Audio problems

Question

I have my headset selected to play audio but its coming through my laptop instead of my headset.

Answer 1

Hi! Let me help you.

Please hover your mouse over the sound icon in the lower-right corner, then right-click it and select Troubleshoot Sound. Let the troubleshooter finish its task, then this should either resolve the problem or display an error message.

If that doesn't work, we need to remove the Audio driver from the Device Manager and restart the PC to reinstall it.

Here are the steps to completely remove a Device from your computer.

Step 1. Use the Windows key + X shortcut.

Step 2. Select Device Manager.

Step 3. Expand the entry Sound, Video, and Game Controllers. Right-click the problematic device, which is either Realtek Audio, or AMD High-definition Audio, or High-Definition Audio, depending on the audio device installed in your PC, and select Uninstall device.

Step 4. You need to check the option Delete the driver software for this device and then click the Uninstall button.

Step 5. Reboot the computer.

After the reboot, please see if the problem is fixed.

If that still does not work, please visit the support website of your laptop or desktop and then download and install the latest Audio driver, and then restart the PC.

Answer 2

Do the following checks in Windows 11 to route sound to the headset instead of the laptop speakers:

1. Confirm the correct output device is selected
   1. Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
   2. Select the arrow to the right of the volume slider (tooltip: Select a sound output).
   3. From the list, select the headset so audio is played through it.
2. Check audio hardware and volume
   1. Make sure the headset is firmly plugged in (USB or 3.5mm jack) or properly connected if it’s wireless.
   2. If using jacks, verify it is in the correct output jack (often green or labeled “headphone”).
   3. Ensure the headset and app volumes are turned up and not muted.
   4. If USB, try a different USB port.
   5. If speakers still play when the headset is connected, unplug and reconnect the headset and check again.
3. Set the headset as the default audio device
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Under Output, select the headset. Selecting it here also sets it as the default output device.
4. Check that the laptop speakers are not set as default via Control Panel (if needed)
   1. In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel and open it.
   2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Sound.
   3. On the Playback tab, select the headset, choose Set as Default Device, then select OK.

If audio still comes from the laptop speakers after these steps, run the audio troubleshooter from Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then run the Audio troubleshooter.

---

References:

• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
• Troubleshoot Surface sound and audio accessories