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Laptop not switching to headphones when I plug them in

Anonymous
2019-07-27T03:01:58+00:00

Recently I've had an issue with my laptop where if I plug in headphones (ANY headphones) it will continue to play sound through my laptop's speakers. If I reinstall my audio driver with my headphones plugged in, however, the sound will play through my headphones until they get unplugged, and the cycle repeats again.

I am on the latest version of Windows 10 on my Dell Inspiron 5000 Gaming laptop, and I've tried it with two versions of the Realtek HD Audio Driver (versions 6.0.1.8023 and 6.0.1.8622) with the same problem for both. I've also shut off my computer completely and rebooted it, with no change.

Any help at all would be appreciated!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-07-27T03:46:47+00:00

    Hi Cannon

    My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

    What is the exact make and model? Dell makes several models of the Inspiron 5000.

    Open Start, type: system information

    Hit Enter

    Click System summary

    Look in the right pane

    Copy the system sku info into reply here.

    See example: https://imgur.com/qzektpA

    Option 1 - Headphone is not disabled and is set as default

    Type Sound in Windows Start Seach box

    Click Sound

    Under Playback tab, right click on an empty space and select, Show disconnected devices and Show disabled devices

    Select Headphone and click on Properties and check if the Headphone that you are using is set as default.

    Option 2 - Run audio troubleshooting

    Click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot

    Go down and select Playing Audio

    Click Run the troubleshooter

    Restart once it finishes

    Option 3: Update audio driver

    Windows Key+X (Or right click on Start)

    Click Device Manager

    Expand Sound, video and game controllers

    Right click on your audio adpater

    Click Update Driver Software

    Click Browse my computer for driver software

    Click Let my pick from a list of device drivers on my computer

    Choose the driver

    Click Next to update

    If this does not work, select Search automatically for the updated driver in place of Browse my computer for driver software

    Restart your computer

    Option 4: Update driver from manufacturer's website

    Windows Key+X

    Click Device Manager

    Expand Sound, video and game controllers

    Right click on your audio adpater

    Click Properties

    Go to Driver tab

    If there is rollback option, click it

    Additional steps you can try...

    Right click the Sound icon in the Taskbar

    Click Sounds

    Click the Playback tab

    Select your headphone

    Click on Properties

    Click on the Enhancement tab then check the box Disable all Sound effects

    Click OK

    Go back to the Advanced tab

    Uncheck the first box under 'Exclusive mode'

    Click Ok > OK

    If the problem persists, I recommend updating the BIOS if one is available.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Vijay A. Verma 104.8K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2019-07-27T04:44:10+00:00

    Hi andreistoian51

    I am Vijay, an Independent Advisor. I am here to work with you on this problem.

    Please try these steps and check after each step. If these don't work, let me know. I will provide further troubleshooting steps.

    1. Run Troubleshooter

    Windows Key+i > Update & security > Troubleshoot > Playing Audio > Run the troubleshooter

    1. Take actions related to Audio Driver

    Windows Key+X > Device Manager > View tab > Show hidden devices > Sound, Video & game controllers > Right Click on the entry below (if more than one, then you will have to repeat the steps for all) > Properties > Driver Tab >

    A. Roll Back - If Roll back driver is enabled, roll it back

    B. Update - Update driver

    C. Download and reinstall the driver from computer manufacturer's website - If you face issue, let me know your computer make and model?

    1. Check if Windows Audio service is running or not

    Windows Key+R > Type services.msc > Scroll down to Windows Audio > Change the startup type to Automatic > Restart computer

    1. Check Speaker / headphone is not disabled and is set as default

    Type Sound in Windows Start Seach box > Click Sound > Under Playback tab, right click on an empty space and select, Show disconnected devices and Show disabled devices > Select Speaker and click on Properties and make sure that it is is enabled > You may also check if the Speaker that you are using is set as default.

    1. I would recommend that you perform a Windows 10 repair upgrade (This is not Reset or Reinstall of Windows). Repair upgrade fixes all Windows errors and retains all files, applications and settings. (You will not lose any data while backup is a good idea) Below is a good guide to perform repair upgrade

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repai...

    Do let me know if you require any further help on this. Will be glad to help you.

    Source - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/402699...

    Disclaimer - This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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