Why are my headphones not being detected?

Usually Windows has not switched the output to them, or the jack is dirty or not fully inserted. Select the headphones as the output device and reseat the plug.

Why does my PC not switch to headphones when plugged in?

Jack-detection may be disabled in the audio driver, or the wrong output is selected. Pick the headphones in Sound settings and check the driver's jack settings.

How do I get Windows to recognize headphones?

Set them as the default output, reseat and clean the jack, try another port, and update or reinstall the audio driver.

Headphones Not Detected When Plugged In? Fix It

Quick answer: If plugged-in headphones are not detected, Windows usually has not switched the output to them, or the jack is dirty or not seated. Select the headphones as output, reseat the plug, and clean the jack.

Confirm whether sound is just going elsewhere: open the headphone test.

Select headphones as the output

Open Sound settings and, under Output, choose your headphones. Windows often keeps playing through the speakers until you switch manually.

Reseat and clean the jack

Push the plug all the way in until it clicks, and clear any lint from the jack with compressed air or a dry toothpick. For USB headsets, try a different port.

Driver and jack detection

Update the audio driver in Device Manager. Some Realtek drivers have a jack-detection setting that must be enabled for plug-in to register. For Bluetooth pairs, see Bluetooth headphones with no sound.

Confirm the fix

Re-run the headphone test — you should hear the tones in both ears. If only one side works, see headphones working on one side.