Causes of Headphone Issues in Windows 10

The physical connections of the headphones commonly cause most sound issues with Windows 10 and headphones. Headphone jacks get dusty, pins get bent, and wires get frayed. The internal mechanics of some headphone devices, like mute buttons, can get knocked loose and cause problems. Software and driver issues are another common cause, as with any computer peripheral. Outdated or buggy drivers, incompatibilities, and missing software can result in a similarly frustrating experience.

How to Fix Headphone Issues in Windows 10

Solving any headphone issue relies on understanding what the cause of the problem is. Once you determine whether it’s a hardware or software problem, it shouldn’t be long before you have working headphones again. These tips walk you through solutions from easiest to most difficult, so if you’re not sure what’s causing the problem just start and step 1 and move through the list. If your headphones still won’t work, it might be time to invest in a new pair. We’ve tested quite a few to come up with our recommendations, so check them out! To install drivers from your sound card developer, go to their website and download the latest driver for Windows 10. Make sure you remember where you downloaded the files, as this will be important for installing the drivers later.