I am using headphones on a desktop computer running Windows 11. The computer has only one audio port that supports both microphone and sound (a combo jack). I unplugged the headphones and then plugged them back in. After that, the sound stopped working. How can I fix this issue? [moderator's note: moved from System Center Virtual Machine Manager] Angela Waters • 0 Reputation points 2026-02-23T17:21:36.3733333+00:00 Microphone is muted (grayed out on Zoom and Teams Platforms) they can see me and I hear them fine, but they can't hear me. Microphone is not turned on 5 votes Microphone is muted (grayed out on Zoom and Teams Platforms) they can see me and I hear them fine, but they can't hear me. Microphone is not turned on James Harris • 0 Reputation points 2026-09-13T22:40:02.1666667+00:00 nvida no sound updated sound with app 0 votes nvida no sound updated sound with app Vikki-T • 10,280 Reputation points • Microsoft External Staff • Moderator 2026-09-15T11:24:02.8033333+00:00 Hi James Harris , Thanks for the update. Could you clarify what issue remains with the system volume? Does the sound stop working again after restarting the PC or reconnecting the headset? Please also confirm whether the headset uses a single 3.5 mm plug and share the computer model. This will help me provide the correct next steps. 0 votes Hi James Harris , Thanks for the update. Could you clarify what issue remains with the system volume? Does the sound stop working again after restarting the PC or reconnecting the headset? Please also confirm whether the headset uses a single 3.5 mm plug and share the computer model. This will help me provide the correct next steps. Ivan B • 123.5K Reputation points • Independent Advisor 2026-02-23T15:17:25.79+00:00 Hi, Are you using headphones with a dual-jack to single-jack adapter? Access msinfo32.exe in the search bar, take a screenshot and post it here. If you have Realtek Console installed, go to the Advanced Settings tab > uncheck the first option and check the second. What is the model of your headset? Thanks 0 comments No comments Sign in to comment Add comment Are you using headphones with a dual-jack to single-jack adapter? Access msinfo32.exe in the search bar, take a screenshot and post it here. If you have Realtek Console installed, go to the Advanced Settings tab > uncheck the first option and check the second. What is the model of your headset? AI answer 2026-02-23T03:49:24.1766667+00:00 To resolve the sound output issue with your headphones on Windows 11, you can try the following steps: Check Device Manager : Open Device Manager and ensure that your audio drivers are installed and functioning correctly. Look for any warning signs next to the audio devices. Update Audio Drivers : If your audio drivers are outdated, update them to the latest version. You can do this through Windows Update or by visiting the manufacturer's website. Roll Back Drivers : If the issue started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back to the previous version of the audio driver. Run the Audio Troubleshooter : Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the "Playing Audio" troubleshooter. This tool can help identify and fix common audio problems. Check Audio Output Settings : Ensure that the correct audio output device is selected. Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar, select "Open Sound settings," and check the output device. Reconnect Headphones : Unplug the headphones and plug them back in, ensuring they are securely connected to the combo jack. If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to contact your device manufacturer for further assistance, as there could be a hardware-specific problem. References: How to fix this. no audio device is installed - Microsoft Q&A USB-connected audio or video devices malfunction when connected to specific Intel-based devices AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information. To resolve the sound output issue with your headphones on Windows 11, you can try the following steps: Check Device Manager : Open Device Manager and ensure that your audio drivers are installed and functioning correctly. Look for any warning signs next to the audio devices. Update Audio Drivers : If your audio drivers are outdated, update them to the latest version. You can do this through Windows Update or by visiting the manufacturer's website. Roll Back Drivers : If the issue started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back to the previous version of the audio driver. Run the Audio Troubleshooter : Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the "Playing Audio" troubleshooter. This tool can help identify and fix common audio problems. Check Audio Output Settings : Ensure that the correct audio output device is selected. Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar, select "Open Sound settings," and check the output device. Reconnect Headphones : Unplug the headphones and plug them back in, ensuring they are securely connected to the combo jack. If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to contact your device manufacturer for further assistance, as there could be a hardware-specific problem. How to fix this. no audio device is installed - Microsoft Q&A USB-connected audio or video devices malfunction when connected to specific Intel-based devices Vikki-T • 10,280 Reputation points • Microsoft External Staff • Moderator 2026-02-23T08:41:19.74+00:00 Dear Tom Simons , Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand how inconvenient it is when audio stops working right after unplugging and plugging your headset back in, especially on a desktop that uses a single combo audio jack. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow down the cause and guide the right fix, could you please share a bit more information? In Settings > System > Sound, what device name is shown under Output when the headphones are plugged in (e.g., “Speakers (Realtek…)”, “Headphones”, etc.)? Do you hear sound from another device (for example, speakers or a different headset) on the same PC? Are you plugging into the front audio port on the PC case or the rear port on the motherboard? Is your headset plug 3‑pole (TRS) or 4‑pole (TRRS)? Are you using any adapter/splitter? In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try: Check for mute or app-level volume being set to 0 Press Win + A and confirm sound is not muted and volume is raised. Go to Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer Confirm the Device volume is not at 0 and the affected app (browser/music player) is not muted or turned down Ensure the device isn’t disabled and set it as the default Press Win + R, type mmsys.cpl , press Enter On the Playback tab, right‑click an empty area and check Show Disabled Devices If you see Headphones/Speakers disabled, right‑click Enable Right‑click the correct device and choose Set as Default Device Restart the Windows audio services Press Win + R, type services.msc , press Enter Find and restart these services (right‑click > Restart): Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder After restarting, test sound again. Disable audio enhancements and exclusive mode Go to Settings > System > Sound > (select your output device) then set Audio enhancements to Off (if present) Then open Win + R > mmsys.cpl > Playback tab > select the output device > Properties In Advanced tab > Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device > Apply (Optional) Change Default Format to 16-bit, 48000 Hz or 16-bit, 44100 Hz, then Apply While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. I hope the steps above help restore sound through your headphones on Windows 11 and prevent the issue from recurring after reconnecting the headset. Wishing you a smooth experience getting your audio back to normal so you can continue using your PC comfortably. If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 3 comments Show comments for this answer Md Shakib Hasan • 0 Reputation points 2026-02-23T16:55:48.8433333+00:00 not sound pleased soliution my volume system 0 votes Angela Waters • 0 Reputation points 2026-02-23T17:22:53.5533333+00:00 My computer is all in one, no external mikes, just internal but mike is showing grayed out, can't click on it. 0 votes Ian-T • 11,810 Reputation points • Microsoft External Staff • Moderator 2026-02-24T13:41:12.99+00:00 Hi everyone Please kindly check Q&A Assist's answer and Vikki-T's answer first to see if anything changes on your ends Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators and contributors, including external Microsoft employees, are not allowed to directly interfere with Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited solely to providing technical guidance on reported incidents, requests, or ideas. Thank you for your patience 0 votes Sign in to comment Add comment Dear Tom Simons , Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand how inconvenient it is when audio stops working right after unplugging and plugging your headset back in, especially on a desktop that uses a single combo audio jack. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow down the cause and guide the right fix, could you please share a bit more information? In Settings > System > Sound, what device name is shown under Output when the headphones are plugged in (e.g., “Speakers (Realtek…)”, “Headphones”, etc.)? Do you hear sound from another device (for example, speakers or a different headset) on the same PC? Are you plugging into the front audio port on the PC case or the rear port on the motherboard? Is your headset plug 3‑pole (TRS) or 4‑pole (TRRS)? Are you using any adapter/splitter? In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try:

Check for mute or app-level volume being set to 0 Press Win + A and confirm sound is not muted and volume is raised. Go to Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer Confirm the Device volume is not at 0 and the affected app (browser/music player) is not muted or turned down Ensure the device isn’t disabled and set it as the default Press Win + R, type mmsys.cpl , press Enter On the Playback tab, right‑click an empty area and check Show Disabled Devices If you see Headphones/Speakers disabled, right‑click Enable Right‑click the correct device and choose Set as Default Device Restart the Windows audio services Press Win + R, type services.msc , press Enter Find and restart these services (right‑click > Restart): Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder After restarting, test sound again. Disable audio enhancements and exclusive mode Go to Settings > System > Sound > (select your output device) then set Audio enhancements to Off (if present) Then open Win + R > mmsys.cpl > Playback tab > select the output device > Properties In Advanced tab > Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device > Apply (Optional) Change Default Format to 16-bit, 48000 Hz or 16-bit, 44100 Hz, then Apply While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. I hope the steps above help restore sound through your headphones on Windows 11 and prevent the issue from recurring after reconnecting the headset. Wishing you a smooth experience getting your audio back to normal so you can continue using your PC comfortably. If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. Md Shakib Hasan • 0 Reputation points 2026-02-23T16:55:48.8433333+00:00 not sound pleased soliution my volume system 0 votes not sound pleased soliution my volume system Angela Waters • 0 Reputation points 2026-02-23T17:22:53.5533333+00:00 My computer is all in one, no external mikes, just internal but mike is showing grayed out, can't click on it. 0 votes My computer is all in one, no external mikes, just internal but mike is showing grayed out, can't click on it. Ian-T • 11,810 Reputation points • Microsoft External Staff • Moderator 2026-02-24T13:41:12.99+00:00 Hi everyone Please kindly check Q&A Assist's answer and Vikki-T's answer first to see if anything changes on your ends Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators and contributors, including external Microsoft employees, are not allowed to directly interfere with Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited solely to providing technical guidance on reported incidents, requests, or ideas. Thank you for your patience 0 votes Please kindly check Q&A Assist's answer and Vikki-T's answer first to see if anything changes on your ends Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators and contributors, including external Microsoft employees, are not allowed to directly interfere with Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited solely to providing technical guidance on reported incidents, requests, or ideas. Thank you for your patience Vikki-T • 10,280 Reputation points • Microsoft External Staff • Moderator 2026-02-24T13:52:50.0966667+00:00 Dear Tom Simons , It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue. Have you had a chance to check the replies provided? Any update would be appreciated. 0 comments No comments Sign in to comment Add comment Dear Tom Simons , It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue. Have you had a chance to check the replies provided? Any update would be appreciated.