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If your headphones is not working on Windows 10, try these fixes.
Solution 1: Unplug the Headphone and Plug it Back
If headphones is not working on Windows 10, try these first:
- Unplug the headphone.
- Then, turn of the power (if it is a headphone that has a power button).
- Plug it back to your PC.
- Once you plug it back in, check that the volume is not muted
These are very basic steps but before you try any other fix, try them first. If the headset is still not working, try the next suggested fix.
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Solution 2: Check Headphones Settings
If headphones is not working on Windows 10, after unplugging and plugging back the headphone, check the following settings…
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Botesty Sound Wired Headphones with Microphone for School, 3.5mm Plug Beige | Wired Over Ear Foldable Plug in Headphones, 4.9ft Tangle-Free Nylon Cord for Classroom, Tablet, Laptop, MP4, Airplane Travel
- 【Wired Headphones with Mic】The wired headphones with a built-in mic for clear, hands-free calls, online learning and music listening. Positioned on the cable for clear, high-quality sound, even in noisy environments. Perfect for busy professionals or students who need reliable sound during calls and video meeting. ⚠️Note: MFB Button is only available on phones and tablets. （Volume control and mute button are not suitable for this item.)
- 【PLEASE NOTE】(1)Volume can only be adjusted on a connected device instead of the headphones. (2)The device without a 3.5mm headphone jack needs a 3.5mm conversion adapter. (3)Mic not supported on desktops and certain laptops, please check before use.
- 【Foldable & Portable】Lightweight and folding headphones with wire are convenient to carry anywhere. Simply fold headphones up and store them in your bag or suitcase, making them perfect for travel, commuting, school, or taking on the go
- 【Durable Nylon Cable】With a 4.9ft high-quality nylon braided cord, these corded headphones prevent tangling, offering smooth, hassle-free movement. Our headphones feature a 120° curved plug design resistant construction ensures longevity while providing comfort and flexibility
- 【Comfortable & Adjustable Fit】Designed for long listening sessions, over ear headphones wired feature an adjustable headband and 90° rotating ear cups that provide a snug, personalized fit for various head sizes, making wire headphones suitable for adults and kids. Soft memory protein ear cushions and pads ensure comfort throughout the day and can hang around your neck when not in use
- Enter sound in the Windows 10 search box. Then, from the search results, click Sound settings.
- On Sound settings screen, click the Choose your output device drop-downs and ensure that the headset is selected.
- Then, scroll down and click Manage sound device.
- On the Manage sound device screen, click Speakers / Headphones.
- If the button beneath the headphone displays Enable, it means that your headset is disabled. Click Enable to enable the device. It will now display Test and Disabled buttons – see the second screenshot below.
- To return to Sound settings, click the back button at the top left of the screen.
- When you return to Sound settings, ensure that the Master volume is NOT set to mute. If it is, move the slider towards the right.
Solution 3: Reinstall Sound Drivers
If at this point, if headphones is not working on Windows 10 still, use the steps in this Itechguide – How to Reinstall Audio Drivers on Windows 10. The guide has 2 methods, use the second method.
Solution 4: Change the Headset
If after trying the fixes above, headphones is not working on Windows 10 still, restart your computer, and try the headset. Unfortunately, if the headset is still not working, you may have to get a new headset. To help you get the best headsets, read these 2 Itechguide review posts – The 5 Best Gaming Headsets and The 5 Best USB Headsets.
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Logitech H390 Wired USB-A Headset with Noise Cancelling Microphone - Black | Wired Headphones with Mic for PC, Noise Cancelling Microphone for Video Meetings, Music
- Padded Comfort: Headphones wired with adjustable headband feature swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions for hours of comfort and is easy to clean
- Rotating Noise Canceling Mic: Headset with mic minimizes unwanted background noise for clear conversations; the rotating boom arm can be tucked out of the way when you’re not using it
- Responsible Packaging: H390 Logitech Headset uses FSC-certified paper for responsible packaging
- Handy In-line Controls: Simple in-line controls on the wired headphones with microphone cable let you adjust the volume or mute calls without disruption
- Digital Stereo Sound: Fine-tuned drivers provide enhanced digital audio within this computer headset with microphone for music, calls, meetings and more
One of the methods covered above should fix headphones is not working on Windows 10!
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KVIDIO Wired Headphones with Mic,3.5mm Plug Volume Control for School,Black | Corded Over Ear Foldable Headphones Wired for Teens Classroom Travel Airplane, 4.9ft Tangle-Free Cord for Tablet Laptop Phone
- 【PLEASE NOTE】🚫The in-line volume control button is not supported on desktop and some laptops. Please adjust audio volume directly via your device. The device without a 3.5mm headphone jack needs a 3.5mm conversion adapter
- 【Hands‑Free Calls & In‑line Control】These wired headphones with Mic feature a built-in mic and in-line controls for clear, hands-free calls, easy volume adjustment, and music playback. Perfect for online learning, meetings, and everyday listening. Ideal for busy professionals and students. ⚠️ Note: The multi-function button (MFB) and volume control are compatible with phones and tablets only
- 【Lightweight Design for Easy Travel】Lightweight and foldable, these portable headphones wired are easy to carry anywhere. Simply fold them up and store them in your bag or suitcase, making them a great choice for travel, commuting, school, or on‑the‑go use
- 【Tangle‑Free 4.9ft Cord with 120° Curved Plug】Featuring a 4.9ft high‑quality nylon braided cord, these corded headphones resist tangling and allow smooth, hassle‑free movement. The 120° curved plug design adds durability while providing comfort and flexibility during use
- 【Comfortable & Adjustable Fit】Designed for long listening sessions, over ear headphones wired feature an adjustable headband and 90° rotating ear cups that provide a snug, personalized fit for various head sizes, making wire headphones suitable for adults and kids. Soft memory protein ear cushions and pads ensure comfort throughout the day and can hang around your neck when not in use
You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.
Finally, for more Windows 10 Itechguides, visit our WINDOWS 10 FIXES page. You may also find our Work from Home page very helpful.
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Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
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JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset, Detachable Mic - Black | Memory Foam Ear Cushions And 3.5 Mm Jack Work With PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch For Immersive PC Gaming Sessions
- JBL QUANTUMSOUND SIGNATURE: From the faintest footsteps to the loudest explosion, this wired gaming headset puts you at the center of every scene—immersive, accurate audio that turns every match into a competitive edge.
- DETACHABLE DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE: Rally your squad without repeating yourself. The voice-focus directional microphone detaches when you're flying solo and includes a mute option—because this mic headset knows when to talk and when to stay quiet.
- MEMORY FOAM COMFORT: Marathon sessions hit different in these over-ear headphones—lightweight build, breathable fabric ear cushions, and memory foam padding keep you locked in without the fatigue. Game longer. Complain less.
- SPATIAL SOUND COMPATIBILITY: Hear exactly where sound is coming from. This wired headset is fully compatible with Windows Sonic spatial sound on Windows 10 PCs and Xbox ONE—so the game world feels like it's happening around you.
- CROSS-PLATFORM READY: One 3.5mm jack, every platform—PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, Mac, and VR. This cross-platform gaming headset goes wherever the game is.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply. Prices as of November 6, 2026 2:12 am GMT.
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