How to get headphone sound

Cindy C 0 Reputation points
2026-11-05T22:34:06.6533333+00:00

I can't get headphone sound on Windows 10. How do I turn it on?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-05T22:34:52.15+00:00

    Select the headphones as the active Windows 10 output device, then set them as the default playback device if sound still comes through another device.

    Turn on headphone sound

    1. Connect the headphones firmly:
      • For wired headphones, use the jack marked Headphones or the green audio-output jack.
      • For USB headphones, try another USB port if they are not detected.
    2. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
    3. Under Output, choose your Headphones from the device list.
    4. Make sure the volume is turned up and not muted. You can also select the speaker icon on the taskbar, select the arrow beside it, and choose the headphones there. ^1^

    Set the headphones as the default

    If sound continues playing through the computer speakers:

    1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
    2. Under Related settings, select Sound Control Panel.
    3. Open the Playback tab.
    4. Select the headphones and choose Set Default, followed by OK. ^1^

    If the headphones are missing from the list

    1. Search for and open Device Manager.
    2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    3. If the audio device appears disabled, right-click it and select Enable device.
    4. If it is absent, select View > Show hidden devices, then Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    5. If it remains missing, download and install the latest Windows 10 audio driver from the PC or sound-card manufacturer, then restart the computer. ^2^

    If the headphones appear but remain silent, run the automated Audio troubleshooter from the Get Help app. You can also open the headphone properties in Sound settings and disable all audio enhancements. ^1^

    Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The computer will continue working, but Microsoft no longer provides free security fixes, software updates, or technical assistance for it. ^2^

    References

    1. Windows 10
    2. Windows 10
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  2. Manoel Barros 23,275 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-05T23:12:52.4966667+00:00

    Hi!
    Sound in Windows depends on several factors, such as the audio driver or software provided by your computer's manufacturer.

    To help me understand the context of your issue, please answer all the questions below:

    1. Did the sound work previously on this computer? Or is this the first time you are using it (for example, after a system reinstallation)?
    2. Did the problem occur after a specific event, such as a hardware change, the installation of a program, or an update?
    3. How is your headset connected? (e.g., TRS/TRRS jack, USB, Bluetooth, or wireless via a USB dongle?)
    4. Have you tested your headset on another computer or mobile phone? This is important to verify whether the headset itself is working correctly. Also, try using a different audio device with your computer.
    5. Finally, please provide the full model name of your computer so that I can look up the appropriate driver and other relevant information.
    • Press WINDOWS + R > Type msinfo32 > Press Enter > In System Summary, send me a screenshot.

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