A headset can be an essential tool for communication, particularly when working from home, where you may need to block out surrounding noise just to get work done. Headsets are also particularly popular with gamers, who require the products to appreciate the atmosphere created by game developers and to speak to fellow teammates. Thankfully, Microsoft has always made it super-easy to hook one up and get everything working in Windows. There's never been a better time to do so.
How to set up your headset on Windows 10
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To use a headset, you're going to have to plug it in. Simple, we know, but it's easy to get this step wrong if you're not familiar with available ports for audio on a PC. This can be achieved by hooking up the end of the cable on the headset to an available port on a PC or connecting it via wireless. Here are the options for headset owners:
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- 3.5mm jack: Older and more affordable headsets usually have the cable split at the end with two 3.5mm jacks, one for audio out and the other for the microphone. (Pink for the microphone, green for the headset.)
- USB: USB-powered headsets offer enhanced experiences thanks to inline amps, controls, and other features though in terms of quality there isn't a huge gap between USB and 3.5mm jacks.
- Wireless: Whether it be Bluetooth or requires a dedicated USB wireless receiver, these headsets remove all cables between and your computer, allowing you to sit more comfortably without fear of creating a tangled mess.
Depending on the case and motherboard installed on a desktop PC, there may be available ports on or near the front of the chassis, which could prove useful if you have a short cable or have no free ports on the rear. The most important factor in terms of sound quality will be the soundcard on your motherboard, comparing it against a dedicated digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
Checking sound output in Windows 10
Once you have the headset connected to the PC, it's time to make sure Windows has sound levels and the like set up and configured correctly. Firstly, we need to check Windows has the headset selected as the default output device.
- Left-click the sound icon in the taskbar.
- Select the sound device in the drop-down menu.Source: Windows Central
- Choose the connected headset.
This could have in brackets either USB or the brand and model of the onboard motherboard audio — it depends on which connection type the headset utilizes. It's possible to rename each entry on this list to make it easier for you to decipher which is which. (See below how to rename a connected sound output.)
Now we'll need to test the output to make sure we've selected the correct device and everything is working perfectly. You can do this by firing up some media on the PC, or utilize the test function in Windows.
- Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar.
- Select Open sound settings.
- Choose Sound control panel on the right.
- Select the headphones (should have a green tick).Source: Windows Central
- Hit Properties. (You can rename this sound output right here to make it easier at switching.)
- Select the Advanced tab.
- Hit the test button.
If you hear sound through the headphones, you're good to go. If not, check if you have the correct device selected for sound output, and that the headset itself is plugged in (we've all be in the position where something doesn't work because it isn't physically connected).
Record your voice
After that, we need to select the microphone as the default input device and make sure the volume is turned up. To do this, we run through similar steps carried out for the headphones.
- Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar.
- Select Open sound settings.
- Choose Sound control panel on the right.
- Select the Recording tab.
- Choose the microphone.Source: Windows Central
- Hit Set as default.
- Open the Properties window.Source: Windows Central
- Select the Levels tab.
- Adjust the volume accordingly.
Be sure to fire up your favorite VoIP app (Discord is a great option) or recording software to test the microphone out. Some applications can take full control of the microphone and adjust levels accordingly, while others allow you to manipulate the volume within the software suite to save you from opening this recording window each and every time.
Troubleshooting Windows headset issues
Source: Windows Central
Make sure you use the right ports
Is it plugged in? Have you utilized the correct port? For 3.5mm jacks, it's generally green for output and pink for input, depending on the available sound card. Mix those two up and nothing at all will happen. Newer motherboards come with numerous ports for surround sound, so you might need to hit up the manual for more details.
Auto detection could be playing up
OEM software could be interfering here. Should you have software like Realtek's HD Audio Manager, try disabling jack detection and see if that helps.
Re-installing drivers
If your headset isn't working, the problem might be in the drivers. Head to Device Manager and uninstall the drivers for the connected headset. Reboot the PC and connect the headset once again to let Windows reinstall them. Yes, it's the tried and true 'turn it off and on again' process, but it works.
Select different formats
If you're still unable to get anything, try selecting a different format for input/output in the property window (use the headset steps above).
Don't be muted
Depending on the brand and model of the headset, it may support controls located on the cable. Volume sliders and mute buttons are easily accessible here, but be sure they're set for use.
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Try a different headset/device
To check whether the issue is with the headset (and not your PC), try using it on another PC or device. You could also try plugging in another headset if you have one at hand.
Our top headset recommendations
Value Pick
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Solid build quality and sound
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HyperX made sure the Cloud Alpha sounds great for PC gamers with a dual-chamber driver design for optimal audio performance. They're also built to last. In fact, you could throw them around and they'd still sound just as good. Multi-platform compatibility and price are but the icing on this sweet cake.
The Cloud Alpha sports a detachable noise-cancellation microphone and braided cable with some mediocre in-line controls. The controls are rather flimsy, but at least they're there for quick access while in-game. Overall, not a bad headset for the price.
For Serious Gamers
SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC
Amazing sound and comfort
The Steelseries Arctis Pro + GameDAC isn't the most affordable headset out there, but it's well worth the price. The excellent amp module allows for easy management of the device and the exceptional sound quality allows you to truly immerse yourself in-game.
The drivers housed inside the cups of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC are more than good enough for gaming, and the microphone handles communication with teammates. It's a quality Hi-Res certified headset for gamers and worth considering.
Entry headset
Plugable Performance Onyx HS53
Affordable gaming headset for PC
Plugable has made a $50 budget-friendly headset for gaming that's worth considering, even if you're not looking to save money on your audio.
The design fits within Astro's family, with large cups that cover the ears and nice big comfy memory foam cushions. The microphone isn't retractable or detachable but does have a neat trick where it'll auto-mute when you flip it up against the side of your head.
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On Windows 10, the ability to configure your microphone settings has always been available, but it was a process that you needed to perform using Control Panel.
Since the release of the last two feature updates, Windows 10 has introduced changes that allow you to manage microphone settings, and troubleshoot problems, using the Settings app.
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In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to manage the microphone settings available with the October 2018 Update. In addition, we outline the steps needed to troubleshoot and fix common mic problems.
How to set microphone as default using Settings
If you have a multi-microphone setup, such as one external mic and one built into the webcam, you can specify which one should be the system default using these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Sound.
- Under the 'Input' section, use the drop-down menu and select the microphone that you want to use as the system default.
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Once you complete these steps, Windows 10 and apps will use the microphone you selected as the new default.
How to rename a microphone using Settings
If you have multiple mics, the Settings app also allows you to change their names to anything you want. Just use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Sound.
- Under the 'Input' section, click the Device properties option.
- Type a descriptive name for the microphone.
- Click the Rename button.
After completing the steps, the microphone you selected will appear with a custom name for apps and system.
How to enable or disable a microphone on Windows 10
On Windows 10, you can enable or disable a microphone from at least two different locations.
Enabling or disabling microphone from Device properties
To enable or disable the microphone currently set as default, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Sound.
- Under the 'Input' section, click the Device properties option.
- Check the Disable option. (Or click the Enable button to turn on the device.)
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 and apps will no longer have access to the microphone.
Enabling or disabling microphone from Manage sound devices
If you want to enable or disable one or more mics, you can use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Sound.
- Under the 'Input' section, click the Manage sound devices option.
- Under the 'Input' section, select the microphone.
- Click the Disable button. (Or clear the Disable option to enable the device.)
- Repeat steps No. 5 and No. 6 to disable multiple microphones.
After completing the steps, the mics that you disabled will no longer be available for the system or apps.
How to fix microphone problems using Settings
If your device isn't able to recognize the microphone, or it's only working for some applications, you can troubleshoot and fix most common problems using the Privacy settings and the troubleshooter tool.
Using Privacy settings
To allow the system and apps to access your microphone, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Privacy.
- Click on Microphone.
While on the Microphone page, you can decide whether other users can choose if their apps can access the microphone. Click the Change button, and then turn on the toggle switch to permit access.
If one or more applications can't access the mic, make sure that the Allow apps to access your microphone toggle switch is turned on.
In the case that only a particular app isn't able to access the microphone, it's probably because the app may have limited access. If this is the case, find the app in the list, and turn on the toggle switch under 'Choose which apps can access your microphone.'
Using the troubleshooter
Also, if the microphone isn't working, you can try using the built-in troubleshooter tool to fix common problems, using these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Sound.
- Under the 'Input' section, click the Troubleshoot button.
- Continue with the on-screen directions to resolve the issue.
After completing the steps, you should be able to start using the microphone with any application on Windows 10.
If you're still unable to make the mic work, you can try to use a different port on your computer, or a different cable.
More Windows 10 resources
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For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
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