FIX: HDMI isn't showing in playback devices on Windows 10/11 (2023)

  • Is your HDMI not showing up on the playback devices? Your drivers must be causing the problem.
  • Reinstalling your graphics drivers will surely fix the problem. We recommend a third-party program for that.
  • Make sure you double-check the playback device list if your monitor is not showing up in your sound devices.
  • Some users said to update your HD Audio Device if your Windows 10 HDMI audio is not detected.

FIX: HDMI isn't showing in playback devices on Windows 10/11 (1)

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Many users tend to connect an additional display to their PC using the HDMI connection, but sometimes HDMI is not showing up in the playback devices section.

This can lead to certain problems, but today we’ll show you how to easily fix this issue.

Sometimes your HDMI device won’t show up in the playback devices section. That can be a big multimedia issue, and speaking of HDMI issues, here are some common problems that users reported:

  • Digital output device (HDMI) missing Windows 10
    • This is a common problem, and if this happens, be sure that your HDMIdevice isn’t hidden or disabled in playback devices section.
  • Windows 10 no HDMI audio option
    • Sometimes HDMI audio won’t work due to your audio drivers.
    • To fix the issue, reinstall your audio driver. If the issue is still there, update the audio driver to the latest version and check if that helps.
  • HDMI port not working on laptop
    • Sometimes this problem can occur due to your graphics card drivers.
    • To fix the issue, update the drivers to the latest version and check if that helps.
  • HDMI not showing up as audio device Windows 10, up in Sound
    • This is a relatively common problem, and in order to fix it, be sure that you turn on your HDMI device, connect it to the PC, and then turn on your PC.
    • By doing so, you’ll force the PC to recognize the device.
  • HDMI not detected, working, recognized, playing audio
    • These are some relatively common HDMI issues, and we covered most of them in our how to fix HDMI output problems article, so be sure to check it out for more solutions.

How do I fix HDMI not showing up in my playback devices

  1. Install the default graphics driver
  2. Reinstall the graphics card drivers
  3. Double-check the playback devices list
  4. Update the High Definition Audio Device
  5. Disable the Hyper-V feature
  6. Change the projection mode
  7. Make sure that you turn on your devices in the correct order
  8. Remove the problematic applications

1. Install the default graphics driver

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu.
  2. Now select Device Manager from the list.
  3. When Device Manager opens, locate your graphics card driver and right-click it.
  4. Choose Update driver from the menu.
  5. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
  6. Now select Choose Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
  7. Select the available driver and click Next.
  8. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

According to users, if HDMI is not showing up in playback devices, the problem might be related to the drivers. To fix this issue, users are suggesting installing the default graphics card driver.

Once the default driver is installed, check if the problem is still there. Bear in mind that the default driver might not offer the same performance as the latest driver.

So if you’re planning to play the latest games on maximum settings, perhaps this won’t be a good long-term solution for you.

2. Reinstall the graphics card drivers

  1. Open the Windows search bar.
  2. Type inDevice Manager.
  3. Expand yourDisplay Adapters section.
  4. Select your GPU, then right-click on it and select Uninstall.
  5. Now restart your computer.
  6. After your computer finished restarting, it will automatically search for a new driver.

Once you remove the drivers, try installing the latest drivers for your graphics card. You can do that by visiting your graphics card manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest driver for your model.

As already mentioned in the previous solution, sometimes your graphics card drivers can cause this problem to appear. To fix the issue, some users are suggesting removing your graphics card drivers.

(Video) 2023 Fix: HDMI not showing up in Playback Devices in Windows 10

Update drivers automatically

To completely remove your drivers, it’s advised to use third-party software data that can do it automatically for you, so you won’t need to worry about doing something wrong.

The software will make sure all of your drivers are up to date. With just a few clicks, the app will scan your device for compatible drivers and install them. The process is mostly automated as well.

We recommend DriverFix because it is reported to have a very low error rate. It can match your GPU hardware with its corresponding drivers in just a few clicks.

The software has a quick set up and in just a few minutes it can scan and fix your drivers. It works on any Windows running PC, as it is very lightweight.

3. Double-check the playback devices list

  1. Open the Playback devices
  2. Right-click the empty space and make sure that you check both Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices.

Many users reported that HDMI is not showing in playback devices section, and if this happens on your PC, perhaps the HDMI device isn’t listed as HDMI on the list.

Many users reported that their device was listed as the model of their display followed by NVIDIA High Definition Audio.

As you can see, the device won’t be listed as HDMI, so you’ll need to pay a bit more attention and check all devices in the playback devices section in order to find your HDMI device.

Several users reported that their HDMI device was disabled and therefore hidden in the playback devices section. To fix that, you need to reveal all playback devices by doing the following:

After doing that, you should be able to see your HDMI device on the list and enable it.

4. Update the High Definition Audio Device

To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Open Device Manager and locate High Definition Audio Device.
    • It should be listed as AMD High Definition Audio Device or NVIDIA High Definition Audio Device.
  2. Right-click the device, and choose Update driver.
  3. Now select Search automatically for updated driver software and Windows will try to update the driver on its own.

According to users, if HDMI isn’t showing in playback devices, the issue can be related to your audio driver. To fix the problem, you just need to update this driver.

Once the driver is up to date, check if the problem is still there. If this method didn’t fix the problem for you, you can try updating the driver manually and check if that helps.

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(Video) How to Repair HDMI Not Showing Up In Playback Devices Error In Windows 10/8/7 [Tutorial]

Some users are suggesting to uninstall your HDMI sound driver and install it again, so you might want to try that as well.

5. Disable the Hyper-V feature

  1. Press Windows Key + S and type windows features.
  2. Now choose Turn Windows features on or off.
    • Windows Features window will now appear.
  3. Look for Hyper-V on the list and disable it.
  4. Once you disable this feature, click OK to save changes.
  5. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Hyper-V is a virtualization feature, and thanks to it, you can create a virtual environment on your PC and use it to run any operating system inside of Windows.

Although this feature can be incredibly useful to some users, it can also cause issues with HDMI devices.

In fact, many users reported that their HDMI device wasn’t showing up in the playback devices section due to the Hyper-V feature.

According to them, they managed to fix the issue simply by disabling the Hyper-V feature. This is quite simple to do, and you can do it by following these steps:

Once your PC restarts, the Hyper-V feature will be disabled and the problem with HDMI should be resolved.

6. Change the projection mode

  1. Press Windows Key + P.
  2. You should now see a list of options.
  3. Select Duplicate or Extend from the list.

If HDMI isn’t showing in playback devices, the issue might be related to the projection mode.

Windows allows you to switch between several projection modes, and it seems that only duplicate and extend modes will show your HDMI device in the playback devices section.

After doing that, the HDMI device should appear in the playback devices section.

7. Make sure that you turn on your devices in the correct order

  1. Make sure that your PC and second display are turned off.
  2. Turn on your second display or TV.
  3. Now connect the HDMI device to your PC.
  4. Turn on your PC.

According to users, sometimes your HDMI device won’t show up in the playback devices section due to certain glitches.

(Video) HDMI Playback Device Not Showing in Windows 10 FIX

Apparently, the HDMI device isn’t recognized if you plug it directly in your PC while it’s running. Once your PC boots, the problem should be resolved and the HDMI device should appear in the playback devices section.

Bear in mind that this is a one-time procedure, and once your HDMI device appears in the playback devices, the issue should be permanently resolved.

8. Remove the problematic applications

Several users reported that third-party applications can sometimes lead to issues with HDMI and playback devices. If your HDMI device is not showing, perhaps the problem can be related to third-party applications.

Several users reported that VLC Media Player caused this issue, but after removing the application, the issue was resolved.

Bear in mind that there are several ways to remove an application, but the most effective one is to use a dedicated utility such as CCleaner.

CCleaner is a PC cleaning and optimization software that has a powerful uninstaller feature, capable of completely removing any app along with its corresponding files and registry entries.

Once the application is removed, check if the problem is still there. Problems with HDMI devices are fairly common, and if your HDMI device isn’t showing in playback devices, be sure to try all of our solutions.

Get CCleaner

These are just a few of the solutions you can try to resolve this issue, but we also have further solutions for when there is no HDMI signal.

Let us know which one works best for you in the comments section below.

This article covers:Topics:

  • fix monitor
  • HDMI

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(Video) How to Fix HDMI Playback Device Not Showing in Windows 11

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    (Video) HDMI playback device not showing in Windows 10

    FIX: HDMI isn't showing in playback devices on Windows 10/11 (13)

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    FAQs

    Why is HDMI not showing in playback devices Windows 10? ›

    According to users, if HDMI is not showing up in playback devices, the problem might be related to the drivers. To fix this issue, users are suggesting installing the default graphics card driver. Once the default driver is installed, check if the problem is still there.

    How do I enable playback on HDMI? ›

    Connect the HDMI cable to your computer and to your output device. In Windows, search for and open Control Panel. Click Sound, and then click the Playback tab. The Sound window opens.

    Why is HDMI not showing as Sound option? ›

    HDMI icon disappeared

    Click Sound, and then click the Playback tab. The Sound window opens. On the Playback tab, select the output device connected with the HDMI cable, and then click Set Default. The HDMI icon displays in the Sound properties in Control Panel and the HDMI port can now receive audio.

    How do I force HDMI to detect? ›

    Press Windows key and “P” key at the same time, click “Duplicate”. If Duplicate not working, choose “Extend”. After that, the computer will be able to detect the HDMI monitor.

    How do I get playback devices on Windows 11? ›

    Press Win + I to open Settings. In the System tab, click on Sound. The Sound panel lists all the audio devices connected to your PC and can play sound. Click on the device you want to set as your Output device.

    How do I enable HDMI audio on Windows 11? ›

    Turn On HDMI Auto-Detection

    Click on the icon to open the Audio Console. Step 2: Go to 'Device advanced settings'. Step 3: Turn on the toggle for the 'Enable Jack detection when device is plugged in' option. Windows will now automatically detect HDMI audio output.

    How do I enable playback devices? ›

    Here's a quick walkthrough on how to enable and disable playback (or output) devices in Windows.
    1. 1) Right click the sound icon in your system tray (or task tray)
    2. 2) Open sound settings.
    3. 3) Manage sound devices.
    4. 4) Click on the devices you'd like to enable or disable.

    How do I reset my HDMI port Windows 10? ›

    Follow the below steps carefully to reboot and reconnect the devices:
    1. Turn on your HDMI device (Speaker, TV, etc.) and then turn on your PC/laptop.
    2. Now, turn off the HDMI devices but keep the Windows system on.
    3. Now, unplug all the HDMI connections and plug them again with your HDMI device and your system.
    Apr 21, 2022

    How do I know if my HDMI port is working Windows 11? ›

    HDMI Not Working on Windows 11? 11 Fixes
    1. Clean Your HDMI Port and Reseat the Cable. ...
    2. Try a Different HDMI Port. ...
    3. Swap Out Your HDMI Cable. ...
    4. Reboot Your PC. ...
    5. Try a Different Output Type. ...
    6. Check for Windows Updates. ...
    7. Update Display Drivers. ...
    8. Check OEM Software for Updates.
    Dec 3, 2021

    How do I change my HDMI settings? ›

    1. Open the Settings screen: Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later) ...
    2. The next steps vary, depending on your TV menu options: Select Watching TV → External Inputs → HDMI signal format, then select the appropriate connection HDMI 1 - 4, and then select a different format.
    Nov 9, 2022

    How do I get Sound to play through HDMI on PC? ›

    There is no way to transmit only audio data via HDMI. The HDMI white paper (page 10) notes that the signal is sent in HDMI packets consisting of both audio and video. Despite all the pins, there are no separate audio and video signals, so there are also no HDMI A/V splitter cables.

    Why Windows 11 cannot detect HDMI? ›

    Make sure the HDMI cable is properly plugged into the TV or monitor's HDMI port. Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to clean the HDMI port to remove dust or debris. Unplug the HDMI cable from the PC and monitor. Restart your computer and try plugging in the cable again.

    How do I update HDMI drivers Windows 11? ›

    First of all, the most common way to mange device drivers is within Windows Device Manager.
    1. Go to Device Manager in Windows 11.
    2. Find the target USB to HDMI driver Windows 11. ...
    3. Right-click the target driver and select Update driver.
    4. Follow the on-screen instruction to complete the process.
    Jan 28, 2023

    How do I fix no output devices found in Windows 11? ›

    Reboot Your PC. The "No Audio Output Device is Installed" error is often caused when hardware configuration changes while loading Windows. To prevent this, you should not remove or attach any devices or peripherals while your PC is booting up. Sometimes, this error can be resolved with a simple PC reboot.

    Why is my monitor not appearing in playback devices? ›

    Why isn't my monitor showing up as an audio device? Sometimes HDMI Playback devices get disabled. So if you want to show it in the list of playback devices, go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Manage audio devices. Right-click on an empty area and select show disabled devices and disconnected devices.

    Does Windows 11 support media player? ›

    Media Player, designated as Windows Media Player in the Microsoft Store, is a default video and audio player for Windows 11 developed by Microsoft. It is the successor to Groove Music for Windows 10 (previously Xbox Music), Microsoft Movies & TV and Windows Media Player.

    How do I enable HDMI ports on Windows? ›

    Right-click the "Volume" icon on the Windows taskbar, select "Sounds" and choose the "Playback" tab. Click the "Digital Output Device (HDMI)" option and click "Apply" to turn on the audio and video functions for the HDMI port.

    How do I reset playback devices? ›

    Restore each sound device to its default settings
    1. Open the Settings app and click Sound, then scroll down to select More sound settings.
    2. This will open a new menu that lists out all your audio output and input devices. ...
    3. In the pop-up that appears, click the Advanced tab, then click Restore Defaults at the bottom.
    Nov 3, 2022

    How do I add a device to playback on Windows 10? ›

    Add a device to a Windows 10 PC
    1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
    2. Select Add Bluetooth or other device and follow the instructions.

    How do I set up playback devices on Windows 10? ›

    Windows Playback and Recording Device Settings
    1. In the Start menu or search bar, type "Sound" and click on the "Sound Control panel" option.
    2. Click on device you would like to configure.
    3. From here you can rename, disable, or otherwise change and verify your sound device.

    How do I update my HDMI driver? ›

    Update the device driver
    1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
    2. Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you'd like to update.
    3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
    4. Select Update Driver.

    Why is my computer not connecting through HDMI? ›

    Check Your HDMI Cable Connections: HDMI connections don't fit as tight as component or composite video connections and can slip out sometimes if equipment is moved slightly. Please ensure that all HDMI connections are seated firmly and in the correct orientation of their corresponding HDMI ports.

    Do I need to install driver for HDMI? ›

    Note: There's no need for a driver for your HDMI port or cable. The HDMI port automatically detects connected devices and communicates with them. However, if the graphics driver is outdated, you might face issues. Therefore, when you face issues with HDMI, use Advanced Driver Updater to update graphics drivers.

    What is a HDMI glitch? ›

    If the HDMI cable is too long, it will affect signal quality and result in the display being erratic, the screen flickering, or identification failure.

    What is HDMI signal format? ›

    High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a proprietary audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI-compliant source device, such as a display controller, to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television, or ...

    What is HDMI alt mode? ›

    Newer Samsung, Google, and other Android phones now come equipped with USB-C charging ports. This means you can pick up a USB-C to HDMI cable and leverage HDMI Alt Mode to transfer video from your smartphone to any HDMI display.

    How do I access playback settings? ›

    To open the video playback settings, select Start > Settings > Apps > Video playback.

    Where is the Playback tab in settings? ›

    Open the Control Panel, navigate to Hardware and Sound, and click or tap on Sound. This action opens the Sound window, where you set your default audio devices. In the Playback tab, you are shown all the playback devices that are available on your Windows computer.

    How do I change my playback settings? ›

    Set a default speaker, Smart Display, or TV
    1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Home app .
    2. At the bottom, tap Home .
    3. Touch and hold your device.
    4. At the top right, tap Device settings .
    5. Choose a default playback device: For music and audio: Tap Audio. ...
    6. Select your default playback device.

    How do I enable HDMI on Android? ›

    Connecting Android devices to TV with a HDMI cable (recommended method)
    1. Plug the USB-C adapter into your Android device's USB-C port.
    2. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter's HDMI port.
    3. Plug another end of the HDMI cable into your TV's available HDMI port.
    4. Switch the source input of your TV to that HDMI port.
    Feb 12, 2022

    How do I add a playback device to Windows 10? ›

    Add a device to a Windows 10 PC
    1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
    2. Select Add Bluetooth or other device and follow the instructions.

    How do I install playback devices on Windows 10? ›

    Open Device Manager, right-click (or tap and hold) your audio driver > Update driver software.> Browse my computer for driver software > Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer, select High Definition Audio Device, select Next, and follow the instructions to install it.

    Why are videos not playing on Windows 11? ›

    Reasons for Video Playback Issue on Windows 11

    Outdated video graphics driver. Outdated video player. Corrupt video file. A misconfigured browser or system settings.

    How do I find my default playback device? ›

    In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and then select it from the results. Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound. On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) Default Device, and then select Properties.

    What are playback devices? ›

    With hardware, a playback device is a device that can listen to audio or watch video. For example a monitor, speakers, and headphones are all examples of playback devices. File, Internet terms, Media, QuickTime, Sound terms, Video terms, Windows Media Player.

    How do I change my default playback device? ›

    - Using Windows 10, right click on the speaker icon (right hand side) of the taskbar to show menu choices, left click on Sounds. - Once in the Playback or Recording section, you should see the corresponding devices listed. - Right click on the appropriate device in the list, and select Set as Default Device.

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