6 Easy Methods to Fix Computer Not Recognizing Headphones Error

Sometimes when you want to watch a movie or listen to your favorite music or perform an important meeting on Skype via headphone, then you might encounter the error messages like “computer not recognizing headphones”. Users have reported that, when they encounter this error, the headphone fails to be detected by the computer and you cannot hear anything, even when the speaker is working fine.

Reasons for Computer Not Recognizing Headphones Error

There are more than one reason which you can encounter this typical error with your device. They are listed below:

  • First of all, you can encounter this error due to some hardware issues.
  • In case, if the default sound format is incorrect, then also you can get this error.
  • In case, if you are using an outdated version of the Sound driver, then also you can get this error.
  • Again, if you are using faulty hardware, then also you can encounter this typical glitch.

Well, as you are aware of the causes, now, let’s see the fixes which can resolve this error.

Troubleshooting Fixes to Resolve Computer Not Recognizing Headphones Error

Here are some of the effective hacks, using which you will be able to fix this error promptly. So, follow down below:  

Method 1: Resolve Hardware Issues

In order to address the “computer not recognizing headphones” error, you have to look out for the potential issues. On that note, try to follow the steps:

  1. First of all, you need to Insert your headphone into a different port as sometimes due to the dead USB port you can encounter this error.
  2. Once done, you should try to plug in your headphone with another port and check it fixes this error or not.
  3. You can also use your headphone on other devices, if another device becomes able to detect your headphone, then move to the next method. If it still fails to detect, then you have to change your headphone.  

Method 2: Run the Playing Audio Troubleshooter

If it is not your headphone’s fault, then you can try to run the Windows built-in Playing Audio troubleshooter to check whether your computer is able to recognize headphones or not. To perform this method, try to follow these steps:  

  1. First of all, on your keyboard, you have to press the Windows key and type the troubleshoot. After that, you have to tap on Troubleshoot.
  2. Once done, you have to tap on the Playing Audio as well as you have to go to the  Run the troubleshooter option.
  3. Click Next.
  4. Select Headphones and tap on the next option to continue.
  5. Tap on the option which is  No, and try not to open the Audio Enhancements.
  6. After that, you have to tap on the Playtest sounds.
  7. Once you are done, you have to tap on the option which is “I didn’t hear anything “. if you won’t be able to hear anything. After that, Windows will reinstall the audio driver for you.  
  8. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete this troubleshooting process.

Method 3: Disable  Front Panel Jack Detection

In case, if you have Realtek software installed on your computer or laptop, then this method will work for you. On that note, try to follow these steps:

  1. First of all, you have to right-click on the Start button.
  2. Choose Run
  3. In the Run dialogue box, you have to type Control Panel as well as hit the Enter button to open it.
  4. After that, you have to choose  Hardware and Sound
  5. Once done, you have to locate the  Realtek HD Audio Manager as well as tap on it to continue.
  6. After completing all of these steps, you have to go to the  Connector settings
  7. Now, you have to tap on the  ‘Disable front panel jack detection’  in order to check the box.
  8. After performing all of the steps, try to turn on your headphone again to check whether this solution works for you.

In case, disabling the front jack detection fails to detect the headphone, you have to follow the next method.

Method 4: Change Default Sound Format

Another reason, due to which your headphone fails to be detected by Windows 10. If it is not set correctly, then you will get the same problem again and again with your device. These are some steps, using which you will be able to fix that particular issue.

  1. First of all, you have to right-click on the Start button.
  2. Now, you have to tap on the Control panel.
  3. Click Hardware and Sound as well as Choose Sound.
  4. Once you are done with the previous steps, under the playback section, you need to double click on the  Default Playback device
  5. After that, you have to go to the  Advanced tab
  6. Once done, you have to change the default sound format from the drop-down menu
  7. Now, try to plug in your headphone again to check whether it fixes the error or not. If not, then try to follow the alternative method.

Method 5: Set Headphone as a Default Playback Device to fix

If all of the previous methods fail to work for you, then, you need to set your headphone as the default one, in that case, try to follow these steps:

  1. At first, you have to right-click on the start button.
  2. Once done, you have to tap on the Control panel.
  3. After that, you have to choose Hardware and Sound
  4. Once done, you have to choose the Show Disabled devices option.
  5. Now, from the list of headphones, you have to place a right-click on the headphone device name which you are using.
  6. Choose the option which is Enable.
  7. Tap on Set as Default
  8. Click Apply
  9. Once you complete all of the steps, try to plug in your headphone again and check if it works properly or not.

Method 6: Update Sound Driver/Audio Driver

In case, if you are using an outdated driver, then you can encounter this headphone error with your device. Windows contains a utility tool with the help if which Windows will automatically update your device. In that case, try to follow these steps:

Before You Start:

In case, if you need to update the driver by using a genuine driver download, then you have to update the utility tool which can scan your drive and locate the faulty one. Once you complete it, the utility will download and install the best version for your computer. After you download the utility tool, perform these steps, in order to update  your audio/sound driver and resolve the ‘Windows 10 won’t recognize headphones’ issue:

Once you download the utility tool, take the following steps to update your audio/sound driver and resolve the “computer not recognizing headphones windows 10” issue:

  1. First of all, you have to scan your computer by starting the Utility tool and tap on the option which is scan in order to perform a full scan. This utility tool will provide you a list of your outdated, incompatible, broken, corrupted, or missing drivers which includes audio/sound driver
  2. Now, you have to update your audio/sound driver by clicking on the Repair button to fix the issue. At this point, the utility tool will automatically download and install the best match for your audio/sound driver. Now, you can also update all other problematic drivers. Try to backup your drivers before installing the new updates in order to prevent crashes. Finally, you have to reboot your computer to perform the  audio/sound driver update using the steps provided;

Steps :

  1. At first, you have to place a right-click on the start button.
  2. Now, go back to the control panel.
  3. Navigate to the Hardware and Sounds as well as tap on the Hardware and Sounds
  4. Click on Sounds button.
  5. After that, you have to go to the playback tab.
  6. Now, you need to choose your headphones and tap on the properties button.
  7. Once you are done, you have to go to the Controller Information and tap on the Properties button.
  8. Again, you have to tap on the Change Settings (this may require administrator permission)
  9. After that, navigate to the  Driver tab
  10. Select Update Driver.
  11. The audio driver will be updated automatically.

Once you complete this step, you have to plug in your headphones in order to check if it works or not.

Final Words

That’s it. Here are 6 effective steps, which will help you to fix the “computer not recognizing headphones’ error on a quick note. Hopefully, it will help you to fix it. Moreover, if you fail to complete the task, then you can also contact experts who can help you further. Stay glued with us for more helpful tips.

Nathaniel Villa
Nathaniel Villa

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