Internal PC speakers cannot be disabled but they can be bypassed. To do this you will need a 3.5mm plug, which are the same plugs used for wired headphones. These plugs can be ordered from Amazon - link provided at the bottom of the Insider.
The plug goes in the headphone input located in the upper left on the back of the computer.
All audio is directed to audio jacks before going to the internal speaker, so the PC will think it has output, but nothing will come out of the speaker. Plugging in a pair of headphones into the front jack immediately lets the front jack work so the user won’t have to select the front jack. When they unplug their headphones, audio immediately wants to go back to the rear plug. This has been tested and is working seamlessly at two branches so far.
Please remember to save these plugs when your PC is replaced.
Amazon.com: Fancasee (10 Pack 3.5mm Replacement Repair Plug Jack TRS Stereo Male Plug 1/8" 3.5mm Solder Type DIY Audio Cable Connector for Headphone Headset Earphone Cable Repair : Electronics
- Method researched by John McGillvray as well as Reston Library staff. This solution is recommended by other public library systems as well.
