Start here: if your headphones are silent on Windows 10, the most common cause is a configuration or driver/software issue — hardware faults are less frequent. This article focuses on Headphones don’t work in Windows 10, explains the usual causes, and shows step‑by‑step fixes you can perform even if you’re not a technician.
You’ll learn to quickly identify whether the problem is hardware, settings, drivers, Windows services, Bluetooth/pairing, or recent updates — and how to fix each one.
Key Takeaway
If your headphones don’t produce sound on Windows 10, start by checking connection and default audio device; if that fails, run the built‑in Playing Audio troubleshooter, verify Windows Audio service is running, and update or reinstall your audio drivers. These steps fix the majority of cases.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Wrong output device selected | Set headphones as the Default Device in Sound settings or Sound Control Panel. |
| Loose or faulty cable/connector | Replug or try another cable/headphones to rule out a hardware fault. |
| Headphone hardware failure | Test headphones on another device; replace if they fail elsewhere. |
| Muted or low volume | Unmute and raise volume in system tray and individual apps. |
| Incorrect audio format/bitrate | Change default format in Playback device → Properties → Advanced. |
| Device disabled in Sound settings | Enable the device in Sound Control Panel → Playback. |
| Outdated/corrupted audio driver | Update, roll back, or reinstall the audio driver in Device Manager. |
| Windows Audio service stopped | Start/restart Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder in services.msc. |
| Bluetooth pairing/connectivity issue | Remove and re‑pair the device and check Bluetooth service is running. |
| Audio enhancements conflict | Disable audio enhancements in playback device Properties → Enhancements/Advanced. |
| Jack detection/front panel issues | Try the rear jack or disable front panel detection in Realtek/Audio Manager. |
| Conflicting apps or exclusive mode | Disable Allow applications to take exclusive control in device Properties → Advanced. |
| Recent Windows update bug | Uninstall the problematic update or use System Restore to revert. |
| Corrupted system files | Run sfc /scannow and DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. |
Detailed Fixes for “Headphones don’t work in Windows 10”
1. Wrong output device selected
Why it causes the problem:
Windows can send audio to a different output (speakers, HDMI, Bluetooth), leaving headphones silent.
Step-by-step solution:
- Click the speaker icon in the taskbar and open Open Sound settings.
- Under Output, select your headphones from the dropdown.
- For precise control, click Sound Control Panel (right side) → Playback tab.
- Right‑click the headphones and choose Set as Default Device or Set as Default Communication Device.
- Click OK.
Note: Some apps allow selecting their own audio device — check app audio settings (e.g., Zoom, Chrome).
2. Loose or faulty cable/connector
Why it causes the problem:
A damaged cable, bent plug, or dirty jack prevents electrical connection.
Step-by-step solution:
- Unplug and reinsert the headphone jack firmly until it clicks.
- Inspect cable/plug for visible damage; test by wiggling gently.
- Try the headphones on a smartphone or another PC to confirm function.
- Try a different headphone pair or a different port (rear vs front jack, USB instead of 3.5 mm).
Tip: Dust or lint in the jack can block contact — compressed air can help.
3. Headphone hardware failure
Why it causes the problem:
Internal wiring or drivers in the earcups can fail; microphone elements can also be bad.
Step-by-step solution:
- Confirm by testing the headphones on a second device.
- If they don’t work elsewhere, replace or repair the headset.
- If they work on another device but not your PC, continue with software fixes.
4. Muted or low volume
Why it causes the problem:
System or app volume settings may be muted or set very low.
Step-by-step solution:
- Click the speaker icon and raise the slider.
- Right‑click the speaker icon → Open Volume Mixer and check individual apps.
- Check media player or browser tab volume controls.
- If using a headset with inline controls, ensure they’re set correctly.
5. Incorrect audio format/bitrate
Why it causes the problem:
Unsupported sample rate or format can cause no sound or crackling.
Step-by-step solution:
- Right‑click speaker icon → Open Sound settings → Sound Control Panel.
- Select headphones → Properties → Advanced tab.
- Change Default Format to 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality) and test.
- If still bad, try other formats, then click Apply.
Note: Some professional audio devices require specific formats; check the device manual.
6. Device disabled in Sound settings
Why it causes the problem:
The playback device can be disabled and thus invisible to apps.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Sound Control Panel via Open Sound settings.
- In Playback tab, right‑click whitespace and ensure Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices are checked.
- If your headphones appear disabled, right‑click them and choose Enable → Set as Default.
7. Outdated or corrupted audio driver
Why it causes the problem:
Drivers mediate hardware; corruption or incompatibility stops audio.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right‑click your audio device (e.g., Realtek, Intel, NVIDIA) → Update driver → Search automatically.
- If updating fails, choose Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software for this device if present), then reboot — Windows will reinstall.
- For manufacturer drivers, download latest from your PC/laptop maker or audio chipset vendor and install.
Tip: Use driver rollback (right‑click device → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver) if audio broke after an update.
8. Windows Audio service stopped
Why it causes the problem:
If the Windows Audio service is stopped, no audio plays.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
- Find Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
- Ensure Startup Type is Automatic and the service is Running. If not, right‑click → Start or Restart.
- If service won’t start, note any error code and search for it or try reinstalling audio drivers.
9. Bluetooth pairing/connectivity issue (wireless headphones)
Why it causes the problem:
Bluetooth profiles or pairing can fail; device may be connected but not set as audio sink.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.
- Remove the headphones: click device → Remove device.
- Put headphones in pairing mode and click Add Bluetooth or other device → Bluetooth.
- Pair and then in Sound settings select the Bluetooth headset as Output.
- If pairing fails, restart Bluetooth support: press Windows + R, type services.msc, restart Bluetooth Support Service.
Note: Some Bluetooth dongles require drivers from vendor.
10. Audio enhancements causing issues
Why it causes the problem:
Enhancements like virtual surround or equalizers can conflict with hardware or drivers.
Step-by-step solution:
- In Sound Control Panel → Playback → Properties for headphones, go to Enhancements (or Spatial sound).
- Check Disable all enhancements (or disable Spatial sound).
- Under Advanced, uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control.
- Click Apply and test.
11. Jack detection / front panel detection problems
Why it causes the problem:
Some systems use a front-panel detection software that fails to switch outputs properly.
Step-by-step solution:
- Try the rear audio jack (motherboard) to see if output works.
- Open vendor audio manager (e.g., Realtek HD Audio Manager) and disable Front Panel Jack Detection or select the correct jack.
- If Realtek settings are missing, reinstall the Realtek driver from Device Manager or the vendor website.
Tip: Desktop front-panel pins can be loosely connected to the motherboard — check physical connections if comfortable.
12. Conflicting software or exclusive mode
Why it causes the problem:
Applications that take exclusive control (games, DAWs) can block other audio output.
Step-by-step solution:
- Sound Control Panel → Playback → Properties → Advanced.
- Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
- Close apps that might hog audio (DAWs, Skype, controller apps) and retest.
13. Recent Windows update broke audio
Why it causes the problem:
A Windows update may introduce a driver conflict or setting change.
Step-by-step solution:
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View update history → Uninstall updates.
- Locate the recent update installed around when audio broke, select and Uninstall.
- Alternatively, use System Restore: type Create a restore point → System Restore and pick a restore point before the issue.
- Consider pausing updates until vendor drivers are verified.
Note: Uninstalling security updates carries risk; proceed carefully.
14. Corrupted system files
Why it causes the problem:
Damaged system files can affect audio stacks and services.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (Start → type cmd → right‑click Command Prompt → Run as administrator).
- Run: sfc /scannow
- If issues are found, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Reboot after completion and test audio.
Additional section: Preventive tips and when to seek help
- Regularly update Windows and drivers from your PC manufacturer’s website rather than random driver sites.
- Keep a spare simple wired headset — it’s useful for isolating hardware vs software.
- Before calling support, note whether headphones work on other devices and whether problems started after an update or driver install.
- Seek professional repair if the PC’s audio jack is physically damaged or if internal hardware diagnostics (after trying all software fixes) still show no audio.
- For corporate or managed devices, contact your IT department — group policies can disable audio features.
FAQ
How can I prevent future headphone problems?
Keep drivers and Windows updated, avoid installing untrusted audio utilities, and use the manufacturer’s drivers for audio chipsets.
Why do headphones work in one app but not another?
Some apps choose an audio device independently; check app-specific audio settings and the Volume Mixer for per-app volume and device assignments.
Can I use speakers and headphones simultaneously?
Windows normally uses one default device at a time; use apps that support multi‑output, or set up Stereo Mix (if available) or third‑party software like Voicemeeter to route audio to multiple outputs.
My headphone microphone doesn’t work — what then?
Check Sound Control Panel → Recording tab to make the headset mic default, disable Listen to this device in Properties, and update drivers; for USB headsets, check USB drivers too.
Is there a way to test audio hardware on Windows?
Yes: Sound Control Panel → Playback → Select device → Configure and use the Test button, or use the built‑in Playing Audio troubleshooter under Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
Conclusion
Most cases of Headphones don’t work in Windows 10 are fixed by selecting the correct output device, restarting audio services, or updating/reinstalling drivers. Follow the checks in this guide step‑by‑step to isolate hardware vs software causes, and you’ll resolve the issue in the majority of situations.
