A headset or headphone is one of the coolest devices because it gives you freedom from external noise, and delivers an immersive audio experience. While connecting a headset to a Windows computer is not a big deal, it’s mostly plug and play, but if you want to go through some of the basics, here is the post. We will share how you can correctly set up a headset on Windows 11/10 PC.
How to set up & use a Headphone on Windows 11/10 PC
This essential guide is for those who either have a problem connecting the headset to Windows 11/10 PC or want to learn the basics.
- Connect a headset (Wired and Bluetooth)
- Selecting the right output device
- Recording audio using the headset
- Setup Headphone as default output and an input device for apps
- Troubleshooting
It is possible that an OEM software might be available for your headset, which enhances your audio experience. If yes, make sure to install and configure it.
1] Connect a headset
If you have a wired earphone, then you should see two ends. The audio one is usually green in color, and the microphone is pink. They also have icons to differentiate between them. Insert the wires into their respective port of your desktop or laptop.
Windows 11
Long press the Bluetooth button or the power button on your headset to set it in pairing mode.
On your Windows 11 device, go to Settings and choose Bluetooth & devices from the side panel on the left.
Hit the Add device button, next to Devices heading.
Allow your device to search for the headset, which is already in pairing mode. Once you see in the list, click to pair.
It should connect instantly.
Windows 10
If its a Bluetooth device, you will have to pair Windows with the headphone. Here are the general steps:
- Long press the Bluetooth button or the power button on your headset to set it in pairing mode.
- Make sure Bluetooth is on. If there is a physical switch, toggle it on.
- On your Windows 10, go to Devices > Bluetooth and other devices > Click on Add Bluetooth and another device button.
- Click on Bluetooth.
- It will then search for the headset, which is already in pairing mode. Once you see in the list, click to pair.
- It should then instantly connect.
Play some music, and you should hear the music streaming.
2] Selecting the right output device
Windows 11
To change the output device on your Windows 11 system.
Open Windows 11 Settings, choose System from the side panel on the left and click the Sound tab on the right.
Under Output, select your headphone from the dropdown.
Adjust the volume using the Volume Slider.
If that doesn’t work, try switching to each of them, and if you hear the audio, then that’s your headphone.
Windows 10
While Windows should automatically switch the output device to headphones as soon as you connect it, if it doesn’t, here is how you can change the output device.
- Open Windows 10 Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select your headphone from the dropdown.
- Adjust the volume using the Master Volume Slider.
- If that doesn’t work, try switching to each of them, and if you hear the audio, then that’s your headphone.
3] Recording audio using the headset
Windows 11
Go to the Windows 11 Settings, choose System from the side panel on the left and click the Sound tab on the right.
Scroll down to the Input section, select your headphone mic from the dropdown.
You can speak into your microphone to check if the volume is good enough.
Windows 10
It should work out of the box if your headphones as a microphone. You will need recording software, and choose the headphone microphone as the default mic to record audio. Like we wanted the default output device, we need to select an input device as well.
- Open Windows 10 Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Input, select your headphone mic from the dropdown.
- You can speak into your microphone to check if the volume is good enough. If not, click on Manage Sound devices to configure it.
You will have to select the microphone for each application manually. If you have multiple microphones (webcam, headphones, dedicated mic), you can switch to what works best for you.
4] Set up Headphone as default output and an input device for apps
Windows 11
To manage volume preferences for apps,
Go to the Windows 11 Settings, choose System from the side panel on the left and click the Sound tab on the right.
Next, scroll down to the Advanced section and expand the Volume mixer settings.
Find your app, and then select headphones as your Output and input device. You can also set up the volume level
Windows 10
Windows 10 allows you to link the headphone to applications to be used as input and output devices. If you use your headphones for gaming or listening to music with dedicated apps, you can set it up. Post that, you will never have to change it every time.
- Open the application for which you need to configure.
- Go to Windows 10 Settings > System > Sound > App Volume and device preferences.
- Find your app, and then select headphones as your Output and input device. You can also set up the volume level.
If you use multiple headphones, one for gaming, one for video calls, and so on, it is the place where you can configure all of them.
5] Troubleshooting
If you face issues with your headphone or the microphone, then use the Troubleshoot button available in the Sound settings. It will look into various settings that might be causing the problem, and help you resolve it or suggest you take some steps to fix it.
That concludes our guide on how you can set up a headset on Windows 11/10 PC (Wired and Bluetooth). I hope it was easy to follow.
Can you use regular headphones on PC?
Yes! Simply plug your headphones into the mic input jack and go to the recording tab to test it. tap or blow into your headphones to see if it picks up the input. If it does, you’re good to go! set it as your default device.
Why is my headphone/mic not working?
Check the settings on your Audio Device. In most cases, it is found that users unknowingly put their microphones on mute. So, make sure your microphone isn’t muted. Test it and see if it works. it should!
