The computer does not see the microphone from the headphones: causes and troubleshooting

Modern headphones, especially gaming ones, are often equipped with a microphone. This is done for convenience, however, problems often arise when connecting a headset. Let's see why the computer does not see the headphones.

Headphone problems affecting the visibility of the headphones

In order to solve the problem, you need to diagnose its causes. There are several different connection methods. Each of them may have their own difficulties in ensuring normal functioning.

USB

Connecting headphones using a USB cable. A fairly rare connection method, however, the most reliable. The microphone and headphones are connected through one cable. Therefore, the computer recognizes both devices at once.

To connect the device via USB, just connect the headphones to one of the corresponding ports. The computer must determine the type of device and make the connection..

If this did not happen, perhaps the problem is the integrity or operability of the port. In order to exclude this option, you should connect the headphones to another jack or device. If the problem remains unchanged, there are problems with the cable itself.

Jack

The most common type of connection via 3.5 mm jacks. There are different connection options.

Type 1 - when the headphone and microphone signal is fed through one plug and one cable. In this case if the port or the wire itself is malfunctioning, both the headphones and the microphone may lose their functionality.
Option 2 - when the channels for the speakers and the microphone are located on different connectors. In this case damage to the plug or jack for the speakers will not affect the performance of the pickup device, and vice versa.

To connect the device through the Jack connector, just connect the plugs and the corresponding sockets. If the microphone channel and the speaker go through two cables, then you should pay attention to the special markings on the plug. It will tell the user which headphone jack and which microphone jack.

After connecting, you should check the performance of both the headphones and the microphone. How to configure the headset in the system settings will be discussed below.

Bluetooth

The most technologically complex connection, since it is carried out over wireless networks. Bluetooth connection It is the most convenient, but at the same time the most difficult to operate.

To configure the Bluetooth connection, you need to turn on the module, search for and connect available devices. After that, it itself should appear in the lists. Then it must be enabled if it is not enabled by default. The headset is ready to go.

ATTENTION! You can connect a Bluetooth headset to a computer only if you have a special wireless module.

For laptops, it is built-in by default, but for stationary PCs usually requires the purchase of additional equipment.

System problems

After connecting the headset, you should begin to configure it.

IMPORTANT! Even if the device works correctly, settings may be needed to adjust the sound or volume of both the headphone and microphone.

For this you need go to the "Start" menu - "Control Panel" - "Sound". The required model will appear in the menu that opens. There will be headphones in the playback section, and a microphone in the recording section.
To check the headphones, just run any audio file. After that, a volume level will appear on the indicator next to the device image, and playback will begin in the speakers.
The user has the opportunity adjust input level. To do this, right-click on the device in the list and click Properties - Levels. Here you can also enable / disable "Equalizer", "Surround", "Voice Suppression", etc.
To set up the microphone you should click the "Record" tab, select a device from the list and, right-clicking on it, click "Properties".

REFERENCE! To check the performance of the sound recorder, you can also use the standard application "Recording sound."

If the device is healthy, but the computer does not want to connect it, the problem may be with viruses or other malware. In order to eliminate this malfunction, you should use an antivirus. The most popular among them are: Kaspersky, Avast, NOD32, etc.

The effect of drivers on microphone visibility

In addition to hardware problems in the form of a bad connector or a broken cable, there are software problems with connecting a headset. Often they are associated with a malfunction of the drivers.

Drivers crash when an update fails or due to malware.

In order to update the driver, you should go to the headphone manufacturer’s website, find your model and download a program for your operating system. Then, following a simple algorithm, install new software that should fix the problem. After restarting the computer, the problem should be fixed.