external analog speaker jack not working - bluetooth audio disconnecting ever 20 seconds.

[jaydog2025]

I believe it happened after the last windows update.  My external speaker jack stopped working.  When I view in audio properties from dev manager it seems fine but when I go to the older sound properties dialogue it shows jack is not connected.   It is connected and the headphones I use work everywhere else.   I ran the diagnostics and troubleshooters but all they ask is if I hear sound or not from the speakers in my monitor which has nothing to do with my problem.   Since that doesn't work I use my bluetooth headphones but every 20 seconds or so, Disconnect. then 2 seconds later, connected.  I tried to listen like that but I felt myself going insane so had to tap out.  All HP diagnostic utilities show I'm A-Ok and everything is good.  But it's not.  I've tried reinstalling both drivers from AMD and Realtek from the HP support page and nothing.  Tried loading the generic High Definition Audio Drivers and no help.  Tried a bunch of things that Gemini AI thought and even he is perplexed.    Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I've invested so many hours trying to get this working and at this point, I'm ready to just take a loss and buy something else but the laptop is only a 5 or 6 months old.  Aside from audio, I like the laptop.

[Deep_World]

Hi @jaydog2025,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I’m sorry you’re going through this; I understand the concern and don’t worry I’ll help you with this.

To better understand the issue, could you please provide a few more details?

1. What is the exact laptop model and Windows version you’re running?
2. When the headphone jack stopped working, did it coincide immediately with a Windows update, or did it happen gradually afterward?
3. Do you see any errors, warnings, or yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager for your audio devices?
4. Have you tried a system restore to a point before the update that caused the problem?

In the meantime, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check Default Playback Device
   • Right-click the speaker icon → Sounds → Playback tab.
   • Right-click the headphone device → Set as Default Device.
   • Even if it shows “Not connected,” try disabling the built-in speakers temporarily to force the system to recognize the headphone jack.
2. Disable Audio Enhancements
   • In the Playback tab → select your headphones → Properties → Enhancements → check “Disable all enhancements.”
3. Roll Back or Reinstall Drivers
   • In Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers → right-click your audio device → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver (if available).
   • If Roll Back isn’t available, try uninstalling the audio driver completely, rebooting, and letting Windows install its generic driver automatically.
4. Check Realtek Audio Console (if applicable)
   • Open the Realtek Audio Console → Device Advanced Settings → ensure that “Disable front panel jack detection” is not checked, and check that the headphone jack is correctly detected.
5. Windows Update Rollback
   • If this started after a recent Windows update, you can try uninstalling the latest update temporarily to see if the jack functionality returns.
6. Test in Clean Boot
   • Perform a clean boot to rule out software conflicts: press Win + R, type msconfig, disable all non-Microsoft startup items, then restart and test the audio jack.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World