how do i fix my computer not taking any audio input anymore

Question

how do i fix my computer not taking any audio input anymore

Ibrahim Mohammad 20

I often use my wired headphones on my computer until one day they randomly stopped giving any audio input, i tried checking if my headphones were the issue and they weren't, they work perfectly fine on any other device. i have tried everything to fix the issue, i had updated all my drivers then after trying everything on windows 10 i decided that maybe if i updated my windows to windows 11 they would start to work again but they didn't and I've updated my windows 11 and its drivers fully but still haven't solved the issue. my headphones do output audio though but that output device is named as speaker/hd realtek r audio and doesn't show any input for it. What has worked is when i connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones to the computer as well as plugging in a small usb c transmitter it came with to use without Bluetooth and using their input and outputs together i was able to get the audio and input working but at the cost of my audio being severely downgraded in quality. Is there something related to the realtek audio that I'm missing that i have to change to get them to work again or is it a hardware issue that i should get checked out from a shop

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Ibrahim Mohammad 20 Reputation points

2025-12-14T00:35:48.68+00:00

I have also already tried doing stuff in the control panel to check for disabled devices but that hasn't worked as well.

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Ibrahim Mohammad 20 Reputation points

2025-12-14T00:35:48.68+00:00

I have also already tried doing stuff in the control panel to check for disabled devices but that hasn't worked as well.

Answer 1

Sin-D 12,265 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Ibrahim Mohammad,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that you’re facing issue with a Realtek-related where the headphone mic isn’t detected, even though audio output works fine. Please go to Settings > System > Sound and check if any input device other than the built-in mic appears. If only “Microphone (Realtek Audio)” or “Stereo Mix” shows, the headset mic isn’t being recognized. If installed, open Realtek Audio Console and look for Connector Retasking. Switch the analog input from Headphone to Headset. If the app won’t open or errors out, reinstall it via Microsoft Store after installing the correct Realtek driver package (DCH drivers) from your PC manufacturer.

Also, considering reinstall or roll back drivers. In Device Manager, under Sound, video and game controllers, uninstall the Realtek driver and restart. Download the latest driver from your motherboard or laptop vendor (not just Windows Update). If the latest driver fails, try an older OEM version.

Realtek usually prompts you to choose “Headphones” vs. “Headset” when plugging in. If this stopped appearing, reinstalling the driver and Audio Console often restores it.

The initial response might not address the problem. So, if your problem persists or you need any assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Post Answer" if you cannot add comment. This helps me can read your follow up. Thanks for your effort.

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Best regards.

Ibrahim Mohammad 20 Reputation points

2025-12-14T12:23:49.93+00:00

Thank you for the help but unfortunately nothing has worked. I've looked through the Realtek Audio Console and nothing has shown up except Speaker/HP, looking in Device Advance Settings in the audio console i can see under Connecter Retasking an option under analogue system named "headphone" but i cant click on it or change its properties in anyway. Moreover, my computer shows no input devices meaning the built in microphone it did have stopped showing up along with my other input device and when looked at in sound settings for input devices it says "No input devices found". I've also tried reinstalling the drivers once again and that hasn't worked too. The Realtek doesn't give me the option to chose between headset and headphones as well before and after reinstalling the drivers
Sin-D 12,265 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-15T04:36:32.1633333+00:00
Hi,

Thanks for your updates. Please go to Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers, you should see something like:

Realtek(R) Audio

OR Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST)

OR High Definition Audio Device

If you see ONLY:

High Definition Audio Device or

nothing related to Realtek

This means the Realtek codec’s input function is not enumerating, consistent with hardware failure.

Also, make sure you enable Hidden Devices, in Device Manager > View > Show hidden devices. Look under Audio inputs and outputs, do you see ANY of these?

Microphone Array

Microphone (Realtek)

Stereo Mix

Headset Mic

If all are missing, then Windows is not receiving any input endpoints from the hardware, not just Realtek’s driver. This is a major indicator of hardware-level malfunction.

You've already tried reinstalling Realtek, but do this specific test:

Device Manager > Sound, video, game controllers

Right‑click Realtek(R) Audio > Update driver

Browse my computer > Let me pick

Choose High Definition Audio Device (Microsoft)

Reboot.

If still “No input devices found”, then even Microsoft’s universal driver cannot detect the audio input pins. This points away from software.
Sin-D 12,265 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-16T05:01:50.75+00:00

Hi,

I just wanted to check in and see if the steps worked for you. If everything is set, it would be greatly appreciated if you could mark the answer as Accepted. This helps others facing similar issues and keeps things organized.

If you need any further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out by clicking "Add Comment" or "Post Answer" (If you cannot add comment)! This helps me can read your follow up! Thank you.