earplugs work after re-boot,after removing and plugging in again the earplugs are no longer detected

[doeveRD]

Since 2 month (probably after a Windows update) the earplugs are not recognised after using them for a while. Typically, we reboot the device, all works fine - we use spotify on the laptop, we stop working for a while or remove the earplugs and plug them in again. This goes fine one time. The second time the Laptop no longer recognizes the earplugs and sound is on the local speakers. Only, after a reboot we can repeat the process where it always ends up having to reboot the laptop

[BeemerBiker]

I suspect the "fast start" option is loading a startup file that has the audio set to use the speakers.

Please get the system to work correctly with the earplugs and then 

disable fast start

enable fast start

This ensure the "fast start" file will boot with the earplugs option enabled.

Disable fast start
To disable fast startup on Windows, open the Control Panel, navigate to Power Options, then "Choose what the power buttons do," and under Shutdown settings, uncheck the "Turn on fast startup" box; if the option is greyed out, click "Change settings that are currently unavailable" first.

Re-enable fast startup to write a new startup file.

[doeveRD]

I tried your instructions but it does not change the behaviour. I did some more testing since I thought it was an issue with Spotify. However, when I open youtube in Edge I start off with the earplus working. Then during playing a song I remove the earplugs and the sound switches to the Laptop speakers. From that point on I can plug-in the earphone but this is not recognized by the laptop so the sound plays on the speakers. Only restarting the Laptop will fix this issue.

[BeemerBiker]

If your earplugs are Bluetooth, see if removing and then adding will fix the problem.

If that works, then it may be possible to to create a macros to automate the disconnect / reconnect.  Let me know if that works and I may be able to create a cmd file that can do that.

You could also try restoring to a previous windows restore point or uninstalling the update.

What is your product ID or laptop model?

[doeveRD]

Hello, I am not using bluetooth earplugs. It's the jackplug that is not recognized after removing and adding again once or twice. Sometimes I can remove it and when I plug it in again it works but it always fails to recognize it when I remove the plugs while using spotify or Youtube. If I am not really using it and just unplug and plug it as a test, the laptop will allow to remove and plug it in only 2 or 3 times max. After that I won't "see" the earplugs being the output device. 

I tried removing updates I could remove but that did not work. Eventually I installed Windows 11, version 25H2 (herstelversie) - it's dutch and means something like recovery version but this did not solve the issue. Attached are screenshots to answer your other questions

[BeemerBiker]

You have cloud recovery.  It may be windows 10 instead of 11 but it might be worth downloading the recovery file as HP is removing cloud recovery "a short time after the warranty expires"

Click here

if the restore is windows 10 (or old 11) then after verifying the problem is fixed (??) put in the latest microsoft USB flash with 25h2, use the file manager to find "setup.exe" run the setup and specify that no files are to be deleted.  This should preserve the original drivers (maybe)

sorry, I know of nothing else that might work.  Let me know if anything has been helpful.

I might add that my own desktop system lost the ability of wired headphone after a windows 11 update but I discovered the "front panel" audio plug worked correctly.  Unaccountably the rear audio no longer worked much like the problem you had.   Laptops do not have two audio port like desktops unfortunately. 

[doeveRD]

After following your instruction and installing Windows 11 from cloud recovery the issue was gone. I did not proceed and use the latest microsoft USB flash with 25h2. Is there any objection in staying on the old Windows 11 version. I now fear installing something on top of what I have now.

[BeemerBiker]

Make a note of the audio driver: version and date.

You should be able to run "setup.exe" from this iso

For windows 11 go here for the ISO, select the language edition and be sure to only install PRO if you have a license for PRO. Usually the download link is good for 24 hours.

do not boot the ISO, just find that executable and run it and select the update so nothing gets deleted.

If the audio driver changes then 

in the device manager

Click on Update driver
Click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
Remove the selection from Show compatible hardware. (uncheck)
Find a driver that matches the version of the one that worked

le me know how it goes please

[doeveRD]

I did as described. The driver changed but the earplugs are stil working after removal and new insertion. So it stayed as it should. I attached a word document with some info for you to comment on. 

How can I revert back to the original audio drivers in case this happens. I switched of automatic windows updates since I want to control it from now on and be able do undo an update in the future.Today after latest Windows updateYesterday after Cloud Recovery

[BeemerBiker · Accepted solution]

Sorry, four "D" in French and a year in Vietnamese language school are the only languages I ever learned.

I use only the Realtek driver as shown below. It is dated 1/30/2026 and 10.0.261100.7024

I can always find it by browsing for it if windows decides to replace it with a non  working driver.