If you own a laptop, you have most likely already noticed that the sound quality offered by the speakers integrated into the computer case is not the best you could ask for. If you want to use your computer to listen to music or watch a movie, purchasing external speakers could be a great investment to greatly enhance your experience. You can choose to buy speakers that are wireless, USB or with 3.5 mm audio jacks, but in any case, connecting them to your computer or Mac and setting them up will be very simple.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using a Wired Connection
Step 1. Choose a computer speaker model
If your laptop has a USB port or 3.5mm audio jack that you can connect earphones or headphones to, you should also be able to connect most computer speaker models that take advantage of a wired connection.
- Most computer speakers have a 3.5mm audio input jack identical to the one you would normally connect earphones or headphones to. This type of loudspeaker also needs to be powered.
- USB loudspeakers are powered directly from your computer, so you don't have to plug them into the mains. If you have a free USB port on your computer, this type of speaker might be the best choice for you.
Step 2. Place the speakers wherever you like on your desk
Normally, most loudspeakers are marked with the letters "L" (from English "Left") or "R" (from English "Right") on the back or bottom of the outer shell. If the speakers you purchased also include a subwoofer, you should place it behind the computer or directly on the floor. Make sure that regardless of the position of the speakers, the connecting cable can easily reach the corresponding audio port on the computer (if they are equipped with a power supply, make sure that the power cable can also be plugged into an outlet safely).
Step 3. Turn on the speakers and set the volume to minimum
Turn the volume control on one of the two speakers all the way to the left.
Step 4. Set the computer volume level to approximately 75%
Click the volume icon located on the right side of the taskbar (on Windows) or menu bar (on Mac), then set it to about ¾ of the maximum value. Windows system users will most likely find two volume sliders. In this case, the one indicated by the "Applications" item must be used.
Step 5. Insert the connector of the connecting audio cable into the appropriate port on your computer
With the laptop running, plug the speaker cable connector (USB or 3.5mm jack) into the corresponding port on your computer.
- If you're using a 3.5mm audio jack, you'll need to plug it into the port on your computer that you normally connect your headphones or earphones to. It should be placed along either side of the computer. It has a circular shape and is characterized by an icon in the shape of stylized headphones. Do not use the round port with a microphone icon.
- If you're using a USB cable, plug it into a port on your computer. This way, the operating system may automatically start installing the drivers. If you are asked to provide driver installation support, use the one that came with the speakers and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen.
Step 6. Log in the speakers
The power button should be located on the back of one of the two speakers. If the speakers come with a power cord, you will need to plug it into the mains before you can turn them on.
Step 7. Play an audio file on the laptop
Start playing audio content (streaming, CD, YouTube video, etc.) using your laptop.
- Find a volume level that is comfortable for listening. Slowly turn the speaker volume control to the right until the intensity of the sound reaches a level that you find comfortable.
- If there is no sound coming from the speakers, make sure they are properly connected to the computer (and to the mains if necessary).
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If you are using a Windows system and the sound is playing from the computer speakers, you will most likely need to change the audio settings manually in order to fix the problem. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + S and type in the keyword
check
- . Click on the "Control Panel" item that appears in the list of results, then click on the "Audio" icon. Two devices should be listed within the "Playback" tab: the computer sound card and external speakers. Double-click the icon of these to set them as the default device for audio playback. At this point, click on the "OK" button to save and apply the new settings.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Wireless (Bluetooth) Connection
Step 1. Make sure your laptop supports Bluetooth connection
Follow these instructions to perform the checks:
- If you are using a Mac, go to the "Apple" menu and click on the "About this Mac" option, click on the "More information" button, then select the "Bluetooth" tab from the list that appears on the left side of the screen. If the hardware specifications of the device appear on the right side of the screen (for example "Apple Bluetooth software version: 4.x.x.xxxxxx"), then your Mac has Bluetooth connectivity.
- If you are using a Windows laptop, press the key combination ⊞ Win + X and select the "Device Manager" item. Click on the item "Laptop" or on the option characterized by the name of your computer. If the "Bluetooth" category is present in the list, click on it twice to expand it. If there is at least one device in the "Bluetooth" category, your laptop has Bluetooth connectivity.
Step 2. Place your Bluetooth speakers
Choose where in your home, room or office to place the Bluetooth speakers. Before choosing where to place them, take note of some rules:
- The speakers must be powered and therefore connected to the mains.
- If there is a dividing wall between the computer and the speakers, the quality of the connection should not be affected excessively, however it may have a negative effect on the sound quality.
- If you want to be able to easily turn the speakers on and off, you should install them in a spot that you can reach very easily.
- Check the instruction manual of the speakers to find out what is the maximum distance from the computer that you can place them. Normally, the Bluetooth connection has an operating limit of about 9-10 meters, but some devices may have a shorter range.
Step 3. Turn on the Bluetooth speakers and make them discoverable by other devices
The procedure to follow varies depending on the make and model of the devices. There is often a small button that must be pressed for a few seconds to activate the "pairing" mode of the device. If you are unsure how to proceed, consult the instruction manual.
Step 4. Pair the Bluetooth speakers to the laptop
The procedure to follow varies according to the operating system installed on the computer:
- If you are using Windows 8 or Windows 10, access the notification center by clicking the appropriate icon on the taskbar, next to the system clock. Select the "Bluetooth" option, then click the "Connect" button to start searching for new devices. When the Bluetooth speakers appear in the list, select them to be able to connect them to your computer.
- If you are using Windows 7, go to the "Start" menu and click on the "Devices and Printers" option. Click on the "Add Device" button to start searching for new Bluetooth devices. When the loudspeakers are detected, select them and click on the "Next" button to establish the connection.
- If you are using a Mac, select "System Preferences" from the "Apple" menu and click on the "Bluetooth" icon. Make sure Bluetooth connectivity is on, then wait for the Bluetooth speakers to appear in the list. At this point, select them and click on the "Connect" button.
Step 5. Configure your computer so that it can play audio files using external speakers
The procedure to follow differs depending on the operating system:
-
If you are using Windows, press the key combination ⊞ Win + S and type in the keyword
check
- . Click on the "Control Panel" item that appears in the list of results, then click on the "Audio" icon. Double-click the Bluetooth speaker icon displayed in the "Playback" tab, then click the "Default" button. At this point, click on the "OK" button to save and apply the new settings.
- If you are using a Mac, go to the "Apple" menu and click on the "System Preferences" option. Click on the "Sound" icon and select the "Output" tab. At this point, select the external speakers listed in the "Choose a device for audio output" box.
Step 6. Set the volume level to approximately 75%
Click the volume icon located on the right side of the taskbar (on Windows) or menu bar (on Mac), then set it to about ¾ of the maximum value. If you are using a Windows system, click on the icon indicated and choose the item "Open volume mixer". Remember to adjust the volume using the "Applications" slider.
Step 7. Set the speaker level to minimum
If the speakers you purchased have their own volume control, turn it all the way to the left to set it to minimum. If not, click the volume icon on the taskbar or menu bar and move it all the way to the left or down.
Step 8. Play an audio file from your computer
Start playing audio content (streaming, CD, YouTube video, etc.) using your laptop. At this point, slowly turn the speaker volume control to the right until the intensity of the sound reaches a level that you find comfortable. If the speakers don't have their own volume control, use the one on your computer.
Step 9. Finished
Advice
- Some speakers have a built-in stand that you can connect an MP3 player or iPod to, so you can use them to listen to your music.
- You can use sites that share streaming audio content, such as Spotify or Pandora, to listen to music for free.
- Your new speakers can also be connected to an MP3 player or iPod. In the case of a wired connection, you can follow the steps indicated in the appropriate section of the article, while in the case of a wireless connection the procedure to follow varies according to the model of speakers and device.
