Laptop not recognizing headphones is the most common and annoying issue that may occur with a number of users. Whenever you plug your headphones into your laptop or PC, it displays that there are no external devices plugged in. As well as if you use another one the error message remains constant.
There might be a number of reasons that are responsible for the occurrence of this issue. Whenever you encounter the same problem, you have to solve it as soon as possible.
What Causes Windows 10 not Recognizing Headphones Problem?
- If the headphones are disabled from your device, then there is a chance of getting the same problem with your laptop.
- Due to outdated audio drivers, your laptop might stop recognizing your headphones though they are plugged in already.
- If the headphone is damaged or the headphone port of your laptop is damaged, then it might create the same problem.
How to Solve Laptop Not Recognizing Headphones?
There are certain steps that you may follow to get rid of Windows 10 not recognizing headphones issue. So, without making any mistake, implement the stated solutions one by one.
Fix 1: Check if your Headphones are Disabled
If the headphones are turned off or disabled on your laptop, then you cannot use your headphones as well. In such instances, you have to enable the headphone option by following the steps listed below.
At first, you have to check that your headphones are connected properly with your computer.
Then, look at the bottom left corner of the screen and choose the Volume icon and right-click on it. After that, choose Sounds and then tap on the Playback icon. You will now see a list. But if your headphone is not listed here, then select the empty area by right-clicking on it.
Check that the “Show Disabled Devices” tab is ticked. In case your headphones are turned off, then it will now be visible in the list. Choose your headphone by right-clicking on it and click on the Enable icon.
If your headphones are not your default device, then tap on your headphones and choose the “Set Default” option that is located at the bottom-right of the screen. Now, choose OK and save the changes you just have done.
Finally, check if the problem is still showing up or not.
Fix 2: Update the Audio Driver
Due to a missing audio driver, users may face the same problem with their laptop. Hence, you have to check that all the audio drivers are updated. If not, then do as follows:
- First of all, you have to select the Start button by right-clicking on it.
- After that, navigate to the Control Panel and click on it.
- Then, choose Hardware and Sounds option and click on the Sounds icon.
- Navigate to the Playback icon. From there, you have to choose your headphones.
- Now, tap on Properties and move to select the Controller Information icon.
- From the next page, choose the “Change Settings” icon. Here, you may be asked to give your Administrator permission.
- Now, navigate to the Driver tab and choose the Driver option.
- From the options, you have to select the Update Driver tab. From this time, the update will start automatically.
- Keep waiting while the updating process is going on. Once done, restart your device and check if the problem is still happening or not.
Fix 3: Uninstall and Re-install Audio Driver
If your problem is caused by the audio driver, then the re-installation of that driver can solve the laptop not recognizing headphones issue easily.
At first, you have to press the Windows and R button at the same time to open the Dialog box. After that, click on the box and write down “devmgmt.msc.” Then press the Enter button. It will help you to access Device Manager.
Now, you have to extend the Sound, Video and the Game Controller options one by one. Select your Audio device by right-clicking on it. After that, navigate to the Uninstall device and click on it. To confirm the uninstallation process, tap on Uninstall.
At the final step, reboot your laptop and Windows will download a driver automatically. Check if the problem has gone or still showing up.
Fix 4: Disable Front Panel Jack Detection
If you are still facing the same problem, then you have to turn off the front panel jack detection. You can do so by following the steps stated below.
The very first thing you have to do is to choose the Audio Manager icon by right-clicking on it. After that, navigate to the Sound Manager and click on it. Now, select the title folder that is located at the upper right corner of the screen.
From this page, you have to tap on the small checkbox that says “Disable front panel jack detection”. Now, tap on the OK icon and check if your laptop is now recognizing the headphones or not.
Fix 5: Change the Default Sound Format
First of all, navigate to the Volume icon and right-click on it. You will find the Volume icon in the menu bar. After that, select the “Playback Devices” icon and tap on it. Here you will see that the “Speaker” option is already selected.
You have to double-tap on it and open a new window. Then, move to the Advanced icon and here you will find a “Default Format” option on the screen. From there, you have to change the highest value as per your preference.
Tap on Apply to save the changes you just have done. Finally, click on OK and choose the Test icon.
Fix 6: Check the Headphone Jack
Before connecting the headphones to your device, you have to be sure that the headphones are not broken. Also, check out the headphone jack in your device. Plug your headphone to another device and check if it is working or not.
If it’s still not working, then the problem might be with your headphones. In that case, replace your headphones with a new one and you are good to go.
Final Recommendation
The solutions that are given above will definitely assist you to get rid of the laptop not recognizing headphones issue. We recommend you to check the headphones before connection to your device.
Also, check if the headphones are compatible with your device or not. But in case if you ever face any issue regarding any steps, then get connected with a professional who will help you in resolving this headphone not recognizing issues by providing more advanced and helpful solutions.
