Thankfully, it’s usually straightforward to fix your headphones not working on Windows 11.
Perform Some Preliminary Checks
First, perform some basic checks, as they may quickly handle the issue.
Then, disconnect all other peripherals attached to your gadget, mainly audio output devices.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
If the issue persists after performing these basic checks, apply the remaining fixes.
Unmute Your Headphones
Ensure your headphone’s volume isn’t muted on your gear.
To check, look at the speaker icon in the system tray in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
If the speaker symbol has a cross (x) next to it, the volume is muted.
After unmuting, ensure toadjust your sound volume on Windowsso it isn’t too low.
Check for Hardware Issues
If the volume isn’t muted, ensure your headphones aren’t faulty.
If your headphones also don’t work on other devices, they’re probably faulty.
So, either have them inspected by a technician or replace them.
However, if your headphones work fine elsewhere, the issue is gear-specific.
So, keep applying the remaining fixes.
Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and even baby monitors are just a few examples.
If any of these are near your laptop or PC, they could cause the issue.
To rule out this possibility, temporarily move these devices away from your headphones.
If your Bluetooth headphones start working after doing that, relocate those devices permanently.
If they do, the issue might be specific to that app.
To check that, right-nudge the Start button and launch the configs app.
Then, navigate to System > Sound, scroll down, and click “More Sound parameters.”
In the Sound window, go to the “Playback” tab.
If your headphones work in one app but not elsewhere, turning off this mode can solve the issue.
Similarly, audio enhancements can improve the quality of your sound, but can also cause problems.
So, it’s a good idea to turn them off too.
If the above solutions are ineffective, this troubleshooter might do the job.
To fire off the troubleshooter, right-poke the Start button and choose “controls.”
Then, navigate to the “System” tab and go to Troubleshoot > Other trouble-shooters.
Click “Yes,” and the troubleshooter begins.
Allow the scan to complete, and follow the on-screen instructions provided during the diagnosis.
To rule out this possibility,load the latest drivers.
Visit the manufacturer’s website of your headphones or rig and download the latest audio and Bluetooth drivers available.
If the drivers are in an executable file format, simply fire off the files to install them.
For drivers requiring manual installation, use machine Manager.
Right-hit the Start button and open “gadget Manager.”
Select “Browse my computer for drivers,” locate the downloaded files, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Repeat these steps to update Bluetooth drivers.
That’s how you diagnose and resolve issues with your headphones on Windows 11.
