sound output issues in windows 11

Tom Simons 5 Reputation points
2026-02-23T03:49:12.8333333+00:00

I am using headphones on a desktop computer running Windows 11. The computer has only one audio port that supports both microphone and sound (a combo jack).

I unplugged the headphones and then plugged them back in. After that, the sound stopped working.

How can I fix this issue? [moderator's note: moved from System Center Virtual Machine Manager]

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

4 answers

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  1. Ivan B 123.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-23T15:17:25.79+00:00

    Hi,

    Are you using headphones with a dual-jack to single-jack adapter?
    Adaptador / Divisor P2 + 2 Jack P2 (J2 fêmea) Estéreo - Custom Cabos

    User's image

    Access msinfo32.exe in the search bar, take a screenshot and post it here.

    If you have Realtek Console installed, go to the Advanced Settings tab > uncheck the first option and check the second.

    What is the model of your headset?

    Thanks

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  2. AI answer

    2026-02-23T03:49:24.1766667+00:00

    To resolve the sound output issue with your headphones on Windows 11, you can try the following steps:

    1. Check Device Manager: Open Device Manager and ensure that your audio drivers are installed and functioning correctly. Look for any warning signs next to the audio devices.
    2. Update Audio Drivers: If your audio drivers are outdated, update them to the latest version. You can do this through Windows Update or by visiting the manufacturer's website.
    3. Roll Back Drivers: If the issue started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back to the previous version of the audio driver.
    4. Run the Audio Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the "Playing Audio" troubleshooter. This tool can help identify and fix common audio problems.
    5. Check Audio Output Settings: Ensure that the correct audio output device is selected. Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar, select "Open Sound settings," and check the output device.
    6. Reconnect Headphones: Unplug the headphones and plug them back in, ensuring they are securely connected to the combo jack.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to contact your device manufacturer for further assistance, as there could be a hardware-specific problem.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  3. Vikki-T 10,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-02-24T13:52:50.0966667+00:00

    Dear Tom Simons, 

    It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue.  

    Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?  

    Any update would be appreciated. 

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  4. Vikki-T 10,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-02-23T08:41:19.74+00:00

    Dear Tom Simons, 

    Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

    I understand how inconvenient it is when audio stops working right after unplugging and plugging your headset back in, especially on a desktop that uses a single combo audio jack. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow down the cause and guide the right fix, could you please share a bit more information? 

    • In Settings > System > Sound, what device name is shown under Output when the headphones are plugged in (e.g., “Speakers (Realtek…)”, “Headphones”, etc.)? 
    • Do you hear sound from another device (for example, speakers or a different headset) on the same PC? 
    • Are you plugging into the front audio port on the PC case or the rear port on the motherboard? 
    • Is your headset plug 3‑pole (TRS) or 4‑pole (TRRS)? Are you using any adapter/splitter? 

    In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try: 

    1. Check for mute or app-level volume being set to 0 
    • Press Win + A and confirm sound is not muted and volume is raised. 
    • Go to Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer 
    • Confirm the Device volume is not at 0 and the affected app (browser/music player) is not muted or turned down 
    1. Ensure the device isn’t disabled and set it as the default
    • Press Win + R, type mmsys.cpl, press Enter 
    • On the Playback tab, right‑click an empty area and check Show Disabled Devices 
    • If you see Headphones/Speakers disabled, right‑click Enable 
    • Right‑click the correct device and choose Set as Default Device 
    1. Restart the Windows audio services
    • Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter 
    • Find and restart these services (right‑click > Restart): Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder 
    • After restarting, test sound again. 
    1. Disable audio enhancements and exclusive mode 
    • Go to Settings > System > Sound > (select your output device) then set Audio enhancements to Off (if present) 
    • Then open Win + R > mmsys.cpl > Playback tab > select the output device > Properties 
    • In Advanced tab > Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device > Apply 
    • (Optional) Change Default Format to 16-bit, 48000 Hz or 16-bit, 44100 Hz, then Apply 

    While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

    I hope the steps above help restore sound through your headphones on Windows 11 and prevent the issue from recurring after reconnecting the headset. Wishing you a smooth experience getting your audio back to normal so you can continue using your PC comfortably. 

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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