Get your PC and your headphones working together again
Windows 10 has knownissues with sound, specifically with headphones.
You’ll feel it clickwhen the plug is fully inserted.
Most modern computers label the audio output in green.
Check the external speakers.Some external speakers have a headphone jack built-in.
The main difference is a separate power source.
Many speakers require one.
Check the headphones.Some headphones come with aninline audiocontrol that works independently of the Windows 10 sound controls.
confirm the volume is loud enough for you to hear it.
Check the volume controls.In the lower-right corner of the screen, right-click thespeakericon, then selectOpen Volume Mixer.
Adjust the slider for your headphones up to hear the sound better.
Select thespeakerbelow the mixer volume to unmute the headphones.
Set the output equipment.The headphones may not be your output equipment.
Right-click thespeakericon in the lower-right corner of the desktop.
Then, selectOpen Sound controls.
Select theChoose your output devicedrop-down menu, and choose your headphones, if not selected.
If you have sound playing for a test, you’ll see the volume levels move.
Set the individual app volume.In the Windows sound configs, scroll down, and selectapp volume and gear preferences.
Here you’ve got the option to re-confirm what your output is set to and the volume.
you might also control individual sound volumes for various apps that are running.
Adjust the sound balance levels.In Sounds, select theLevelstab to verify the volume setting for your headphones.
SelectBalanceto adjust the Balance levels.
Disable sound enhancements.Somesound cardswill not function if any of the enhancements are enabled.
In Sounds, go to theEnhancementstab and selectDisable all enhancements.Then, selectPreviewto test your headphones.
If your headphones still won’t work, it might be time to invest in a new pair.
We’ve tested quite a few to come up with our recommendations, so check them out!
Headphone jacks get dusty, pins get bent, and wires get frayed.
The internal mechanics of some headphone devices, like mute buttons, can get knocked loose and cause problems.
Software and driver issues are another common cause, as with any computer peripheral.
Outdated or buggy drivers, incompatibilities, and missing software can result in a similarly frustrating experience.
FAQ
Sound delays are most likely either a playback or a signal issue.
If you’re streaming something and the audio seems out of sync, try pausing and resuming the video.
If that doesn’t work, reload it.
If not, disconnect and reconnect your headphones.
The audio format itself could also be causing static, so try changing it if possible.
Open your PC’s Control Panel and selectSound>Recording>Microphone>Listen.
From there, turn offListen to this machine, then selectApply>OKto confirm.
