adequate volume.
Alternatively, you can use the function keys on your PC to adjust the sound level. Press the “Fn” button combined with a number key from F1 to F12 until you reach your desired volume level.
And if you'll still encounter problems accessing the volume controls, refer to the Dell Monitor Manual Lookup for assistance.
Improper PC Volume Settings
Improper PC Volume Settings may be the cause of your Dell monitor speaker not working. This is usually the case when you use more than one audio source and need to change the settings every now and then. You may need to adjust your monitor's volume as an output audio unit.
Another setting that may help improve audio quality is to go to the sounds page in your control panel and under playback, disable all enhancements. These may be causing a sound loop that is interfering with the quality of the sound coming out of your speakers.
How to Fix:
Click on the Sound/Speaker icon on the taskbar. The icon is usually located at the bottom-right of the screen.
Select Open Sound Settings.
Adjust the Master Volume to a reasonably high level.
Click on the volume icon once more and select Open Volume Mixer.
Set the volume of your monitor on the mixer to your taste.
You should also ensure that the application you are using is not on mute but rather set to a reasonable volume level. So you know, applications such as Google Chrome come with their specific volume settings.
It is also essential to enable Loudness Equalization if you are using a machine with Windows 10 or higher. This feature automatically normalizes the PC's volume and, when disabled, may lead to audio balancing problems from your speakers.
To activate Loudness Equalization, go to Control Panel > Sounds > Enhancements, then check the box next to ‘Loudness Equalization.'
Improper Connection or Faulty Audio Cables
If all the above fixes backfire, then you should check the connectivity. Loose connectivity, damaged ports or cables, and plugging audio cables into incorrect ports can also cause the speakers not to function.
How to Fix:
Most Dell monitors with pre-installed speakers use HDMI/DP cables to carry audio signals directly, whereas others need a different audio jack cable. Whichever the connection, remove the cables and check for any signs of damage – loose ends or breakage along the wires. Also, check the ports for any visible damage.
Reconnect the cables to their correct ports on your monitor and PC, and ensure they're firmly plugged in. If that doesn't solve the issue, try swapping your cable with a different one. If that resolves the problem, then you had a faulty audio cable and should consider getting a new one.
Corrupted or Outdated Audio Driver
Another troubleshooting procedure that we must pay attention to is checking the status of the device's sound driver. An outdated or faulty driver can result in several issues with the audio output.
How to Fix:
You'll first need to determine if the currently-running audio driver is working smoothly before updating or installing a new one. Consider the following steps.
Enter the word ‘Device Manager‘ into the Windows search box.
Select Sound, Videos, and Game Controllers on the pop-up Menu and double-click to confirm the status.
If the driver is operating smoothly, you'll want to update it. Select Update Driver.
Click on Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software and wait for the sound driver to be updated.
Let your PC restart automatically and proceed to use monitor speakers.
If this procedure fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling the audio driver. It should reinstall automatically as soon as you restart your computer. But if it doesn't, you'll be required to download it.
Disabled BIOS Audio Settings
When all the above measures fail, check the PC's BIOS settings. It is possible that the monitor audio might have been disabled here. This is common, especially when you get a brand-new PC and fail to set up a few things. Also, you can get a second-hand PC whose BIOS sound settings have been tampered with.
How to Fix:
You'll need to open the BIOS. This occurs when you restart your computer and quickly press the ESC key. In the BIOS, navigate to Onboard Devices and ensure your monitor audio is enabled.
Corrupted Operating System
In other instances, you can encounter problems with your monitor sound due to issues triggered by a glitch in the operating system. Therefore, updating the system software as a last resort is essential.
How to Fix:
Go to Window Settings by clicking the Windows+I keys.
Select Windows Updates on the left tray.
Click on the Check for Updates icon on the top right side of your screen. The system will automatically check and notify you about any updates required.
Select Download and Install for the system to update.
Allow the system to complete updating and installing, then restart your PC.
If the system notifies you of any optional updates, check them by following this process.
Navigate to Window Settings.
Click on the Window Updates on the left tray of the screen.
Click on Advanced Options, then scroll down and select Additional Options.
Check for any updates available in the Optional Updates section and set it to be updated.
Click on Download and Install, wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.
Bottom Line
Your Dell monitor speaker not working can be frustrating but with these troubleshooting procedures, be sure to get it operating correctly again.
However, if all these solutions fail, check your Dell Monitor Warranty Policy to determine if you are still eligible to return the hardware to the manufacturer or vendor.
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