Try these steps in order:
- In Settings > System > Sound, under Output, select the headset as the output device.
- On Windows 11: under Choose where to play sound, select the down arrow and choose the headset.
- On Windows 10: under Choose your output device, choose the headset.
- If the headset is connected to the 3.5 mm jack and is not detected right away, disconnect the Surface Connect cable, then reconnect it so the audio device is re-detected.
- Check the physical connection.
- Unplug and reconnect the headset firmly.
- If possible, try a different audio cable or adapter.
- Close any audio apps before reconnecting the headset.
- Make sure volume is turned up in all places.
- Press the volume button on the Surface.
- If using a Type Cover or keyboard, check the mute, volume-down, and volume-up keys.
- Run the automated Audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
- If the headset still does not play audio, turn off audio enhancements:
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
- Select the playback device.
- On Windows 11, scroll to Advanced settings and set Audio enhancements to Off.
- On Windows 10, open Properties > Enhancements and select Disable all enhancements. If there is no Enhancements tab, open Advanced and turn off any available audio effects.
- Set the headset as the default playback device.
- Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings > Playback, right-click the headset, then select Set as default.
- Windows 10: Start > Settings > System > Sound > Related settings > Sound Control Panel > Playback, select the headset, then select Set Default.
- If the issue continues, update or reinstall Surface audio drivers and install the latest updates.
- Surface devices: manually update or reinstall the drivers.
- In the Surface app, expand Help & support and select Check for updates to open Windows Update.
- Restart the Surface.
- Go to Start > Power > Restart.
- If needed, do a force shutdown and restart.
- Go to Start > Power > Shut down.
- After it turns off, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds. If the logo appears after a few seconds, keep holding until the logo appears again.
If audio still works only from the built-in speakers and never from the headset, try restoring or resetting the Surface. If that does not help, service or repair may be needed.
References
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/surface/audio/troubleshoot-surface-sound-and-audio-accessories)
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/audio/fix-audio-issues-when-no-sound-plays-from-speakers-or-headphones-in-windows)
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/audio/fix-audio-issues-when-no-sound-plays-from-speakers-or-headphones-in-windows)
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/surface/audio/troubleshoot-surface-sound-and-audio-accessories#update-surface-drivers-manually)
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/surface/audio/troubleshoot-surface-sound-and-audio-accessories#restore-or-reset-your-surface)