Windows 10: Headphones work when connected but not shown under audio input / output in sound settings

Plugged in a Headset that comes with a Mic into my Laptop and the audio changes from the Laptop speakers to the headset, but there is no new option under audio output or Mic input. Does anyone know why this could be? I have realtek audio drivers pre-installed and the default input and output are from Realtek Audio, keeping in mind this does not change when I plug in the headset.

:)

 

No audio input or output devices found

After the last update of Windows 10, no audio devices are listed

Searching in the device manager: all audio devices say it works fine

The sound setting says: no output or input devices were found.

 

Headphones can't have input and output

Hi. I have these headphones (QuietComfort 35 II Noise Cancelling Smart Headphones | Bose) or an older model, but essentially those ones. It connects via Bluetooth to the computer just fine, and I can
set my output to it so I get audio, but when I try to set my input to its mic alongside the audio, all I hear is white noise. Is there a way to get both input and output connected properly so I can use my mic and receive audio at the same time?

For context, I use the headphones on Discord calls and video games (though I've recently been having problems with Discord so I deleted it off the computer.)

Forgot to mention - the game I mostly play is VALORANT. When attempting to speak, it registers that I'm saying something, but no actual sound is going through.

 

Sound shown working but nothing from headphones

Hi Jason. I'm Reinald, an Independent advisor and a Windows user like you.

I appreciate you for providing details about the issue and we are happy to help you.

There are several possible reasons why your is not working. Hardware issues, software issues, physical connections etc. Here some troubleshooting steps that you can try to fix your audio issues.

Just skip the troubleshooting the you've already tried.

1. Audio Troubleshooter - Audio Troubleshooter can diagnose and fix a variety of common sound problems.

• Type "audio troubleshooter" into the Windows 10 search box.

• Select Find and fix audio playback problems.

• When the troubleshooter appears, simply follow the on-screen prompts.

Check your cables and volume. Make sure your speakers or headphones are plugged into the proper jacks and the volume is turned up. Then, check your volume levels. To do this: right-click the speaker icon in your system tray, then select Volume Mixer from the
list of options.

2. Sound Settings - Check to make sure your audio devices aren't muted and haven't been disabled.

• Right-click the Speakers icon on the taskbar, and then select Open Volume mixer.

• You’ll see a set of volume controls for your devices. Make sure none of them are muted. If any of them are muted, you’ll see a red circle with a line through it next to the volume control. In that case, select the volume control to unmute.

• Check your device properties to make sure that your devices have not been disabled by mistake. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound .

• Select your audio device, and then select Device properties. Be sure to select Device properties for both the output and input devices.

• Make sure the Disable check box is cleared for the output and input devices.

3. Check cables, sound ports, jacks, speaker, volume and headphones.

• Check your speaker and headphone connections for loose cords or cables. Make sure all cords and cables are plugged in.

• If you have multiple 5mm jacks to plug into, especially on a surround sound system, make sure all cords and cables are plugged into the correct jack.

-If it’s not clear which jack goes with which cord, consult your hardware manufacturer, or try the most obvious outputs one at a time and see if they work.

-Note: some systems use a green jack for output and pink for mic input and others will be labeled "headphone" or "microphone."

• Make sure power is turned on and check the volume level.

• Make sure the mute setting is not turned on, and try turning up all the volume controls.

-Remember some speakers and apps have their own volume controls. Be sure to check them all.

• Try connecting your speaker and headphones to a different USB port.

• It's possible that your speakers won't work when your headphones are plugged in. Unplug your headphones and see if that helps.

4. Fix Audio Drivers

Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically). If that doesn't work, try using
the generic audio driver that comes with Windows. If you're having audio issues after installing updates, try rolling back your audio driver.

5. Set audio device as default device

If you're connecting to an audio device using USB or HDMI, you might need to set that device as the default device.

• In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.

• Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.

• On the Playback tab, right-click the listing for your audio device, select Set as Default Device, and then select OK.

6. Restart audio services

• In the search box on the taskbar, type services, then select it from the results.

• Select each of the following services, right-click, and then select Restart:

• Windows Audio

• Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

7. Pending Updates

Check and see if you have installed updates pending and need to restart.

• Save your work and close all open applications.

• Select Start > Power . If you have installed updates pending, you’ll see options to Update and restart and Update and shut down.

• Select one of those restart options to apply the updates

8. Try using your headphones on another computer or device so we can isolate if its the laptop or headphones.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.