Connect a microphone, music player, or other audio device to your computer

You can connect a microphone, portable music player, or other audio device to your computer by using one of the jacks on the front, back, or side of your computer. These jacks directly connect to your computer's sound card or sound processor.

Most desktop computers have at least one line-in jack to connect a music player or other audio device and one line-out jack to connect speakers. These jacks typically appear on the back of a desktop computer. Many desktop computers also have a microphone jack, which is often on the front of the computer.

Most laptops don't have line-in or line-out jacks, but usually have microphone and headphone jacks located on the front or side of the laptop.

Microphone, line-in, and line-out jacks on a typical desktop computer

If you don't hear any sounds coming from an audio device you've plugged in to one of the jacks on your computer, check to make sure the jack is not muted. To do so, follow the instructions below.