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COMPUTERS, LAPTOPS & TABLETS > MICROSOFT

How to Fix It When Windows

11 Is Not Detecting
Headphones
Troubleshoot why Windows can't find your
headphones
By Brad Stephenson Updated on February 10, 2022
Reviewed by Jon Fisher

Having trouble getting your headphones to work with your Windows

11 PC, laptop, or tablet? This guide will break down all of the more
common causes of Windows 11 headphone bugs while also offering a
large number of proven solutions and fixes to help you get your
headphones registered, connected, and playing audio properly.

Why Is My PC Not Detecting My

Headphones?
Headphones not being detected by a PC running Windows 11 can be
the result of a number of factors ranging from Bluetooth conflicts and
operating system glitches to the incorrect settings being selected and
even physical damage to the headphones themselves.

Out-of-date drivers and firmware are also common causes of

headphones not registering properly in Windows 11.

How Do I Fix Windows Not Detecting My

Headphones?
In most cases, Windows 11 headphone issues can be resolved
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relatively quickly by working through the following checks and fixes in
order from simplest to more complex. Here’s what you need to do to
get your headphones working with your PC again.

1. Check your volume settings. Use the physical volume buttons on

your Windows 11 device, the volume keys on the keyboard, or the
volume controls in the taskbar to increase the volume. You may
have had the sound muted without even realizing it.

2. Turn on your headphones. It’s surprisingly easy to forget that many

modern headphones have their own built-in power button or switch
that needs to be switched on before the device can connect to your
Windows PC.

3. Turn off other speakers, headphones, and earphones. Windows 11

might have trouble connecting to multiple audio devices at the
same time so try disconnecting any other audio hardware that you
have connected whether they’re plugged in via USB or connected
with Bluetooth.

4. Inspect the headphones' cable. While wearing your headphones

and having them plugged into your computer with sound playing,
gently run your fingers from one end of the cable to the other,
straightening out any bends. If you hear sudden static or bursts of
sound, this means the cable is damaged. If possible, try using
another cable for the connection.

5. Use Airplane mode to turn off other connected devices. Your

headphones may actually be connected to your smartphone, tablet,
smart TV, or gaming console. Turn them off or temporarily disable
their wireless settings or activate Airplane mode. 
6. Close and re-open the app. Keep your headphones connected to
your PC, close the audio TECH
app,FOR
andHUMANS
then re-open it again.
Sometimes Windows apps only detect audio devices like
headphones when they’re opened, not while they’re already
running.

7. Check the in-app audio controls. Media players and web browsers
may have their own settings and controls that affect audio output.

Tip: If you have AirPods or other earphones that turn on

automatically, they may be connecting to your Windows 11
Surface, laptop, or PC. Always store them in their charging
case so they don’t activate by accident.

8. Use the Windows 11 volume mixer. Open Settings > System >
Sound > Volume mixer and select your headphones from the
Output device dropdown menu.

9. Charge your headphones. If you’re trying to use Bluetooth or other

wireless headphones but aren’t getting any sound from them, try
charging their battery. They might have no power.

10. Try a different USB port. If connecting your headphones via USB,
try plugging them into another USB port on your Windows 11
laptop or computer.

11. Disconnect other USB devices. It’s possible that your Windows 11
device doesn’t have enough power to run all of your various USB
accessories.

12. Restart Windows 11. A quick restart may fix your problem.
13. Update Windows 11. A Windows operating system update can fix
a variety of tech issues and also
TECH FORimprove
HUMANS performance.

14. Update your Windows apps. Open the Microsoft Store and check
for app updates. Your Windows 11 apps may be causing conflicts
with each other.

15. Remove the headphones and then re-add them. If using Bluetooth
headphones, open the Windows 11 Settings app and remove them
from the list of Bluetooth devices. Then re-add them.

16. Update the headphone’s firmware and drivers. Some headphones

with advanced features such as noise-cancelling require firmware
updates that need to be downloaded and installed either via the
manufacturer’s website or an app.

Tip: The update website for Bose headphones is notoriously

buggy on Windows devices. It’s best to avoid this and use the
smartphone app to install updates instead.

17. Run a troubleshooter. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot >
Other trouble-shooters and run the Playing Audio and
Recording Audio troubleshooters. These will scan your PC for
audio-related issues and correct them.

18. Update your Windows drivers. Check to see if there are any
updates available for drivers relating to your headphones or audio
devices.

19. Check your headphones with another device. See if your

headphones work with another computer or a tablet or smartphone.
If they don’t work with anything else, they may be broken or
 If they don’t work with anything else, they may be broken or
damaged and in need of either repairing or replacement.

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Why Are My Headphones Not Registering?
Basic wired headphones usually just have to be plugged into a
Windows 11 PC to work but registering wireless Bluetooth
headphones often requires several additional steps and checks.

Things can become even more complicated when using more

premium wireless Bluetooth headphones. When setting these
headphones up in Windows 11, it’s well worth going through the
specific manufacturer's instructions (which can involve more complex
steps than other brands).

FAQ
Why is Windows 10 not detecting my headphones?
If your headphones aren't working in Windows 10, check the audio
jack and make sure there's a clean connection. Make sure the external
speakers are plugged in and turned on, and check and adjust your
headphone volume controls. Make sure your headphones aren't
muted and that you've set the correct output device. There may also
be an issue with an individual app's volume or your sound balance
levels.

What is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic is a spatial sound element added to Windows 10 that
gives the effect of multiple speakers scattered around the room when
you're wearing your headphones. It's a way for users to have a
surround-sound experience without additional hardware and expense.

How do I connect Bluetooth headphones to a Windows 10

PC?
To connect Bluetooth headphones to a Windows 10 PC, make sure
your computer has Bluetooth, then make sure your headphones are in
Discovery Mode. On your computer, press the WIN+i key to open
Settings and then go to Bluetooth and other devices and choose
Add Bluetooth or other devices. Follow the prompts to complete
the pairing process.
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