System cannot detect wired headphones

[Sparky107]

I normally connect to wireless devices such as speakers or headphones although the regular speakers are fine if a little quiet, I want to use wired headphones but when I connect via the jack absolutely nothing registers.

Any tips beyond cleaning the jack port. The system doesn't see anything but the built in speakers.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Sparky107 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I'm truly sorry you're facing this—when wired headphones go undetected despite everything else working, it can feel incredibly limiting. 

Let’s walk through a few steps to help restore audio through the headphone jack.

Step 1: Confirm Audio Jack Detection

1. Plug in your wired headphones.
2. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar → select Sounds.
3. Go to the Playback tab.
4. If headphones are listed, right-click and choose Set as Default Device.
5. If they’re not listed, continue with the next steps.

Step 2: Check Audio Driver Status

1. Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek, Conexant, or Intel) → choose Uninstall device.
4. Restart your laptop to reinstall the driver automatically.

If the issue persists, manually install the latest audio driver:

Visit:
https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Enter your laptop’s product name or serial number.

Download the latest Audio Driver under “Driver-Audio”.

Step 3: Enable Jack Detection in Audio Settings

If your system uses Realtek Audio:

1. Open Realtek Audio Console or Audio Manager from the Start menu.
2. Go to the Connector Settings (usually a wrench icon).
3. Enable Jack Detection or Disable front panel jack detection depending on your configuration.

If you don’t see this app, it may be available through the Microsoft Store or bundled with the driver.

 

Step 4: Run HP Diagnostics

Download and open the HP App from:
https://www.hp.com/in-en/shop/apps/hp-app.html

Add your laptop and go to Diagnostics → Audio.

Run the test with headphones plugged in to confirm hardware response.

Step 5: Test with Alternate Headphones

• Try a different pair of wired headphones to rule out connector compatibility.
• Some headphones with inline microphones may not register properly on combo jacks.

Let me know how it goes after these steps. You’re doing everything right by checking thoroughly—let’s bring back the crisp, immersive sound you’re looking for.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye