9 Best Ways to Fix Windows 10 Not Detecting Headphones

Most work-from-home setups require users to use a headset for seamless Zoom and Google Meet calls. Gamers and music lovers also prefer headphones to spend a tiring day. Sometimes Windows 10 may have problems connecting headphones to laptop or PC. Other people around you may be disturbed by the continuous sound output from the speakers. Read on to learn how to fix Windows 10 headphone detection issue.

1. Check Audio Jack

Fortunately, the tradition of removing the headphone jack has yet to come to Windows 10 laptops. Most Windows 10 machines come with a headphone jack for uninterrupted audio output.

Before moving on to the more advanced troubleshooting options, you can check the 3.5mm audio jack on the Windows 10 computer. Make sure the cable is properly connected for a successful connection.

2. Check the Bluetooth Connection

If you are using a wireless Bluetooth headset, you need to make sure that Bluetooth is enabled in Windows 10. In Windows 10, open the Settings app (use Windows + I keys) and go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn on Bluetooth mode.

You can also remove and reconnect the headset device from the Bluetooth saved list menu.

3. Check Output Device in Windows 10

You can select/change the default audio output device in Windows 10. Here’s how to do this.

Stage 1: Find the little sound icon in the Taskbar.

Step 2: Right click on it and select Open sound settings.

Stage 3: Under Choose your output device, select the connected headphones and you’re ready.

4. Check the Headphones

Most headphones come with a physical mute button for convenience. If you have it enabled, you will not get any audio output. Consider turning off the mute button on the earphones and enjoy a flawless sound operation.

5. Check the Volume Controls

For proper headphone functionality in Windows 10, you need to check the mute button and volume control options on the keyboard.

6. Check Headphone Battery

Windows 10 OS is smart enough to show the remaining battery life on the connected device. How to check is explained below.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app in Windows 10 (Windows + I).

Step 2: Go to the Devices menu.

Stage 3: Open the Bluetooth menu and you will have currently connected devices.

Step 4: Pay attention to the remaining battery life indicator next to it.

If it’s below 20%, consider charging it or using the headset in wired mode.

7. Select Output Device in Video Conferencing Applications

Most video conferencing apps, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, allow you to select a specific audio output device from the settings menu. If you have selected the wrong output device, you will not hear anything from the connected headphones.

Let’s take Zoom as an example here.

Stage 1: Open the Zoom app on the Windows 10 device.

Step 2: Click on the profile menu in the upper right corner.

Stage 3: Select Settings from the menu below.

Step 4: Go to the sound menu.

Step 5: Under the Speakers and Microphone menu, select the connected Headset as the output device.

You can make the same changes in the Microsoft Teams and Google Meet settings menu and select the connected headphones on the output device.

8. Use the Windows 10 Troubleshooter

Windows 10’s default troubleshooter can fix annoying sound and Bluetooth related issues on the device. Here’s how to use it.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on the device.

Step 2: Go to the Update & Security > Troubleshooting menu.

Stage 3: Select Additional Troubleshooter.

Step 4: Fix headphone not being detected with the audio playback troubleshooter.

If it doesn’t fix the problem, use the Bluetooth troubleshooter and reconnect the headset.

9. Update Audio Drivers

Outdated audio drivers can break headphone detection in Windows 10. You can update the relevant drivers from the Windows 10 Device Manager application. Go through the steps below.

Stage 1: Press the Windows key on the keyboard and search for Device Manager.

Step 2: Open the Device Manager menu.

Stage 3: Scroll down to Sound, video and game controllers.

Step 4: Expand the menu and you will see the connected headphones in the list.

Step 5: Locate and right-click the headset you want to connect.

Step 6: Select Update drivers from the menu below.

Windows 10 will download and install the latest relevant drivers from the web.

Enjoy the Seamless Headphones Experience in Windows 10

Windows 10 not detecting headphones can ruin the perfect work schedule for you. You cannot identify a specific cause for the problem. Follow the above troubleshooting steps and fix the headset not detecting problems in Windows 10. Let us know which scheme worked for you in the comments section below.

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