A soundbar can be a convenient way to improve the sound from a desktop computer or laptop. But the right connection depends on the ports and features on your computer, monitor and soundbar—not simply on whether each device has an HDMI or USB socket.

Quick answer: Choose a compatible audio path: Bluetooth, a 3.5 mm audio cable, USB audio, optical audio or HDMI through a compatible soundbar and display. Check the input and output labels on each device, then select the corresponding audio output on your computer.

This guide explains how to connect a soundbar to a computer or monitor, what each option requires, and the important difference between an ordinary HDMI port and HDMI ARC.

Computer monitor and soundbar on a home office desk
A computer and soundbar in a home office. AI-generated illustration.

Start by checking the available connections

Look for an audio output on the computer or monitor and a matching audio input on the soundbar. Common options include a 3.5 mm headphone or line-out jack, Bluetooth, a USB port that supports audio, optical digital output, and HDMI. Not every soundbar or monitor supports every method. Check the model’s manual when a label is unclear.

A monitor may accept a video signal from a computer without having any audio output. Likewise, a USB port on a soundbar may be for service, updates, playback from a flash drive or power only. Its shape alone does not establish that it accepts USB audio from a PC.

Option 1: Connect using Bluetooth

If both the computer and soundbar support Bluetooth audio, turn on the soundbar’s Bluetooth pairing mode. On a Windows PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, add the soundbar, and follow the pairing prompts. Then go to Settings > System > Sound and choose the soundbar under Output. Menu names and steps can vary by Windows version and soundbar model.

Bluetooth avoids an audio cable, though it can introduce noticeable delay in games or when watching people speak. Some soundbars reconnect to another paired device automatically; disconnect that device if it prevents the computer from connecting. Microsoft provides more help with pairing Bluetooth devices.

Option 2: Use a 3.5 mm audio cable

If the computer has a headphone or line-out jack and the soundbar has a compatible AUX or analog audio input, connect them with the appropriate cable. For two standard 3.5 mm stereo sockets, use a stereo 3.5 mm male-to-male cable. If the soundbar uses red and white RCA inputs instead, a 3.5 mm stereo-to-RCA cable may be appropriate. Select AUX or the corresponding input on the soundbar.

Start with low volume, then adjust the computer and soundbar to a comfortable level. A headphone output is not the same as a microphone input, and the soundbar’s own power supply may still be needed. If you need a cable, compare 3.5 mm stereo audio cables, checking the connector type and length first.

Option 3: Connect a USB audio soundbar

Some desktop soundbars are designed to receive audio and power over USB. Plug the soundbar into a compatible computer USB port, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a compatible monitor’s USB hub. Windows should list it as an audio output when properly recognized; choose it in Sound settings.

When a USB soundbar connects to a monitor’s hub, the monitor may also require its USB upstream connection to the computer. An HDMI or DisplayPort video cable alone does not necessarily carry that USB data. Dell’s setup guide gives examples of USB soundbars and monitor connections. Other models may work differently.

Option 4: Use optical digital audio

If the computer or monitor has an optical digital output and the soundbar has an optical input, connect them with a TOSLINK optical cable and select Optical or Digital In on the soundbar. Check the monitor’s specifications: many monitors do not have optical output, and not every model passes incoming audio through its output.

For an initial test, choose the relevant digital output on the computer and, if available, set its format to stereo PCM. Optical carries audio, not video, and its format capabilities depend on the devices. Compare TOSLINK optical cables if your equipment has the matching ports.

Option 5: Connect through HDMI

One possible arrangement is computer HDMI output → soundbar HDMI input → soundbar HDMI output → monitor HDMI input. This requires a soundbar with a separate HDMI input and video pass-through, and a display and cables compatible with the desired video resolution and refresh rate. Select the soundbar’s HDMI input and the appropriate HDMI audio output on the computer. Consult both manuals for supported video formats.

Important: A soundbar socket labeled HDMI OUT (TV ARC/eARC) is not the same as a separate HDMI input. A standard computer HDMI output cannot be assumed to function as a TV’s ARC/eARC port. Similarly, an ordinary HDMI input on a monitor does not automatically send ARC audio back to the soundbar. A monitor that specifically supports ARC or eARC may provide another route; confirm its manual and compatible soundbar features first.

Some soundbars have only an ARC/eARC HDMI connection and no separate HDMI input. If your monitor lacks ARC/eARC, look for another supported connection such as Bluetooth, optical or AUX. An adapter or audio extractor can sometimes help, but it must support the exact devices, audio format and video requirements; it is not a universal fix.

How to choose the audio output in Windows

Open Settings > System > Sound and select the device under Output. Depending on the route, Windows may show the soundbar’s name, a USB audio device, the computer’s speakers or headphone output, or the HDMI display/audio device—not necessarily the word “soundbar.” Play a test sound, check the soundbar’s input selection, and turn up both volume controls gradually. See Microsoft’s audio guidance for additional checks.

What if the soundbar has no sound?

  • Confirm the soundbar is powered on, not muted, and set to the input you connected.
  • Check the computer’s selected audio output and volume. Some apps have separate output or volume settings.
  • Check cable direction and fit; try a known-good compatible cable or port.
  • For Bluetooth, confirm it is connected for audio, not merely paired. For a USB monitor hub, check the upstream data connection.
  • For HDMI or optical, check the supported audio formats and try stereo PCM where available.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect a soundbar directly to a PC?

Yes, if both support a compatible connection, such as Bluetooth, analog audio, USB audio or optical. A soundbar with a separate HDMI input may also accept HDMI audio from the computer while passing video to a display.

Can I connect a soundbar to my monitor?

Sometimes. Check whether the monitor has a usable audio output, a compatible USB hub, or specifically supports ARC/eARC. An HDMI input alone does not prove it can send audio to a soundbar.

Is a USB port on a soundbar always an audio input?

No. The port may serve a different purpose, such as firmware updates or playing files from a USB drive. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.

The bottom line

To connect a soundbar to a computer or monitor, identify a supported audio output and matching input first. Bluetooth, AUX, USB audio, optical and compatible HDMI setups can all work, but their availability varies. Select the correct output on your computer and the matching input on the soundbar.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.