Many users face issues when connecting a headset to a PC. If the earphones produce no sound or a track is silent, this guide helps identify the causes and walk through troubleshooting steps.
It’s important to recognize that there can be many reasons for no sound from headphones. Mechanical damage, loose or dirty connectors, software glitches, and other malfunctions all play a part. The first step is to determine why the headphones are silent and to diagnose both the system and the audio path involved.
How to tell if the headphones themselves work? Common issues
- Test the headset with another device first. Try it on a phone, a tablet, or a TV to see if it functions there.
- Visually inspect the wires and the headphone jack for any visible damage.
- If the headset works on other devices, the problem likely lies with the computer’s software or settings.
Check the built‑in volume control on the headphones
Some models include a volume control. It may be as simple as turning up the volume on the headset itself.
Make sure the headphones are properly connected
Headphones with a 3.5 mm mini‑jack should be plugged into the correct port. The connector is labeled on the device and the jack should be clearly marked.
- If using a 3.5 mm jack, try another input on the PC if available.
- If using USB headphones, try different USB ports or hubs.
Clean the headphone jack
A 3.5 mm plug clogged with dirt or dust can cause sound issues. The following at‑home method is quick and effective.
Attention: unplug the PC or laptop before cleaning the outlet!
- Roll a small piece of cotton into a compact swab.
- Gently insert it into the headphone jack.
- When the swab touches the socket walls, move it in any direction to pick up debris.
- Remove the cotton and ensure no fibers remain inside the connector.
Switching the sound device in the system
Newer Windows versions allow changing the audio output directly from the taskbar. Click the speaker icon in the lower right, choose “Manage audio devices.” In Windows 11 this window highlights the active volume control.
In the opened window, select the desired device. For example, the system may show wired USB headphones as “Speakers (USB audio device).” If the headset name is unclear, test all available options until the correct one is found.
Check the system and headphone volume
Sometimes the headset is muted in the operating system. When the volume is high, open the sound settings for the connected device.
Right‑click the speaker icon in the bottom right, choose “Open sound options” (Windows 10) or “Sound Options” (Windows 11).
Find the area labeled “Extra options.” In Windows 10 it sits on the right panel, while in Windows 11 it appears under the main menu. A window titled “Sound” opens. On the Play tab, select the desired device, right‑click it, and choose “Properties.”
Go to the Levels tab and ensure the slider is at maximum. Also confirm the device is not muted and the balance control is visible and set appropriately.
Set the default device
Sometimes the system blocks audio output if the headphones are not set as the default device. Open the sound settings described earlier, select the headphones, and use the context menu to choose the default option. Apply and OK to save the configuration.
Change the default audio format
If the audio format mismatches the system settings, sound may be silent. Try adjusting the format or restoring defaults. Click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select “Sound Options.” Look for “Additional Settings” in Windows 10 or “Advanced Sound Options” in Windows 11.
In the Sound window, locate the desired device, right‑click, and choose “Properties.” Open the Typically labeled section and check the standard format. A common recommendation is 16 bit, 48,000 Hz (DVD standard).
In some cases the system adjusts this automatically. If needed, reset the default settings using the provided button in this section.
Reinstall the audio driver
Outdated or faulty drivers often cause headphone trouble. Visit the headset maker’s site to download the latest driver software.
If the issue remains, try this sequence:
- Use the Win+R hotkey.
- Enter devmgmt.msc and press OK to open Device Manager.
- Select the headset, right‑click, and choose Remove device.
- Restart the computer.
After reboot, the system should detect the device and fetch the latest drivers automatically. If not, locate the headset in Device Manager, right‑click, and choose Update driver.
Third‑party tools such as driver boosters or driver update utilities can help, including Driver Easy, DriverPack Solution, CCleaner and similar programs. If these are used, choose a version that offers a free option.
The general approach with driver utilities is similar:
- Download and install the program.
- Run a scan to identify missing drivers.
- Install the drivers compatible with the operating system.
Removing the IDT Audio Device
This step is relevant for laptops that include an IDT Audio component. IDT Audio provides high‑definition playback on select notebooks and may crash drivers. Removing it can help.
- Open the Run dialog with Win+R.
- Enter appwiz.cpl and press OK.
- Find IDT Audio in the programs list, right‑click, and remove it.
Check your system to ensure the device is properly cleaned and the driver stack is refreshed.
Check the PC for viruses
Malware can interfere with connected devices. If prior steps fail, run a full antivirus scan with any installed security tools, including Windows Defender.
- Open all available security programs and start a full system check.
- Scan every partition for threats and isolate any detected risks.
- Restart the PC after cleanup.
Check the registry
Sometimes the headset is not detected due to registry issues. Cleaning the registry can help, and CCleaner is a common choice for this task.
- Download, install, and run CCleaner.
- Check all drive partitions on the left side.
- Click Analysis, then run the Cleaning command when the scan completes.
Close CCleaner and reconnect the headphones.
Why does one earpiece fail?
If one speaker stops, check for a temporary fault. In rare cases it may be possible to restore sound to the other ear by trying these steps:
- Ensure the 3.5 mm plug is fully inserted.
- Gently tug the cable while listening for changes in sound to detect a break in the wire.
- Built‑in volume controls may lose contact, causing the single ear to cut out as volume shifts.
- The earcup speaker itself might have burned out and require service.
If the headset is damaged beyond repair, this guide offers practical steps to choose a suitable gaming headset for PC use.
Reference: VG Times