How to Use Laptop Speakers Instead of Monitor (2026 Complete Guide)
Last updated: July 19, 2026 | Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
When you connect your laptop to an external monitor, Windows often automatically switches the audio output to the monitor’s built-in speakers. This can be frustrating if your monitor has poor-quality speakers, no speakers at all, or if you simply prefer the sound quality of your laptop’s speakers. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to redirect audio output back to your laptop speakers while using an external monitor for video.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every method for keeping audio on your laptop speakers when connected to an external monitor. From simple Windows settings adjustments to more advanced configuration options, you will learn how to take full control of your audio output regardless of your monitor or laptop model. Whether you are using Windows 10, Windows 11, or working with specific laptop brands, this guide has you covered.
Table of Contents
- Why Use Laptop Speakers Instead of Monitor
- Method 1: Taskbar Audio Selector
- Method 2: Windows Sound Settings
- Method 3: Control Panel Sound Dialog
- Method 4: App-Specific Audio Output
- Method 5: Set Default Playback Device
- Method 6: Realtek Audio Console
- Method 7: Manufacturer Audio Software
- Troubleshooting Audio Issues
- Method Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Use Laptop Speakers Instead of Monitor
There are several compelling reasons to route audio through your laptop speakers instead of your monitor’s speakers. Understanding these reasons can help you decide which audio configuration works best for your specific situation.
Sound Quality: Laptop speakers are generally designed with better audio quality than monitor speakers. Manufacturers invest more in laptop audio systems, often including multiple drivers, dedicated amplifiers, and audio tuning software. Monitor speakers, on the other hand, are typically an afterthought with basic audio capabilities.
No Built-in Speakers: Many external monitors, especially professional and gaming models, do not include built-in speakers at all. In these cases, you need to route audio through another device, and your laptop speakers are the most convenient option.
Volume Limitations: Monitor speakers are often very quiet and cannot produce enough volume for comfortable listening in noisy environments. Laptop speakers typically have higher maximum volume levels and better bass response.
Convenience: Using laptop speakers eliminates the need for external speakers or headphones. This is particularly useful when you are working at a desk and want audio without wearing headphones or cluttering your workspace with additional speakers.
Privacy: Laptop speakers allow you to listen to audio without disturbing others nearby, especially when you control the volume carefully. This can be more practical than monitor speakers, which may broadcast audio at higher volumes that are difficult to control precisely.
Method 1: Taskbar Audio Selector
The quickest and easiest way to switch audio from your monitor to your laptop speakers is using the audio selector in the Windows taskbar. This method takes just a few seconds and works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Windows 11 Taskbar Method
Step 1: Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock. You should see a speaker icon in the system tray area.
Step 2: Click on the speaker icon or the volume indicator. In Windows 11, you may need to click the combined network/volume/battery icon to access the quick settings panel.
Step 3: Look for a small arrow (>) or chevron next to the volume slider. Click this arrow to open the audio device selection menu.
Step 4: You will see a list of available audio output devices. Click on your laptop speakers (usually named after your laptop model or labeled as “Speakers” with your audio driver name).
Step 5: The audio will immediately switch to your laptop speakers. You can test the change by playing any audio file or video.
Windows 10 Taskbar Method
Step 1: Click the speaker icon in the system tray at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Step 2: A volume slider will appear. Above the slider, click the device name or arrow to open the audio device list.
Step 3: Select your laptop speakers from the list of available output devices.
Step 4: Close the volume popup. Your audio is now routed through the laptop speakers.
This method is the fastest way to switch audio outputs and is ideal for quick changes. However, the setting may reset when you disconnect and reconnect your monitor, requiring you to repeat the process.
For more information about routing audio to different devices, including getting sound from your laptop to a TV, check out our guide on how to get sound from laptop to TV.
Method 2: Windows Sound Settings
The Windows Sound Settings panel provides more comprehensive control over audio output devices and allows you to make permanent changes to your audio configuration.
Accessing Sound Settings
Step 1: Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select “Sound settings” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can open Settings (Windows key + I) and navigate to System > Sound.
Step 2: In the Sound settings window, scroll down to the “Output” section. You will see a list of all available audio output devices connected to your system.
Step 3: Click on your laptop speakers to select them as the output device. Windows will immediately route all audio to the selected device.
Step 4: You can test the audio by clicking the “Test” button next to the device, which will play a test tone through the selected speakers.
Step 5: If you want to make this change permanent, ensure that your laptop speakers are selected as the default output device. Windows should remember this preference even after you disconnect and reconnect your monitor.
Advanced Sound Options
Windows also provides advanced sound options that give you more control over audio routing. Click on “Advanced sound options” or “App volume and device preferences” to access per-app audio settings. This allows you to send different applications to different audio outputs, which can be useful if you want some apps to play through the monitor and others through your laptop speakers.
Understanding how audio works with different display connections is important. Our guide on how to get sound on an AOC monitor covers audio configuration for external displays.
Method 3: Control Panel Sound Dialog
The classic Control Panel Sound dialog provides a more detailed view of your audio devices and allows for more precise configuration. This method is particularly useful for troubleshooting audio issues or setting up complex audio configurations.
Using the Sound Dialog
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type mmsys.cpl and press Enter. This opens the Sound dialog directly.
Step 2: Click on the “Playback” tab at the top of the Sound dialog. This tab shows all available audio playback devices.
Step 3: Find your laptop speakers in the list. They are usually labeled as “Speakers” with your audio driver name (such as “Speakers – Realtek Audio” or “Speakers – Conexant SmartAudio”).
Step 4: Right-click on your laptop speakers and select “Set as Default Device.” You can also select “Set as Default Communication Device” if you want to route communication apps (like Zoom or Teams) to the laptop speakers.
Step 5: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.
The Control Panel Sound dialog also allows you to configure speaker settings, set up surround sound, and adjust audio enhancements. Right-click on your laptop speakers and select “Properties” to access these additional settings.
Setting Default vs Default Communication Device
Windows allows you to set two different default audio devices: the default device and the default communication device. The default device handles all general audio (music, videos, games), while the default communication device handles voice and video calls. This allows you to route call audio to headphones while keeping other audio on laptop speakers, or vice versa.
Method 4: App-Specific Audio Output
Windows 10 and Windows 11 allow you to set different audio output devices for different applications. This is particularly useful when you want some applications to use your monitor speakers while others use your laptop speakers.
Setting Per-App Audio Output
Step 1: Open Settings (Windows key + I) and navigate to System > Sound.
Step 2: Scroll down and click on “Advanced sound options” or “App volume and device preferences.”
Step 3: You will see a list of all applications currently producing sound. Each application has its own output device selector.
Step 4: For each application, you can choose which audio output device to use. Select your laptop speakers for the applications you want to route through them.
Step 5: Changes take effect immediately for each application. You do not need to restart the applications.
This method provides the most granular control over audio routing and is ideal for users who want different audio configurations for different use cases. For example, you might want your web browser to play audio through laptop speakers while a video conferencing application uses monitor speakers.
Method 5: Set Default Playback Device
Setting your laptop speakers as the default playback device ensures that all audio is routed through them automatically, regardless of what other audio devices are connected.
Making the Change Permanent
Step 1: Open the Sound dialog using the method described in Method 3 (Windows key + R, then type mmsys.cpl).
Step 2: On the Playback tab, find your laptop speakers.
Step 3: Right-click on the laptop speakers and select “Set as Default Device.” A green checkmark icon will appear next to the device, indicating it is the default.
Step 4: If your monitor speakers are also listed, you can right-click on them and select “Disable” to prevent Windows from ever switching to them automatically. This is useful if you never want audio to route through the monitor.
Step 5: Click “Apply” and “OK” to save your changes.
Disabling the monitor’s audio device in the Sound dialog is the most reliable way to prevent Windows from automatically switching to monitor speakers. Even if you reconnect the monitor or restart your computer, Windows will always use the laptop speakers as the default output.
Method 6: Realtek Audio Console
Many laptops use Realtek audio hardware and come with the Realtek Audio Console or Realtek HD Audio Manager application. This software provides additional audio configuration options beyond what Windows offers natively.
Using Realtek Audio Console
Step 1: Open the Realtek Audio Console from the Start menu or system tray. If you do not have it installed, you can download it from the Microsoft Store or your laptop manufacturer’s support website.
Step 2: In the Realtek Audio Console, navigate to the speaker or playback settings section.
Step 3: Look for the default output device setting and select your laptop speakers.
Step 4: Some versions of the Realtek Audio Console allow you to configure device priority, which determines which device is used when multiple outputs are available.
Step 5: Apply the changes and close the Realtek Audio Console.
The Realtek Audio Console may also provide additional features such as equalizer settings, surround sound configuration, and audio effects that can enhance your listening experience through the laptop speakers.
Method 7: Manufacturer Audio Software
Many laptop manufacturers provide their own audio software that offers additional features and configuration options. These applications can be particularly helpful for managing audio output on your specific laptop model.
Common Manufacturer Audio Software
Dell Audio / Waves MaxxAudio: Dell laptops often include the Waves MaxxAudio application, which provides advanced audio settings and output device management. You can access this from the Start menu or system tray.
HP Audio Switch / Bang & Olufsen: HP laptops may include the HP Audio Switch or Bang & Olufsen audio software, which allows you to configure audio output preferences and apply audio effects.
Lenovo Vantage Audio: Lenovo laptops include audio settings within the Lenovo Vantage application, providing options for output device selection and audio enhancement.
ASUS Audio Wizard / Sonic Studio: ASUS laptops include audio software that provides output device management and audio effects configuration.
For guidance on connecting audio from gaming consoles to your PC setup, check out our article on how to hear Xbox audio through PC.
Troubleshooting Audio Issues
If you are having trouble getting audio to play through your laptop speakers, here are some common issues and their solutions.
Laptop Speakers Not Showing Up
If your laptop speakers do not appear in the audio device list, try reinstalling your audio drivers. Open Device Manager, expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section, right-click on your audio device, and select “Uninstall device.” Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.
You can also try updating your audio drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s support website or from the audio chip manufacturer’s website (Realtek, Conexant, etc.).
Audio Coming From Both Devices
If audio is playing through both your laptop speakers and monitor speakers simultaneously, check that you have properly set the laptop speakers as the default device. Also, check if any applications have been configured to use a specific output device in the app volume settings.
No Sound From Laptop Speakers
If you have selected laptop speakers as the output device but hear no sound, check the following: ensure the speakers are not muted (check the volume mixer), verify that the volume is turned up, and test with different audio content to rule out content-specific issues. You can also run the Windows audio troubleshooter by going to Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot.
Audio Stutters or Crackles
Audio stuttering or crackling can be caused by driver issues, power management settings, or interference. Try updating your audio drivers, disabling audio enhancements in the Sound dialog, and checking your power settings to ensure the audio device is not being put to sleep to save power.
Method Comparison Table
Here is a comparison of all the methods for routing audio to laptop speakers instead of monitor speakers.
| Method | Ease of Use | Permanence | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taskbar Audio Selector | Very Easy | Temporary | Quick switching |
| Windows Sound Settings | Easy | Semi-permanent | General use |
| Control Panel Sound Dialog | Moderate | Permanent | Advanced configuration |
| App-Specific Audio | Moderate | Permanent | Per-app routing |
| Default Playback Device | Easy | Permanent | Always-on laptop audio |
| Realtek Audio Console | Moderate | Permanent | Realtek audio systems |
| Manufacturer Software | Easy | Permanent | Brand-specific features |
For most users, the Taskbar Audio Selector (Method 1) provides the quickest solution, while the Default Playback Device method (Method 5) offers the most permanent fix. Choose the method that best matches your needs and technical comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will switching audio output affect video quality?
No, switching audio output devices does not affect video quality at all. Audio and video are transmitted separately through the display connection (HDMI or DisplayPort), and changing the audio device only affects where the sound is played, not the video signal. Your display quality will remain exactly the same.
Can I use both laptop speakers and monitor speakers at the same time?
Windows does not natively support playing audio through two output devices simultaneously. However, you can achieve this using third-party software like VoiceMeeter or by using your laptop’s audio software, which may support multi-output configurations. Some Realtek audio drivers also support simultaneous output through multiple devices.
Why does Windows keep switching audio back to the monitor?
Windows may automatically switch audio output when it detects a new audio device, such as when you connect or reconnect a monitor. To prevent this, set your laptop speakers as the default device and disable the monitor’s audio device in the Sound dialog. This prevents Windows from ever switching to the monitor automatically.
Does using laptop speakers use more battery?
Yes, using laptop speakers consumes more battery than using headphones or external speakers. The laptop’s built-in amplifier and speaker drivers require power from the battery. If you are working on battery power and need to conserve energy, consider using headphones instead of laptop speakers for better battery life.
Can I route only certain sounds to laptop speakers?
Yes, Windows allows you to set different audio output devices for different applications using the App volume and device preferences settings. This lets you route specific applications to laptop speakers while other applications use a different output device.
Will this work with Bluetooth speakers or headphones?
The same methods described in this article also work for switching audio to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Simply select the Bluetooth device as the output device instead of the laptop speakers. Bluetooth devices appear in the same audio device list as wired output options.
What if my laptop speakers sound terrible?
If your laptop speakers sound poor, try adjusting the audio enhancement settings in your audio software. Many laptops include audio enhancement features like equalizers, bass boost, and spatial audio that can significantly improve sound quality. You can also try third-party audio enhancement software for additional control over sound output.
Can I control laptop speaker volume independently from monitor volume?
Yes, when you switch audio output to laptop speakers, the volume control in the system tray and keyboard volume keys control the laptop speaker volume independently. The monitor’s volume setting (if it has speakers) is controlled separately through the monitor’s OSD menu.
