How to Fix Windows 11 Not Recognizing Wired Headphones [SOLUTION]

To have a complete experience of your computer headphones are essential. However, if you have issue with you headphones while watching movies, listening to songs or playing games then it might be frustrating to deal with them on your own. For that reason we have listed all the possible fixes and solution that you can try and troubleshoot your device on your Windows 11 computer.

Windows 11 not recognizing wired headphones are a common problem reported by many users. This issue avail you from connecting your wired headphone to your computer or system not recognizing that there is a headphone connected to the computer.

This issue might just be as simple as your headphone plugged into wrong audio jack or as complex as problem with your audio drivers. Therefore, make sure that all the simple mistakes are looked into. Check your headphones cables whether it is in working condition or damaged also plug your headphones onto other devices to make sure that there is no hardware issues.

How to Fix Window 11 Not Recognizing Headphones Issue

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

This method is as simple as it sound. Usually these types or error happen, because of some glitches or bugs in your system residing temporarily. Simply rebooting your system can fix those glitches. Make sure to keep your headphones plugged in when rebooting your computer. This makes it easy for Windows to try and recognize your device.

Method 2: Use Troubleshooter

Microsoft has kitted its operating system with all kind of problem troubleshooters, so why not we use them. Windows troubleshooters are very user friendly and easy to use. Just follow the steps to do so:

Step 1: Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Windows Settings application.

Step 2: Go to System tab and click on Sound option.

Step 3: Navigate to Advanced section and click Output Devices option next to Troubleshoot common sound problems.

Step 4: This will open the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted any.

Step 5: Wait for the process to complete and reboot your computer.

Method 3: Make Your Headphones as a Default Sound Output

Step 1: Right click on Sound icon from the taskbar.

Step 2: Now click Sound settings.

Step 3: Select Headphones option from the Output section.

Check if the headphones are working or not.

Method 4: Update Your Windows Operating System

Often times, hardware related issues become common out outdated operating system. And these types of issue are usually addressed and fixed in the corresponding system update. Therefore, it highly recommended updating your system as soon as update arrives. Follow the step to do so:

Step 1: Click Start icon from the taskbar.

Step 2: In the Search menu, type Update and choose the Check for updates option from the list.

Step 3: Once the settings app open, click the Check for updates option.

Step 4: Install all the system and cumulative updates available.

Step 5: Wait for the update to complete and restart your system.

Method 5: Update Sound Drivers

If the above method did not work them this might just be cause of outdated sound drivers. Outdated sound drivers cause multiple issues within the system. This is not something to worry about as quite common and easy to update your drivers. Follow the instructions to do so:

Step 1: Right click on the Start icon.

Step 2: Select Device Manager from the list.

Step 3: In device manager, expand Audio Inputs and Outputs.

Step 4: Now right-click on your Headphones and select Update Drivers.

Step 5: Click on Search automatically for drivers.

Step 6: Wait for the process to complete.

Even though updating your drivers from Device Manager is quite easy but it is not reliable. This will only update the designated drivers and left the correspondent drivers. Therefore we suggest you to use a dedicated tool. Our Driver Solution uses the most reliable and authenticate source to update your drivers to its latest version automatically with a single mouse click.

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These are all the possible methods and solution for Windows 11 not recognizing wired headphones with various easy steps. Follow the given instructions and methods to resolve your issue with ease.