How to Fix Headphones Not Showing Up in Playback Devices on Windows 10

1. Insertion Appropriation

I don’t want to sound prudent but you should double check if the headphones /any other hardware is all the way in. It can happen to anyone where the hardware seems like its all the way in but it is not. Checking it to make sure and pulling it out and plugging back in once to be absolutely sure is better than acting ignorant and proud. It could be the basal cause for all you know.

2. Playback Device Enabling Manually

If the playback device is not being displayed, chances are that by default it has been disabled. This is the default condition after letting external sources access to your software for the purpose of running specific applications. To tackle this problem, you will have to do it yourself.

Which is, go into the options and enable the playback device that has been disabled by default. This can be done by going to the  Sound > Playback devices then clicking on the blank space until it shows two consecutive options saying Show disconnected devices, Show Disabled devices. After this, you will see the hardware that you have plugged in displayed on the screen under these options, enable it. Once enables you to have to click on ok to save the changes and then click on apply. This should do the trick.

3. Audio Driver

Many times, the audio driver may not be up to date and thus may cause issues with audio related functions. The fact that this is like the headquarters of the audio system makes it that much more prone to irregularities or lags. The audio driver usually is updated automatically. On the off chance that it isn’t updated automatically, you will have to do it manually.

You will need to go to the manufacturer’s website to get the sound card. This will have to be the exact device and exact version of the software otherwise it will not work. The compatible driver will update in under a few minutes and therefore you will need to the audio driver and check if its happening. If it is not then you will need to force update.  

4. Uninstall then Reinstall

This is the oldest trick in the book. If something isn’t working, turn it off and turn it back on. This is the software equivalent of turning off then on. You have to uninstall your audio driver and then reinstall it. It only works when you’re sure that you have the latest version and it can’t be updated or if you suspect a glitch.

These are the most possible ways of fixing Headphones Not Showing Up in Playback Devices on Windows 10. We hope any one of the above-given solutions will work for you. Please do share your feedback in the comment box below.