7 Methods to Fix Windows 10 Headphones Not Detected Error

It can be frustrating when your computer suddenly does not recognize your headphones. This can be a crucial problem, especially if you need to go to an online meeting or start a game.

Windows 10 can be one of the most reliable operating systems available today; however, it is not always flawless. Thankfully, there are ways to fix this issue.

Today, we will look at some of the ways to fix Windows 10 headphones not detected error.

Why is my headphone or headphone jack not working?

Windows 10 is a favorite because it provides a range of features not available in other OS. Unfortunately, it can come with some unexpected complex issues. Finding out the reason why your headphones or headphone jack stopped working is crucial in knowing how to fix the issue. Here are some common reasons why you might have audio related issues.

• Physical damage – A damaged headphone or headphone jack will likely cause problems with your audio. As such, it is important to check both and see if there are any physical issues.
• Software error – An application or software that you are using is interfering with the performance of your headphone or headphone jack. Check if the headphone or headphone jack works okay with other applications. If it does, restart the faulty software.
• Outdated audio drivers – Audio Drivers require the most recent update to function correctly. An updated driver software ensures that your headphone and headphone jack do not run into issues against Windows 10.

• Incorrect default sound format – When you picked the incorrect sound format you will likely meet multiple audio related errors.

Method 1 – Plug your headphone in and reboot your PC

One of the easiest ways to fix headphones not working is a simple reboot. Sometimes, you need to reboot your entire system while your headphone is plugged in. This will kickstart any issue that may be causing an error in your audio settings.

1. Plug your headphone into the audio jack.
2. Open sound settings to see if you have the correct settings in place.
3. Reboot your Windows 10 PC and recheck if the sound comes.

Method 2 – Disable front panel jack detection for Realtek Sound Card

Sometimes, there will be issues with your built-in soundcard. In most Windows 10 devices, this will be the Realtek Sound Card. Disabling the front panel jack detection will fix the issue.

1. Right-click the Windows Icon and choose Search.

2. Type in Realtek HD Audio Manager.
3. In the results, left-click to open the Realtek HD Audio Manager.
4. Locate the folder icon in the extreme upper right side of the window.
5. A connector setting window will open. Make sure to tick the box that says “Disable front panel jack detection”.

6. Click on OK to save changes.
7. Next, Run Windows Search Realtek HD Audio Manager

Method 3 – Check if your headphone is enabled as the default playback device

You need to make sure that your headphone is enabled as the default playback device. Sometimes, you couldn’t hear any sound when you’re actually using a different output device to operate. Whenever a different output device is assigned, music or sound will usually come out of that default sound output device.

1. Connect your headphones to your computer.
2. Next, right-click on the speaker icon located in your taskbar’s notification area.
3. Now, you need to click Sounds.

4. On the playback tab, locate your headphone (usually this will be listed as the brand name and model). If you are unable to find your headphone, right-click a blank area and choose Show Disabled Devices.

5. Locate your headphone and right-click to Enable.

6. Click on OK to save.

Method 4 – Set your headphone as the default device

Another reason why you may be experiencing Windows 10 headphone not detected error is when your default audio playback device is incorrect. You can fix this issue by following these steps:

1. Right-click your Windows Icon and click Search.

2. In the search box, type Control Panel.

3. Locate and click Hardware and Sound.

4. Locate and click on Sound.

5. Next, choose Headphones on the playback tab and click Set Default.
6. Sometimes you can also see “Speaker/Headphones”. You can also select this and click Set Default.

7. Hit the enter key. See if this fixed the problem.

Method 5 – Update or Reinstall Your Audio Driver

Using an outdated audio driver can cause audio issues. To ensure smooth operations, always update your drivers or reinstall (if necessary). Windows 10 comes with numerous updates from time to time. Sometimes these Windows 10 updates can mess up your sound settings causing issues with your headphone device.

To update your audio driver:

1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the run dialog box.
2. Open the device manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box and hit Enter.

3. In Device Manager, go to Sound, video, and game controllers and expand it.
4. Right-click on the audio device and choose Update Driver.

5. Next, click on the Search automatically.

6. Your device will start looking for the latest drivers, download and install.  
7. Restart your computer and check if the audio problem is gone.

To uninstall and reinstall sound drivers:

1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the run dialog box.
2. Open the device manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box and hit Enter.

3. Expand the Sound, video, and game controllers section in the Device Manager window.
4. Next, right-click on the audio device you will see a drop down menu. Choose Uninstall device.

5. This will prompt a window confirming your request.
6. Reboot your PC.
7. Go back to the Device Manager, Sound, video, and game controllers section.
8. You will find that your PC will automatically reinstall the audio devices.

Method 6 – Turn Off Audio Enhancements

Some audio enhancements may not properly work with your Windows sound settings and playback devices. To fix the headphones not working problem, turn off your Windows sound enhancements.

1. Right-click your Windows Icon and click Search.
2. In the search box, type Control Panel.

3. On the upper right side, click “View by” and choose Large Icons or Small Icons.
4. Locate and open Sound.

5. Select your headphones and click Properties.
6. Open the Advanced tab and make sure to untick Enable audio enhancements.

7. Hit Enter and reboot your PC.

Check if the headphones not working problem is fixed. Try the next method if the problem persists.

Method 7 – Run the Windows Troubleshooter

The Windows 10 Troubleshooter is one of the best tools that come with this operating system. It is an excellent free tool that can help identify various Windows 10 issues. It can also identify problems with your high definition audio device, Bluetooth headphones, and others. To fix your audio problems, make sure to run this utility.

1. Right-click on the speaker icon on the Taskbar
2. Next, choose Troubleshoot sound problems.

3. Windows troubleshooter will now start detecting problems.

4. You will find a list of your audio devices, choose one that you need to troubleshoot.
5. This will start detecting any issues and present options on how to fix them.
6. Once you are done following the solutions, restart your PC.

Method 8 – Make Sure Your Bluetooth Device Is Working Correctly

Bluetooth headphones will not play any sound if there are problems with the set-up. First, you need to make sure that your device is compatible with your PC. Most PC supports only Bluetooth 4.0 or 5.0. You also need to make sure that the Bluetooth is turned on correctly.

Final Thoughts

Windows 10 headphones not detected can be frustrating. With the constant need for meetings or classes online, having a good headphone that works is crucial. The steps mentioned above should be able to fix your sound and audio problems in no time.