Windows 11 Headphones Troubleshooting

Sandra Gainey 5 Reputation points
2026-09-12T18:59:23.24+00:00

I purchased logitech headphones sometime in 2026. So they are fairly new. I plug them into my laptop and I am able to see them under Settings, and Sound. So I set them as a default and can hear clearly through them as well as speak through them. However, at times, something occurs and Windows can no longer recognize the headphones even though they are hardwired into my laptop. I search for them under Settings, Sounds, etc. and they are no longer there.

Do you know what could be the issue?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Connect Phone and PC
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  1. Jan J.23 13,920 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-12T20:54:32.0733333+00:00

    Thanks for the update. Using the adapter will resolve this type of issues if the headphone is working properly. Just make sure to choose an USB to 3.5mm adapter that is compatible with your specific headphones. Thank you.

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  2. Sandra Gainey 5 Reputation points
    2026-09-12T20:27:14.32+00:00

    Hi Independent Advisor,

    I followed the systems and opened the System however there were no "Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices" options. I will try and look for them separately. I have Windows 11. Not sure what version these instructions are for.

    I found the steps but there are no disabled or disconnected devices showing.

    If your audio device is disabled, you can make it visible in the Sound settings and enable it again.

    Press Windows key + R, type mmsys.cpl, and click OK to open the Sound panel.

    Click the Playback tab in the Sound window.

    Right-click on any empty space in the device list.

    Select Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices to display hidden audio devices.

    Locate your disabled audio device (it will appear greyed out).

    Right-click the disabled device and select Enable.

    (Optional) Right-click the device again and select Set as Default Device.

    Click Apply, then OK to save changes.

    Thank you! I appreciate your help.

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  3. Jan J.23 13,920 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-12T20:19:14.23+00:00

    Hi Sandra,

    Please try each of the following suggestions to troubleshoot the headphone audio problem.

    • Press the Windows key + R type in mmsys.cpl press Enter. This will open the sound settings. Check both Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices. Find your headset or headphones in the list. If it appears greyed out, right-click it and select Enable.
    • Open Device Manager Press the Windows key + X Select the Device Manager Expand Sound ,Video and game controllers select the audio driver properties Then try to rollback drivers If the rollback option is greyed out Uninstall the driver and restart the computer
    • If this is a 3.5mm headphone with mic, check if there is a audio console software or manufacturer's audio utility installed. -Unplug the headset, plug it back in, and select 'Headset (with microphone)' when prompted. This type of headphone require the manufacturer’s dedicated audio software to operate correctly. -However, if there are no pop-up prompt from the audio software when plug in the headset this is usually cause by disabled jack pop-up notifications, or a damaged 3.5mm jack. The best solution is to contact the manufacturer for a more thorough hardware diagnostic.

    -Try connecting your headset with a USB-to-3.5mm audio adapter.

    • If this is a USB type headset. try to plug the device on another USB port. Or uninstall all the driver related to the USB headphones in the Device Manager , then restart the computer.

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