Headphone Jack not Recognized in Windows 11

I use Realtek HD Audio Universal Service.

When I plug in the headphone jack, I get a prompt. If I accept the prompt in time, it connects the headphones. Better than a restart worse than Windows 10 which required no user interaction.

Microsoft - For a company with $198 Billion in revenue in 2023, this forum's solution is the best you can provide for fixing headphones: wipe the computer and start over? For a headphone issue?

Fix your OS.

I had the same issue as everyone else here: plugged-in headphones would only work if there were plugged-in when the computer booted. If plugged they would not be detected again until after a restart.

What worked for me:

1. Go to "Settings"
2. Go to "Apps"
3. Go to "Startup"
4. Turn ON Waves MaxxAudio Service Application
5. Restart your computer and plug/unplug/re-plug your headphones: everything should work now.

OMG this actually worked! Thank you so much I wanna marry you. Had disabled the digital bs that WavesMaxx does with the audio so had to re-enable part of it but now have the best of both worlds i.e. neutral audio through the laptop speakers and great quality through the 3.5mm headphone jack with full functionality when plugging in headphones through an aux cable. Thanks again!

I too had the same problem but now, just got it fixed! So just FYI, I have a DELL INSPIRON 15 3576, with the Windows 11: insider build 23451.ni_prerelease.230428-1438 currently, and I noticed this issue for quite a long time, I think since I updated the Realtek drivers to the latest version. Yes, so the reason lies here...!

I had the latest 2/2/23 dated Realtek drivers, which caused the issue, seems like the latest is no longer supporting Maxx Waves Audio Pro, which usually comes bundled in with Dell devices and under the hood, managed the headphone jack plug in connections. (I assume this was the reason why mainly dell devices were affected). Thus, after rolling back to the 08 March 2021 Realtek drivers, the issue is fixed! Also, the popup when connecting a device to the audio jack reappeared which was gone with the latest Realtek drivers before.

I found the driver on the Dell Official Support Page, under Support > Product Support > Drivers and Downloads. Just click on download and then open it, then proceed through the guided steps. (Requires two system reboots)

NOTE that the 8th of March 2021 driver was specific to my device on the page and so, I recommend visiting the page and checking the recommended driver for your own model but still, I provide the direct link to it here:
Realtek-High-Definition-Audio-Driver_MMJNT_WIN_6.0.9107.1_A19.EXE

Hope it helps!! 👍

Microsoft have confirmed to me that Windoes 11 DOES NOT headsets with a mic via the 3.5mm jack plug. Headsets wiyh mic only supported via USB port.

Massive frustration after being told a load of rubbish on how to get the 3.5mm jack to work with mic.

Dont waste your time.... it wont.

Me too. Tried everything listed. Clearly there's a problem that needs to be addressed.

WORKAROUND: I use a Blue Yeti microphone that has a headphone jack in its base. If I plug the headphone into the Blue Yeti and then plug the microphone into its USB port, the headphone works.

Not the best solution, but it does work.