mic and audio

Connect the JBL’s single 3.5 mm plug directly to the computer’s combo headset port, then select the JBL/headset separately under both Output and Input in Windows 11.

Configure both audio and microphone

1. Insert the plug fully into the port marked with the headphone/microphone headset icon.
2. If an audio pop-up appears, select Headset rather than Headphones:
   • Headset means sound output plus microphone.
   • Headphones means sound output only.
3. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound.
4. Under Output, select Headphones, Headset, or the computer’s audio-device name.
5. Under Input → Choose a device for speaking or recording, select Headset microphone or the corresponding microphone.
6. Open that input device and select Start test. Speak into the JBL microphone, select Stop test, and play the recorded sample.^1^

Windows has separate selectors for playback and recording; there is no single combined switch. Once both endpoints are selected, they work together through the same physical connector.

If the microphone does not appear

First confirm that the JBL cable actually includes a microphone. A compatible headset plug normally has four metal contact sections rather than the three typically used by audio-only headphones. A single plug alone does not guarantee microphone support.

Then enable microphone permission:

1. Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.
2. Turn on:
   • Microphone access
   • Let apps access your microphone
   • Let desktop apps access your microphone
3. Return to Settings → System → Sound → Input and test again.^1^

If the headset is still not detected:

1. Open Settings → System → Sound.
2. Under Advanced, select More sound settings.
3. Check both the Playback and Recording tabs.
4. Select the headset device → Properties.
5. Set Device usage to Use this device (enable).^2^

If Windows offers no headset microphone at all, install the Windows 11 audio driver supplied by the computer manufacturer. As a final fallback, use a USB audio adapter that explicitly supports a combined headset-and-microphone connection.

References

1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/drivers/fix-microphone-problems#others-can't-hear-me)
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/audio/fix-sound-or-audio-problems-in-windows#general-audio-troubleshooting-in-windows-11)