Some Windows users are experiencing an error, when they add an external Microphone to their computer, it gets recognized as headphones. This can be a bit frustrating especially if you are a content creator who doesn’t want to use a poor-quality Mic that comes bundled with Headphones – but an external Mic for noise-free audio.
External Microphone being recognized as Headphones
These are the things you can do to fix this issue.
- Run Speech & Recording Audio Troubleshooters
- Enable Microphone
- Reinstall Microphone Driver
Let us talk about them in detail.
1] Run Speech & Recording Audio Troubleshooters
There are many Troubleshooters built-in Windows, two of them, Speech and Recording Audio, can help you with microphone-related issues.
In Windows 10, launch Settings and click Update & Security > Troubleshooter > Additional troubleshooter > Speech > Run the troubleshooter.
In Windows 11, launch Settings and click System > Troubleshooter > Additional troubleshooter > Speech > Run the troubleshooter.
Do the same for “Recording Audio” and see if it fixes the issue for you.
2] Enable Microphone
If your computer registers an external Microphone as an Earphone, try checking Sound Properties from the Control Panel.
If you have plugged the microphone into your computer’s jack, the issue can exist if it is disabled, so follow the given steps to enable the microphone.
- Launch Control Panel from the Start Menu.
- Make sure, View by is set to Large icons and click Sound.
- Go to the Recording tab, right-click on your Microphone, and select Enabled
Now, replug your Microphone and check if the issue persists.
Read: Headphones recognized as Speakers in Windows
3] Reinstall Microphone Driver
Sometimes, the problem can be because of the driver. This is quite unusual as compared to most other driver errors, as the problem is because of improper driver installation. Therefore, the best way to fix this issue is by reinstall the driver.
To do that, launch Device Manager by Win + X > Device Manager.
Expand “Sound, video, and game”, right-click on your Microphone, and select Uninstall device.
After uninstalling the driver, unplug and replug your device and check if it fixes the issue.
Hopefully, these solutions have helped you to fix External Microphone being recognized as headphones.
Read next: Mic or Microphone not working on Windows.
How do I get Windows to recognize my microphone as headphones?
To ensure Windows recognizes your microphone as headphones, right-click the Sound icon in the taskbar and select ‘Open Sound settings.’ Under ‘Input,’ choose your microphone. If it’s not listed, click ‘Manage sound devices’ to enable it. For driver issues, access ‘Device Manager,’ update your audio drivers, and restart your PC.
Why is Windows not detecting my external microphone?
If Windows isn’t detecting your external microphone, it could be due to app permission settings. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy’ > ‘Microphone’ on your PC. Click ‘Change’ to enable ‘Allow apps to access your microphone.’ Confirm that the microphone’s drivers are updated and the device is properly connected.
