Do All Computers Have Built-In Speakers? (Updated 2023)

Different PC models have varying features.

And it’s best to know which ones you’re getting from your device. 

So if you’re wondering: 

“Do all computers have built-in speakers?” 

Well, lucky you, I have the answer you’re looking for. 

Continue reading to find out:

• 7 simple steps to check if your PC has built-in audio output.
• 3 real reasons why some monitors don’t have built-in speakers.
• How to easily connect wired and Bluetooth audio devices to your computer.
• And much, much more… 

Do all computers have built-in speakers

Not all computers have built-in speakers. Many people still prefer buying monitors without them. That’s because built-in speakers usually have low audio quality. As a result, companies continue to make computers without them. Because this way, brands can cater to all customers. 

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How do you know if your computer has a built-in speaker?

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To know if your computer has a built-in speaker, turn your device ON. Then, disconnect any external speakers or headphones from your computer. After doing so, go to the Sound Settings of your PC. And test out all the available audio output devices your computer can detect.

And for more details about how you can do this process, here are the… 

7 simple steps to check if your computer has a built-in speaker

#1: Turn ON your PC

Ensure that all of your computer’s components are connected to power, including its:

• CPU.
• Monitor.

Then, turn ON your device. Once it boots up… 

#2: Disconnect external audio devices from your computer

If there are any external headphones or speakers connected to your PC now…

You should disconnect them temporarily.

This way, it’ll be easier to check if your PC has a built-in speaker later.

After doing so…

#3: Go to your computer’s Sound Settings

You’ll see a volume icon in the bottom-right corner of your PC. 

Now, simply right-click this symbol. And from the pop-up window that appears…

Select Sound Settings or Playback Devices. 

“I can’t find the volume icon.”

Fret not. There’s still another way to access your device’s Sounds Settings.

And that’s to: 

1. Click the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. Select Settings or the gear icon. 
3. From the tiles that you see, tap System. 
4. On the left side of the window, choose Sound. 

And now that you’re on your PC’s Sound Settings…

#4: Max out your computer’s volume

On your screen, you’ll see the section that states Master Volume.

That said, simply drag the slider below this title to the right.

And ensure that your PC’s volume is at 100. 

“Won’t this blow out my speakers?”

It won’t.

That’s because computer speakers can handle the loudness of their maximum volume. 

#5: Click Manage sound devices

You’ll find this below the slider you just interacted with.

#6: Check the names under the Output devices section

Now, if there aren’t any devices listed under this category…

That means your computer doesn’t have built-in speakers.

But if there’s a device or more listed under this section…

Proceed to the next step.

#7: Test each speaker 

Most likely, you’ll only have 1 device listed under this section.

That’s because you already disconnected other speakers from your PC earlier. 

But if you can see several devices, don’t worry. 

The same process will still apply. 

Now, click 1 of the names under the Output devices section.

Then, tap the Test button that appears. 

Now, did you hear any sound coming from your computer?

If yes, that means your PC has built-in speakers.

But if not, you should test other devices under this section.

And if you don’t hear audio from all the names you try… 

That means your computer doesn’t have built-in speakers. 

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Why do some computers not have built-in speakers?

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Some computers don’t have built-in speakers because they cost more to make. And certain people still prefer using monitors without them. Moreover, the sounds from these devices are usually low-quality as well. So some companies just don’t bother including them. 

And if you want to read these reasons in detail, proceed below.

#1: People have different preferences

Some people like pineapples on pizza, while others hate the idea.

And similarly… 

Certain individuals simply don’t prefer having built-in speakers on their computers. 

That’s because they might have their own set of audio devices already.

Or maybe they just don’t need to use speakers in the first place. 

For example… 

My friend Dave works on his computer all day as a programmer. 

And surprisingly, he never really listens to music.

With that, his computer setup doesn’t have built-in or external speakers.

But he prefers it to stay that way.

See, because of people like Dave… 

Companies continue to produce computers without built-in speakers.

With that, everybody can buy a PC that suits their needs and preferences. 

#2: Adds to the manufacturing cost

When companies add more features to their computers…

They also increase the manufacturing costs of their products.

That said, some monitors simply don’t have built-in speakers because they’re cheaper to make.

Moreover, if a PC costs more to manufacture… 

Companies also need to sell them for a higher price.

And as a result, they’ll risk losing potential customers that have a lower budget in mind. 

#3: Low-quality audio

As mentioned previously, built-in speakers increase the price of monitors.

And since companies don’t want their computers to be too pricey for consumers…

Most of the time, they only use low-quality speakers for their PCs.

And as a result, built-in speakers on computers usually have bad audio.

On top of that… 

Monitors don’t provide enough space for high-quality speaker drivers 

Speaker drivers are responsible for converting signals from your PC to sounds. 

And simply speaking…

The wider the driver’s diameter is, the better the speaker’s sound quality.

However, since most modern monitors now are designed to be as thin as possible…

They just can’t provide enough space for bigger drivers.

Thus, the audio quality you’ll get from your PC’s built-in speakers usually isn’t the best. 

“Earphones are also small, though, but they sound great.” 

Good point.

However, remember that:

Earphones, like AirPods, are made solely for audio purposes. 

So all of their components are built to produce high-quality sounds.

In contrast, companies design monitors to:

• Respond to inputs. 
• Process data quickly.
• Provide high-quality video.

So companies only put the bare minimum audio qualities to their PCs.

That said, since some people just aren’t satisfied with the built-in computer speakers…

Manufacturers need to continue making monitors without them. 

Now, if you’re interested in knowing more about speakers and their drivers…

I recommend watching this video:

You might also want to know: Do MSI Monitors Have Speakers? 3 Surprising Facts

Bonus: It’s easy to buy external audio devices

It’s pretty easy to buy external audio devices for your computer like: 

• Wired or portable speakers.
• Wired or Bluetooth headphones.

So companies know that their customers have plenty of alternatives to use for audio. Even if they don’t include speakers on the PCs themselves. 

You might also want to know: Are Headphones Computers? 3 Surprising Facts

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Can a computer have sound without speakers?

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A computer can have sound without speakers. That’s because you can still connect wired and Bluetooth audio devices to your PC. 

And if you’re interested in trying this setup…

I’ll teach you the exact steps to connect external speakers to your computer. 

So, let’s start with…

How to connect wireless audio devices to your computer

#1: Turn ON your computer’s Bluetooth

1. Tap the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Click Settings or the gear symbol.
3. Select Devices.
4. Click Bluetooth & other Devices on the left side of the window.
5. Turn the Bluetooth toggle ON. 

Note: Stay on this window until step 3. 

“I can’t find the Bluetooth settings on my PC.”

In that case, your computer doesn’t have this wireless connection. So you need to use a Bluetooth adapter for your PC. 

#2: Put your Bluetooth (BT) device in pairing mode

Now, the exact steps to do this will depend on your gadget’s brand or model.

But for most Bluetooth devices, you can simply press and hold the BT button. 

Or, press and hold the power key until your speakers/headphones’ LED light changes.

Note: If none of these worked, check your device’s user manual. And find the exact steps to put your gadget in pairing mode. 

Now, once your speakers or headphones are ready to connect…

#3: Pair your PC with your audio device

On your PC screen…

1. Select the “+” icon beside the “Add Bluetooth or other device” text.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Click your audio device’s name when it appears.

After doing so, you’ll hear your computer’s audio through your speakers/headphones. 

Recommended reading: 23 Easy Steps To Use Bluetooth Speakers Without WiFi

How to connect wired audio devices to your PC

#1: Check the connection type of your headphones/speakers

Grab the connector of your audio device, and check if it’s a:

• USB.
• 3.5 mm (1 connector).
• 3.5 mm (2 connectors).

After doing so…

#2: Plug your audio device into your PC

Find a PC port that fits your speakers/headphones’ connection type.

Then, insert your audio device into your computer. 

For example, if your audio device has a USB connector…

Plug it into 1 of the USB ports on your PC. 

And likewise, if your speakers or headphones have 3.5 mm connectors…

Insert your device’s jack into your PC’s AUX port (small circle) for audio output. 

Note: For headphones with 2 “3.5” mm jacks. Ensure that the mic connector goes into the mic port of your PC. And the one for audio goes into your computer’s audio output port. 

#3: Go to your PC’s Sound Settings

1. Tap the Windows symbol on your screen’s bottom-left corner.
2. Click the Settings icon.
3. Select System. 
4. Tap Sound. 
5. Click the dropdown menu under the Output section. 
6. Select the name of your headphones/speakers.