DisplayPort Audio Not Working: Common Fixes

Why DisplayPort audio fails

DisplayPort carries both video and audio signals over a single cable, but audio can stop for several reasons. The most common cause is the Windows audio output being set to a different device, such as speakers or a headset, instead of the monitor connected by DisplayPort. Another frequent cause is a graphics driver that does not include the audio driver for the DisplayPort connection, or a driver that has become outdated or corrupted.

The cable itself can also be the problem. Not all DisplayPort cables support audio, especially older or very long cables. Some cables are wired for video only, or they may have a damaged pin that breaks the audio channel. The monitor must also have speakers or a headphone jack; if it does not, no audio will come through the DisplayPort connection at all.

Finally, the graphics card or the monitor port may be at fault. A particular DisplayPort output on the graphics card might not carry audio, or the monitor's DisplayPort input might not accept audio. Trying a different port on either end can help isolate the issue.

Check the Windows audio output device

The first step is to make sure Windows is sending audio to the monitor. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select "Open Sound settings." Under "Output," look for the monitor's name in the list of devices. If it is not selected, choose it from the dropdown. If the monitor does not appear, the audio driver for the graphics card may not be installed.

If the monitor is listed but still no sound, check the volume level for that device. Click the speaker icon and ensure the volume is not muted or set to zero. Also, check the monitor's own volume controls, as many monitors have a physical volume button or an on-screen menu for audio.

Windows 11 includes a sound settings page where you can manage output devices. Open Settings, go to System, then Sound. Under "Output," select the monitor and use the sound settings to play a tone. If you hear nothing, the issue is likely with the driver or the cable.

Update the graphics driver

Graphics drivers include the audio driver for DisplayPort. If the driver is outdated or missing, Windows may not recognize the monitor as an audio device. Updating the graphics driver can restore the audio channel. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on updating graphics drivers.

For NVIDIA graphics cards, the GeForce Game Ready drivers include the audio driver. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website or use the NVIDIA app to check for updates. For AMD graphics cards, use the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition to update the driver. Intel graphics users can update through the Intel Driver and Support Assistant.

After updating, restart the PC and check the audio output settings again. The monitor should now appear as an available audio device.

Try a different cable or port

If the driver is up to date and the monitor is still not producing sound, the cable may be the problem. Try a different DisplayPort cable, preferably one that is certified for the version your graphics card and monitor support. For example, a DisplayPort 1.4 cable is common for 1440p and 4K monitors, while DisplayPort 2.1 is used with the latest graphics cards. Check that your cable supports the DisplayPort version your hardware uses, as explained in our article on DisplayPort versions.

Also, try a different DisplayPort port on the graphics card. Some graphics cards have multiple DisplayPort outputs, and one may not carry audio. Similarly, try a different DisplayPort input on the monitor if it has more than one.

If you have another monitor with speakers, connect it to the same graphics card to see if audio works. This can help determine whether the issue is with the monitor or the graphics card.

Check if the monitor has speakers

Many gaming monitors do not have built-in speakers, or they have very basic ones. If the monitor has no speakers, no audio will come through the DisplayPort connection. Check the monitor's specifications or look for speaker grilles or a headphone jack on the monitor.

If the monitor has a headphone jack, you can connect headphones or external speakers to it. The audio will then come through the DisplayPort connection to the monitor, and the monitor will output it to the headphone jack. This is a common setup for gaming PCs where the monitor is the primary display. For headset recommendations, see our best gaming headsets.

If the monitor has no speakers and no headphone jack, you will need to use a separate audio connection, such as USB speakers, a headset, or analog speakers connected to the PC's audio ports.

What to pick for your play

For a gaming PC, the monitor is a key part of the setup. If you rely on the monitor for audio, choose a model with built-in speakers or a headphone jack. For competitive play, a headset is often preferred for positional audio, and it can connect directly to the PC or the monitor. When selecting a monitor, consider our guide to the best gaming monitors.

When choosing a monitor, consider the DisplayPort version it supports. A monitor with DisplayPort 1.4 or 2.1 will work with the latest graphics cards and support high refresh rates and resolutions. The graphics card's DisplayPort outputs are standard, but the cable must be compatible.

For a complete gaming setup, pair the monitor with a good headset or speakers. The monitor's audio output is convenient, but dedicated audio devices often provide better sound quality.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Why is there no sound from my monitor when using DisplayPort?

The most common reasons are the wrong audio output device selected in Windows, an outdated graphics driver, a DisplayPort cable that does not carry audio, or a monitor without speakers. Check the audio settings first, then update the driver, and try a different cable or port.

Does every DisplayPort cable support audio?

No, not all DisplayPort cables carry audio. Some cables are wired for video only, especially older or very long ones. Use a certified DisplayPort cable that supports the version your graphics card and monitor use, such as DisplayPort 1.4 or 2.1.

Can I get audio from my monitor if it has no speakers?

If the monitor has a headphone jack, you can connect headphones or external speakers to it, and the audio will come through the DisplayPort connection. If there is no headphone jack, you need a separate audio connection, such as USB speakers or a headset.

How do I update the graphics driver to fix DisplayPort audio?

For NVIDIA, download the latest Game Ready driver from the NVIDIA website or use the NVIDIA app. For AMD, use AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. For Intel, use the Intel Driver and Support Assistant. After updating, restart the PC and check the audio output settings.