Buzz
The most effective ways to link a soundbar to your Windows computer
Do you wish to enjoy music and audio via a soundbar? You can effortlessly connect your soundbar to your computer in a few straightforward steps; you just need to determine which approach suits your device best. You can set up your soundbar using Bluetooth, a 3.5mm jack (AUX), or an optical audio cable. This guide will demonstrate how to connect a soundbar speaker to a Windows PC.
Essential Information
- If your Bluetooth-enabled soundbar doesn't enter pairing mode automatically, press and hold the button on the soundbar until you hear a tone or see a flashing light.
- On Windows, navigate to 'Bluetooth & other devices'. Click on 'Add' → 'Bluetooth' → then select the soundbar from the list.
- If your soundbar or PC doesn't support Bluetooth, you can typically connect using a 3.5mm AUX cable or an optical audio cable.
Procedure
Utilizing Bluetooth (Wireless)
Switch on the soundbar. With most soundbars, you'll notice an indicator light turning on.
- If the soundbar operates on batteries, insert them and then press the power button.
- If the soundbar requires an external power source, plug its power cable into a wall outlet or power strip, then press the power button.
Activate pairing mode on the soundbar. The method to do this varies by model, but typically involves pressing a button on the soundbar to make it discoverable by your computer.
- Refer to your soundbar's manual for specific steps related to your model.
- Some soundbars enter pairing mode automatically.
Access the Bluetooth settings on your computer. Click on the Start menu and select the cog icon to access Settings. From there, navigate to Devices. You should be directed to the Bluetooth & other devices page automatically.
- Ensure that the toggle switch for Bluetooth is turned on.
Click on Add Bluetooth or other device. Look for this option at the top of the window, adjacent to a plus sign.
- A pop-up window will appear.
Tap Bluetooth. Your computer will start searching for Bluetooth devices.
Select your device. You should see Connecting…. If your device isn't visible, ensure it's in pairing mode.
Tap Done. Your soundbar is now connected. You can proceed to listen to music or watch movies on your computer.
- Once paired, your PC will automatically connect to the speaker when it's within range.
Utilizing an AUX Cable
Switch on the soundbar. With most soundbars, an indicator light will illuminate.
- If the soundbar operates on batteries, insert them and then press the power button.
- If the soundbar requires an external power source, plug its power cable into a wall outlet or power strip, then press the power button.
Connect one end of the AUX cable to your PC's sound port. Insert the 3.5mm jack into the port with a headphone icon, usually located on the side of a laptop's keyboard or on the front of a desktop unit.
Connect the other end of the AUX cable to the soundbar. The port location varies by device, typically labeled as 'AUX.' Once connected, Windows will automatically route audio through the soundbar.
- If you experience fuzzy sound quality, consider cleaning your AUX cable to remove dust or dirt.
Utilizing an Optical Audio (Toslink) Cable
Turn on the soundbar. An indicator light will typically illuminate with most soundbars.
- If the soundbar operates on batteries, insert them and press the power button.
- If the soundbar requires an external power source, plug its power cable into a wall outlet or power strip, then press the power button.
Insert one end of a Toslink cable into the soundbar. If your soundbar features a Toslink (or optical audio) port, you can use an optical audio cable to connect it to your PC. The port is commonly labeled as 'TOSLINK' or 'OPTICAL.'
- Toslink is a standard optical audio cable commonly used to connect home theater systems to digital electronics, such as DVD players.
Insert the opposite end of the Toslink cable into your PC. Look for a port labeled as 'TOSLINK,' 'OPTICAL,' or 'DIGITAL AUDIO OUT.' On a desktop PC, it's typically located on the back panel, while on a laptop, it's often on the side. Once connected, your PC will route all audio to the soundbar.
- Some slimmer laptop models may lack a TOSLINK port.
- You can also link your soundbar to a TV.
