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 go on 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.

Method 1 – Plug your headphone in and reboot your PC

Sometimes, you need to reboot your entire system while your headphone is plugged. This will kickstart any issue that may be causing an error in your audio settings.

1. Plug your headphone into the audio jack.
2. Reboot your PC and recheck if the sound comes.

Method 2 – Turn off the 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 a Playback device

You need to make sure that your headphone is enabled as a Playback device. Sometimes, you couldn’t hear any sound when you’re actually using a different device to operate.  

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 Audio Drivers

Using outdated drivers can cause audio issues. To ensure smooth operations, always update your drivers or reinstall (if necessary).

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 the 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. Expand the Sound, video, and game controllers section in the Device Manager window.
4. Next, right-click on the audio device and 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 sounds. To fix this issue, 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.

Method 7 – Run the Windows Troubleshooter

The Windows 10 Troubleshooter is one of the best tools that come with this operating system. 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.

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.