My computer have no audio except through HDMI monitor. Did I damage the motherboard?

Understanding and Troubleshooting Lost Audio on Your PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Experiencing audio issues on your computer can be frustrating, especially when the monitor’s speakers continue to work via HDMI but headphones or front/rear audio jacks remain silent. Such problems can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from driver conflicts to hardware damage. In this article, we will explore common reasons behind lost audio functionality and provide methodical troubleshooting steps to help diagnose and resolve the issue without unnecessary hardware replacements.

Scenario Overview

A user reported that their desktop PC only produces audio through the HDMI connection to their monitor. The front and rear audio jacks, used for headphones, produce no sound despite the volume indicators recognizing the connection. The user had recently replaced the graphics card and performed several driver and system tweaks, but the problem persisted. They feared motherboard damage but lacked the technical expertise to confidently diagnose the issue.

Potential Causes

Driver Conflicts or Corruption
Incorrect Audio Output Settings
Hardware Connection Issues
Motherboard or Audio Chip Damage
BIOS or Firmware Settings

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Verify Hardware Connections
Check cables: Ensure the front and rear audio jacks are securely connected to the motherboard.
Inspect ports: Look for physical damage or debris that might be blocking sound transmission.
Test headphones: Confirm the headphones work on another device to rule out faulty hardware.
Confirm Default Playback Device
Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select ‘Open Sound settings’ or ‘Playback devices.’
Ensure the correct output device (e.g., ‘Speakers’ or ‘Headphones’) is set as default.
If multiple devices are listed, try selecting different options and test audio output.
Use Sound Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for audio issues.
Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Playing Audio.
Run the troubleshooter and follow its suggestions.
Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Uninstall current audio drivers via Device Manager:
- Press Win + X and select ‘Device Manager.’
- Expand ‘Sound, video and game controllers.’
- Right-click your audio device and select ‘Uninstall device.’
Reboot the system; Windows should attempt to reinstall the default drivers.
Alternatively, visit your motherboard