Windows 10: Headphone audio stops working when I open a game on Steam, as well as when I open the...

Audio and mic don't work when I open the recordings tab in the sound services. It works for anything besides games including videos and you tube. I've tried disabling handsfree and stuff like that, but I also want to be able to use my mic. It worked before, but stopped randomly one day.

:)

 

Headphone audio stops whenever I open a game

My audio works fine when playing smaller games, but when I open up bigger, more demanding games like Portal 2 or GTA V, my audio stops working through my headphones. It works through the startup screens, but goes away after that. For example, in Portal 2, the audio works during the startup and the valve guy head-turn and stuff, but once I get to the menu the sound disappears. Once I close these games, my audio and sound go back to normal and work again. Is this a problem in my headphones or in my computer and how do I fix it?

 

Headphone audio stops whenever I open a game

Hi, good day! I'm a Windows user like you and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, Rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you.

When was the last time it worked properly?

Please try the following methods below.

**Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: control mmsys.cpl sounds

Press Enter then select Communications tab

Select "Do nothing"

Click Apply then Ok

**Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: services.msc

Press Enter

Double-click Windows Audio

If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart

Right click the volume icon on the taskbar

Select Sounds then click Playback

Double click your headphone in the list then select Advanced tab

Under Exclusive Mode, uncheck both options

Click Apply then Ok

**Open Device Manager

Click View > Show hidden devices

Expand the Sound, video and game controllers

Find and disable the 'hands free' version of your device in the list.

Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.

Kind regards,



Independent Advisor

 

headphones directional audio issue

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

It sounds like you've identified that your Razer Kraken headphones have suffered some physical damage that affects the directional audio, and you're looking for a way to make them usable by playing all audio through the working part of the headphones. Here are a few steps and suggestions you can try to achieve this:

Step 1: Enable Mono Audio and Adjust Volume

Since you mentioned that enabling mono audio makes the sounds incredibly quiet, you can try to increase the system volume and the application volume to compensate. Here’s how to do it:

1. Enable Mono Audio:
   
   • Open Settings.
     
   • Go to Ease of Access > Audio.
     
   • Toggle on Turn on mono audio.
     
2. Adjust System Volume:
   
   • Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Open Volume mixer.
     
   • Ensure all volume sliders are set to maximum.
     
3. Adjust Application Volume:
   
   • Open the application you are using (e.g., Fallout 4).
     
   • Go to the audio settings within the application and ensure the volume is set to maximum.
     

Step 2: Check Realtek Audio Console Settings

Since you have Realtek Audio Console, ensure it’s configured correctly:

1. Open Realtek Audio Console:
   
   • Search for Realtek Audio Console in the Start menu and open it.
     
2. Check Speaker Configuration:
   
   • Go to the Speakers tab.
     
   • Ensure that the Headphone Virtualization and Front left and right full-range speakers are configured correctly.
     
3. Use Loudness Equalization:
   
   • Go to the Enhancements tab.
     
   • Enable Loudness Equalization to help balance out the audio levels.
     

Step 3: Hardware Fix (Optional)

If you're comfortable with a bit of DIY, you could try to repair the headphone cable. This involves:

1. Cutting the damaged part of the cable.
   
2. Soldering the wires back together or using a new 3.5mm jack.
   
3. Covering the exposed wires with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
   

There are many tutorials online that can guide you through this process. However, this requires some basic knowledge of electronics and soldering.

If none of these solutions work, it might be time to consider investing in a new pair of headphones.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist