Windows 10: Headphones audio only works when the Recording settings tab is open

hello i just got a new laptop with windows 11 and tried setup my power 020 pro bluetooth headphones everything was connected but i got no sound but, when I opened the Recording tab in the Sound properties window, it fixes it. However when I close the window or even move to another tab, the sound goes back to no sounding haven't seen a problem like this before, and I honestly have no idea what's causing it.

:)

 

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

 

Can not record audio.

Hi,

We suggest that you run troubleshooting for Audio Recording by following these steps:

• Type troubleshooting on the search box.
• Click View all.
• Select Recording Audio.
• Follow the steps to troubleshoot Recording Audio.

Let us know if you need further help.

 

Headphones audio only works when the Recording settings tab is open

This might be strange, but I just recently upgraded to win10, and all of a sudden the audio has begun to act up. Namely when I have my headphones in, the sound they make is strangely distorted, almost like the PC isn't balancing it correctly. Even stranger,
when I opened the Recording tab in the Sound properties window, it fixes it. However when I close the window or even move to another tab, the sound goes back to sounding loud and hollow. I haven't seen a problem like this before, and I honestly have no idea
what's causing it.