Why does the sound come out through the speakers even when my earphones are plugged in ?

By on 10 September 2016

Most sound cards only have one audio output. If you have a headset with two round plugs, you must therefore disconnect the speakers and replace them by the green wire of your headset (earphone plug). If you have a USB type headset, you do not have to disconnect the speakers.

For headsets with two plugs on Windows, if you hear through your speakers despite everything being connected, you have to manually select your headset as the device to use in the “Playback” section of your control panel.

With headsets with a USB input, first, try disconnecting your headset, wait a few seconds and then reconnect it in another USB input if possible. Most USB headsets are selected automatically when they are connected, but sometimes they may have to be selected manually in the computer’s control panel.

Here are the steps to follow if that is the case:

Windows 10 :

  • Click on the “Start” menu
  • Select “Settings”
  • Click in the “Search” field
  • Enter “Control Panel”
  • Click on “Sound”. If that option is unavailable, make sure the display is in small or large icons (on the top, to the right of the control panel).
  • In the “Playback” tab, make sure your headset is selected as the default device. For it to be selected, click on the device in the list and then on “By default”.

Windows 8:

  • Click on the top right-hand corner of your screen
  • Click on “Search”
  • Type “Control Panel”
  • Click on “Sound”. If that option is unavailable, make sure the display is in small or large icons (on the top, to the right of the control panel).
  • In the “Playback” tab, make sure your headset is selected as the default device. For it to be selected, click on the device in the list and then on “By default”.

Windows Vista and 7:

  • Click on the “Start” menu
  • Click on “Control Panel”
  • Click on “Sound”. If that option is unavailable, make sure the display is in small or large icons (on the top, to the right of the control panel).
  • In the “Playback” tab, make sure your headset is selected as the default device. For it to be selected, click on the device in the list and then on “By default”.

Windows XP:

  • Click on the “Start” menu
  • Select “Settings”
  • Click on “Control Panel”
  • Click on “Sound and audio devices”. If that option is unavailable, click on “Classic display” in the top left-hand corner of the control panel.
  • In the “Audio” tab, in the “Playback” section, make sure your headset is indeed selected in the scroll-down menu.

MacOs:

  • Click on the “Apple” menu
  • Click on “System preferences”
  • Click on “Sound”. In the “Output” tab, select your highlighted headset and adjust the volume level. Also, make sure the “Silence” box is not checked.

Note that you may have to exit and re-access your virtual meeting for the new settings to be applied.”