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sound test only plays in the left speaker

Ask By Corey G.1,511 views

I click play and I only hear it in left. Right works in other apps

Connection
Built-in Speakers
System
Windows 11
Browser
Chrome 131
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
Using Sound Tester ToolsWindows PC
Tool used in this discussionSound TestQuick left, right and stereo check for any speakers or headphones
Open Free Tool
Short Answer

The Sound Test plays both channels, so if it only plays left the problem is balance, mono audio or the output device. Check the Left Right Test and Windows settings.

Verified By Sound TestVerified By Sound Test
Rishabh Sharma
Rishabh SharmaAudio Team
Audio DSP Engineer · 5+ years experience · Answered Apr 27, 2026

If one channel is missing in the test but works elsewhere, check balance and enhancements.

After you make the change, play the Sound Test again to confirm the result. If the problem is still there, add your device, browser and what you tried in the replies so the team can narrow it down.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Run the Left Right Test
  2. Check Windows balance
  3. Turn off Mono audio
  4. Use another browser
Sources
  1. Microsoft Support

Checked by Kriti Desai on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 3

  • Hannah LaneCommunity Member

    Mono audio was on. Worth trying before you spend any money.

  • Tiffany HarperCommunity Member

    Balance was off. I tested it on my own setup and it held up for weeks.

  • Chloe HendersonCommunity Member

    Allowing the site access and clicking once to start audio is what sorted mine.

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Tools Mentioned In The Answer

Sound TestsLeft Right TestPlay one side at a time to catch a swapped or dead channel
Open Free Tool
Rishabh Sharma
Written and tested by

Rishabh Sharma

Audio DSP Engineer at Sound Test

Rishabh Sharma is the Audio DSP Engineer on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Expert in browser-based Web Audio API architecture, live tone generation, and low-latency decibel tracking. Shares detailed digital sound processing codebases on GitHub and LinkedIn. On Sound Tester he answers browser, driver and operating system sound problems on Windows, Mac and Android, and reviews how the tools handle audio in the browser.

Web Audio APIlow-latency audiodecibel tracking
  • 10 answers on Sound Test
  • 5+ years experience
  • Reviewed by Kriti Desai
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Each answer is written by the specialist closest to the topic and checked by a second team member. How we verify answers

Answers are free general guidance from the Sound Tester Audio Team and community. They are not medical advice. For hearing loss, ringing or ear pain, see a doctor or audiologist. Opening a device can void its warranty, so check the maker's support first for hardware faults.

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