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Sometimes, you just want to watch a movie, listen to your favorite music on your computer, or get through an important meeting on Skype. You may, however, run into a pesky issue: headphones not detected by your Windows PC. 

This is a commonly reported problem where users complain they cannot hear anything, even though the speaker works fine.

Luckily, this guide will show you several ways how to fix headphones not detected issue in Windows 10 or 11. Let’s begin. 

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Watch this short video for a quick fix. For more detailed steps, continue reading the full article:

How to fix computer not recognizing headphones in Windows

Windows Not Recognizing Headphones: Check for Hardware Issues

Resolving the issue of the computer not recognizing headphones in Windows 10 or 11 often entails checking for potential hardware issues. Here are two ways to fix it:

  • Insert your headphones into a different port

Sometimes, the headset is not working on a PC because you use a dead USB port. Plug your headphones into another port and see if it solves the problem.

  • Try your headphones on another device

If your USB headset is not working on another device, it’s likely at fault.

How to Fix Headphones Not Working in Windows 10/11

Go through each of the solutions discussed below until you find the one that works in your situation. Let’s begin.

Fix 1. Plug your headphones and restart your PC

You can quickly test if your headphones are working properly by following these simple steps.

  • Connect your headphones to the headphone jack when your computer is turned on.
  • Restart your PC after a few seconds.
  • Watch for a complete computer restart.
  • Check to see whether your headphones are working after restarting.

Fix 2. Set your headphones as the default playback device

Sometimes, the headphones aren’t set as the default playback device. This leads to your headphones not working. Here are the steps to set the headphones as the default device:

Also read: Audio Service Not Responding Error in Windows 10 and 11

Fix 3. Change the default sound format

If the default sound format isn’t correct, there will be a problem with your headphones. Here are some quick steps to change the default sound format on your Windows 10/11 desktop:

Fix 4. Use the Playing Audio troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in Playing Audio troubleshooter to tackle different problems. Follow these key steps, applicable for Windows 10 and Windows 11, to fix your current issue with headset:

  • Press the Windows key found on your keyboard. Type troubleshoot and click Troubleshoot once it appears.
  • Click Playing Audio and then Run the troubleshooter. Click Next.

Fix 4. Use the Playing Audio troubleshooter

  • Choose Headphones. Click Next afterward.
  • Click No, do not open Audio Enhancements.
  • Click Play test sounds.
  • If you didn’t hear a sound, click I didn’t hear anything. This will prompt Windows to reinstall the audio driver.
  • Follow the instructions on the screen to continue troubleshooting.

Fix 5. Update your sound drivers

One of the effective ways to fix the headset problems is to update your audio drivers. You can use the manual or automatic method to update the sound drivers. 

With the manual method, you can use Windows Update, Device Manager, or the PC manufacturer’s website to update them. Here’s how to update your sound drivers using the Device Manager: 

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The easiest way to update your sound drivers is to use third-party driver updaters, such as Auslogics Driver Updater . This software can be a helpful tool for resolving the headset not working issue.

Auslogics Driver Updater checks your PC for potential driver problems and gives you a detailed report on missing or outdated drives it detects. Then, it allows you to update them to the latest manufacturer-recommended versions.

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Fix 6. Check if your Bluetooth is working properly

Bluetooth might be the problem for your headphones not working properly. Remember that this only relates to Bluetooth headphones. Here are two crucial things to think about:

First, check whether your headphones work with Windows 10/11 and your PC. Incompatible versions might cause problems, such as when Bluetooth 5.0 headphones are used with a PC that only supports Bluetooth 4.0.

Related: Bluetooth’s Not Working in Windows 10/11: How to Fix?

Right-click the Start button, choose Device Manager, then expand the Bluetooth area to see your Bluetooth version.

Fix 6. Check if your Bluetooth is working properly

Second, make sure Windows 10/11 has Bluetooth turned on. Go to Bluetooth and other device settings, type Bluetooth, and turn Bluetooth on.

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Windows 10/11 Computer Not Recognizing Headphones: Fixed

It’s easier than it might appear to fix a headset not working issue on PC. Whether Bluetooth isn’t working properly, outdated drivers are giving you problems, or the proper jack isn’t being used, use this guide to resolve the issues.

Just be sure your Bluetooth headphones are compatible with the Bluetooth version on your PC if you’re using them. Software like Auslogics Driver Updater can help you update your drivers and resolve the issues.

Now that you know this information, you can use your Windows PC to listen to music without interruption.

FAQ

There could be several causes for Windows not recognizing headphones. The drivers for your headphones could be outdated or incompatible, making them unrecognizable. Also, there can be an issue with the headphone jack, a bug in the software, or incorrect settings. To fix the issue, try updating your audio drivers, inspecting the headphone jack for damage, and adjusting the audio settings.
Ensure the headphones are firmly plugged into your computer’s relevant jack. Test the headphones on a different device to determine whether the issue is with the headphones themselves or the PCIe. Compatibility problems are usually resolved by updating your audio drivers. And be sure to check your device’s sound settings to make sure the proper audio output is chosen.
A 3.5mm headphone jack can typically be found on the front or back of a PC. A headphone icon is typically used to identify it. If necessary, only insert the connector from your headset into this jack for audio output and microphone input.
The 3.5mm headphone port for attaching a headset to your PC is normally found on the front or rear of the computer case. The icon for this jack is typically a pair of headphones. Your headset’s audio connector should be carefully inserted into this jack. If your headset has a microphone, there may be a separate microphone jack to plug into. Once connected, your PC should automatically detect the headset, but for best results, it’s wise to review and modify sound settings as necessary.
There are several reasons why you might be unable to connect your headphones. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on for both your device and the headphones if you use Bluetooth headphones. Ensure your smartphone is compatible with the headphones you’re attempting to connect. Not every computer is compatible with every kind of headset.