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How To Use Earphone as Both Input and Output of Audio in Windows 10?

Anonymous
2020-03-15T03:18:32+00:00

Hi, I recently just got myself an earphone and would like to think how I could use it to its fullest potential

This earphone I got has a 3.5 mm jack plug, and it has mic on the cable too, I was wondering how I could activate the mic and the speaker at the same time, since.. Windows 10 (I think) only recognize devices as 1 way only (input or output) for its 3.5 mm jack port (as shown at the picture) 

Perhaps any of you guys has any way around this problem? i was thinking of getting a converter, 3.5 mm jack into USB 2.0 (since Windows 10 would actually read mic and speaker at the same time using USB 2.0 e.g. Gaming Headset)

Side Note : 

  • I've tried the "Headphone" option and it sure did read my earphone, but only as speaker i.e. Audio Output, this is why I would like to know whether I could use my earphone as both the Audio Input and Audio Output
Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-03-15T03:20:14+00:00

    Hi Tah. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

    I'll give you everything possible to try for headset problems so at least something will work. If you need help performing any steps I am standing by here to help:

    First try the steps here:

    https://www.maketecheasier.com/fix-headphones-n...

    https://www.windowscentral.com/setting-your-hea...

    https://www.lifewire.com/fix-headphones-not-wor...

    https://www.thewindowsclub.com/headphones-not-w...

    https://merabheja.com/fix-no-speakers-or-headph...

    https://troubleshooter.xyz/wiki/fix-headphones-...

    Go to Settings > Devices > Autoplay to look for the device and change the default behavior in it's Dropdown Menu.

    Right click Volume icon in System Tray at right end of task bar, Open Sounds Settings, in dropdown menus at top make sure Headphones are selected and Connected for both Playback and Recording Default Devices.

    If not again right click Volume icon in System Tray to choose Troubleshoot sound problems.

    See all ways (including manufacturer-specific) to re-enable the "Which device did you plug in" popup which can solve headset issues:

    https://windowsreport.com/you-just-plugged-unpl... (avoid ad links)

    https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/En...

    https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/how-do-...

    https://www.dell.com/community/Windows-10/How-g...

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

    Go to the Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, choose Sound controller device, on Driver tab choose Roll back or Uninstall, restart PC using keyboard to Ctrl Alt Del, on blue screen tab to Power Icon in bottom right, press Enter, arrow down to Restart, press Enter to restart to reinstall the driver.

    Do the same for the headset device and/or it's microphone.

    Update the Sound driver from the PC or Device maker's Support downloads web page. While there also check that the Chipset, BIOS, Display, USB, Network and all other drivers are the most current.

    Sometimes it helps to unpair or disconnect all other Bluetooth devices from the PC in Bluetooth settings, then try again to connect the headset.

    If this was caused by Windows Update(s) then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

    You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them:

    http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

    If this was caused by a Version Update then for 10 days you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool which is explained more here:

    https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta....

    To check over the integrity of your install go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

    If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

    If you want to report this to Microsoft use the Feedback Hub app in Start Menu where developers are tasked to process consumer feedback. They will not even see it here. This is a tech forums staffed mostly by volunteers trying to help others with your problems.

    If you want to post back a Share link from your Feedback here others who see this thread can vote it up and add to it. If you are an Insider I can also vote it up with my MVP badge and track the issue for you.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2020-03-15T05:40:46+00:00

    I'm happy to help. Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2020-03-15T04:27:52+00:00

    Hi, thanks for helping me Greg!

    I've checked multiple times for the audio drivers update and it seems like I had the newest version, tried to roll back and nothing seems changed (still can't have my mic on my earphone working)

    I've found that my Audio Output could actually read its port (as it is working perfectly), but the Audio Input's Port Information seems blank, I have no idea how it comes to this 

    As in the pictures, my earphone Audio Output is called the [Speakers]Realtek(R) Audio, so.. I would assume that the mic that should have with it is on [Stereo Mix]Realtek(R) Audio as well, and as you can see, the Port Information is blank, and it does not actually input anything despite it reads that it exist

    or am i doing something wrong here? is it not supposed to be the [Stereo Mix]Realtek(R) Audio for the input part? 

    let me know! I would really look forward to try having my earphone working to its fullest potential

    Side Note : 

    • I've seen all the links that you gave me, I don't think my problem is solved by them, perhaps you could make me check something that is out of there? I would be gladly share information
    • I couldn't find Realtek Sound Manager as most of the link's suggested, but i did find Realtek Audio Console which look pretty much the same but *very* simplified, and i don't seem to see any option for whether enabling or disable the jack.. as i think my laptop only has 1 jack (perhaps that's the problem?)
    • I think I'm interested to know how simple it is a phone managed to actually read an earphone and also its mic automatically when plugged with 3.5 mm jack into it, and a laptop does not..
    6 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2020-03-15T05:38:46+00:00

    Huh, it seems like I need to find my suggested manufacturer's driver, thanks for the help!

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