If your headphones are not showing up in playback devices, you may not be able to listen to audio through headphones or microphones. That can be frustrating. But don’t worry. You can try the following methods to fix the problem.
Method 1: Check hardware connections
Method 2: Check for Windows Update
Method 3: Check sound settings
Method 4: Update audio drivers
Method 5: Restart audio services
Method 6: Check Realtek sound software settings
Method 7: Reinstall Realtek sound software
Method 1: Check hardware connections
When headphones are not showing up in the playback devices list, one of the most common reasons is a loose or faulty connection between the headphones and the computer.
If the problem is due to a loose connection, an easy unplug and replug can help fix the problem.
1) Unplug your headphones from the headphone jack.
2) Restart your computer.
3) Re-plug your headphones to the headphone jack.
4) Ensure the headphones are plugged to the headphone jack properly and tightly.
If the problem is due to a faulty connection, there may be a damaged hardware causing this. For troubleshooting, you can do the following:
- Switch to another headphone jack. This is to help you determine if the headphone jack you’re currently using is damaged.
- Test your headphones on another computer. This is to help you determine if the headphones are damaged.
If you verify the problem is not due to a bad connection, move on to try other methods.
Method 2: Check for Windows Update
To fix the problem, you can try to check for Windows Update and install any available Windows Updates. Here’s how:
1) Press the Windows logo key type “windows update”, and then select Check for updates.
2) Click on the Check for updates button.
3) Windows will check for any available updates. You just need to follow the instructions to install the updates.
If Method 2 doesn’t work for you, continue to try Method 3.
Method 3: Check sound settings
If your headphones are disabled and hidden, you won’t see them in the playback devices. So check sound settings and ensure your headphones are not disabled and hidden. To do so:
1) Press the Windows logo key, type “sound settings”, and then click on Sound settings to open the sound settings window.
2) Click on the Sound Control Panel link.
3) Right-click on the blank place and check if Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices are selected. If they’re selected, select them manually.
Once headphones are showing up in the playback device list again, remember to right-click on it and select Set as Default Device.
If Method 3 doesn’t work for you, continue to try Method 4.
Method 4: Update audio drivers
The headphones not showing up in playback devices problem can be caused by corrupted or outdated audio drivers. To fix the problem, you can try to update the audio driver.
You can update the audio driver via Device Manager. Follow these steps:
1) Open Device Manager.
To open Device Manager, right-click on the Start menu button and select Device Manager.
2) Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” category, right-click on your audio device and select Update driver.
3) Select Search automatically for drivers.
4) Windows will search for new drivers. Just follow the prompt to complete the driver update.
Note: Windows may not be able to update the drivers. If that’s the case, you can head to your PC manufacturer’s website or your motherboard manufacturer’s website to search for and download the new drivers.
If Method 4 doesn’t work for you, try Method 5.
Method 5: Restart audio services
Restarting audio services is always recommended when an audio problem occurs. To fix your headphone not showing up in playback devices, you can also try to restart audio services. Here’s how:
1) Press Win+R to open the Run box.
2) Type “services.msc” in the Run box and click OK. Then the Services window will pop up.
3) At the Services window, right-click on the Windows Audio service and select Restart.
4) Repeat the above steps for the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service.
Method 6: Check Realtek sound software settings
If you have Realtek Audio Console installed, check and ensure the settings inside the software are configured properly. You need to ensure the option “Disable front panel popup dialog” is On. If you have Realtek Audio Manager installed, check and ensure the option “Disable front panel jack detection” is checked.
For Realtek Audio Console:
1) Open Realtek Audio Console.
2) Select Device advanced settings.
3) Ensure the option Disable front panel popup dialog is On.
For Realtek Audio Manager:
1) Open Realtek Audio Manager.
2) Click the small folder in the upper right corner.
3) Check the “Disable front panel jack detection” option.
Method 7: Reinstall Realtek sound software
If none of the above methods works, the last resort you can try is to uninstall and then reinstall Realtek sound software (Realtek Audio Console or Realtek Audio Manager).
1) Right-click on the Start menu and select Apps and Features.
2) Locate your Realtek sound software (Realtek Audio Console or Realtek Audio Manager).
3) Click the Uninstall button and follow the prompt to complete the uninstallation.
4) Once uninstalling the software, restart your computer.
5) Download and install the software again.
Hopefully you find this article helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below. I’ll get back to you ASAP.