HP PCs - Troubleshooting HDMI Display and Sound Issues (Windows)

This document is for HP computers with an HDMI connector.

When connecting your computer to an HDMI device, such as a monitor, TV, or surround sound speakers, you might encounter display or sound issues. Use the information in this document to check your settings and troubleshoot problems.

Most HDTV devices have more than one HDMI input port, therefore it is very important that the HDMI display's input source is set to the same HDMI port that is connected to your computer, for example HDMI 2 to HDMI 2.

If your computer and HDMI device use different cable types, you can purchase adapters. See Overview of HDMI and DVI Connections for PCs for more information.

HDMI cable connector

HDMI 19-pin port (Normal)

Select the HDMI device as the default output device. When an external sound device is not connected to the computer, the sound settings revert to your computer's speakers and headphones. When the HDMI device is connected to the computer, the sound settings change to the HDMI device. Open sound settings to ensure the correct output device is selected.

note:

The images displayed in this document might differ from your computer, but the steps are the same.

1. Connect the HDMI cable to your computer and to your output device.
2. In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.
3. Click Sound, and then click the Playback tab.
4. The Sound window opens. On the Playback tab, select Speaker/Headphone or Speakers and Headphones, and then click Set Default.

   note:

   Use Default Devices for audio output devices such as headphones or speakers. Use Default Communication Device for making and receiving phone calls.

   
5. Select the output device connected with the HDMI cable, and then click Set Default.
   
6. Right-click the output device connected with the HDMI cable, and then select Show Disconnected Devices. The HDMI cable must be connected when it is configured.
   
7. To view all the available sound devices, right-click any device shown in the Sound window and select the Show Disabled Device and Show Disconnected Devices options.

Run the Audio Check in HP Support Assistant to make sure the audio device is functioning properly.

1. Go to HP Support Assistant to download and install the HP Support Assistant software, if it is not already installed on your computer.
2. In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant.
3. On the My devices tab, click your computer.
   
4. Click the Troubleshooting and fixes tab, and then click Audio Check in the One click fixes section.
5. Click Next, and then wait for the audio test to complete.
   
6. Review the test results on the audio and microphone diagnostic results display, and then click Test Audio.
   
7. If sound is not heard correctly, click Unable to Hear Audio and then follow the on-screen instructions.

If the audio issue persists, continue to the next step.

Use the troubleshooter to resolve audio playback issues.

1. In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.
2. Click Troubleshooting.

   note:

   If you do not see Troubleshooting listed, change the View by: (Located in the upper right corner of the screen) to Large Icons.

3. Under Hardware and Sound, click Troubleshoot audio playback.

   note:

   Administrator permission is required to run this program. If prompted, type the administrator password or provide confirmation.

   
4. The Sound troubleshooter opens. Click Next. The troubleshooter begins checking the audio service status.
   
5. Select the device you want to troubleshoot, and then click Next.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and make any changes suggested by the troubleshooter. When done, close the troubleshooter.

If the steps in this document did not resolve the HDMI issue, see HP PCs – Advanced HDMI Display and Sound Troubleshooting (Windows).