Windows 10 Not Detecting Headphones When Plugged-In – [Fix]

Hey everyone, and welcome back. If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 10 and find yourself in a frustrating situation where your headphones aren’t being detected, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Highlights:

• Ensure your headphones are set as the default playback device in Windows 10 sound settings.
• Update or roll back audio drivers through Device Manager to resolve potential conflicts causing headphone detection issues.
• Confirm and adjust the default audio format of your headphones in the Control Panel’s sound settings.
• If you have an IDT audio device, uninstall it from the Programs and Features menu, then restart your computer.

Windows 10 Not Detecting Headphones When Plugged-In Fix

If your Windows 10 is not detecting headphones, resolve the issue by setting headphones as the default device, updating audio drivers, checking default formats, and addressing conflicts with IDT audio devices. Follow these steps to ensure seamless headphone functionality on your system.

Here, we’ll walk you through some easy-to-follow steps to resolve this common issue. So, let’s dive in and get your headphones working seamlessly with your Windows 10 system.

1. Set Headphones as Default Device

The first step in troubleshooting headphone detection issues is to ensure they are set as the default playback device. Follow these steps:

• Right-click on the volume icon in the taskbar.
• Choose “Open Sound settings.”
• Click on “Manage sound devices.”
• Check if your headphones are listed under the disabled devices.
• If found, click on them and choose “Enable.”
• Now, select your headphones as the default output device.

2. Check Audio Drivers for Issues

Outdated or corrupt audio drivers can often lead to headphone detection problems. Here’s how you can check and update your drivers:

• Open the Device Manager by typing it into the search box on the bottom right of your screen.
• Double-click on “Sound, video, and game controllers.”
• Right-click on your audio driver and choose “Update driver.”
• Windows will automatically search for the latest version and install it.
• Optionally, you can toggle the driver off and on by selecting “Disable driver” and then enabling it after a few seconds.
• Right-click on the driver, choose “Properties,” go to the “Driver” tab, and click on “Roll Back Driver” if needed.

3. Check the Default Format of the Headphones

Sometimes, incorrect default audio formats can cause headphone detection issues. Follow these steps to verify and adjust the settings:

• Type “Control Panel” in the search box on the bottom right of your screen and open the Control Panel.
• Click on “Sound.”
• In the Playback tab, select your headphones icon.
• Click on “Properties” and move to the “Advanced” tab.
• Check the default format from the drop-down list and click on “Test” after every change.
• Select the format that enables you to hear sound and click on “Apply.”

4. Check for Issues with IDT Audio Device

If you have an IDT audio device, it might be causing conflicts. Follow these steps to address the issue:

• Type “Control Panel” in the search box on the bottom right of your screen and open the Control Panel.
• Click on “Programs and Features.”
• Locate the IDT audio driver from the list and click on it.
• Click on “Uninstall” at the top.
• Restart your computer and check your headphones.

Conclusion

I hope you found these troubleshooting steps helpful in resolving the issue of Windows 10 not detecting your headphones. If you have any other tips or solutions, feel free to share them in the comments below.