Check the connection and output selection, run the audio troubleshooter, then update or reinstall the audio driver if the headphones remain undetected.
Reconnect the headphones, try another supported port, charge Bluetooth models, and confirm hardware mute controls.
2
Choose the output
Open Settings > System > Sound and select the headphones under Output.
3
Run audio diagnostics
Run the audio troubleshooter in Get Help and install pending Windows updates.
4
Repair the driver
Update or uninstall the audio device in Device Manager and restart. Use the PC manufacturer's driver if Windows does not restore correct detection.
5
Verify the result for the headphone connection and output
Windows selects the exact headphones and a left-right test plus a representative application plays cleanly after reconnect or restart.
6
Narrow down problems with the headphone connection and output
If the device never appears, only the microphone profile connects, one jack fails, or the vendor driver reports a hardware code, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, hardware or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
If the headphone connection and output is unchanged after the documented check, return to the first observed condition and identify whether it affects one app, account, device, or every task before repeating steps.
If the labels differ after an update or the device is managed, retain the exact condition and use the linked owner source before removing data, resetting Windows, or installing an unrelated tool.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
