Use Headphones & Mic Simultaneously on Windows 11

Configure Sound Settings in Windows 11

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD

Method 1

Overview

Set your headphones to play sound and your mic to record audio in Windows 11 settings.

Method 1 of 5

Next Method

Open Sound Settings

Right-click speaker icon on taskbar → Click Sound settings

Method 1 of 5

Step 1 of 5

Select Output device

Under Output, choose your headphones from dropdown

Method 1 of 5

Step 2 of 5

Select Input device

Under Input, choose your microphone

Method 1 of 5

Step 3 of 5

Test Headphones

Play a YouTube video or audio file

Method 1 of 5

Step 4 of 5

Test Microphone

Speak and watch the input level in Settings → Sound

Tip: Unplug the headset, restart PC, then plug back in to reinitialize the audio driver

Method 1 of 5

Step 5 of 5

Use a Headset Splitter (For Single-Jack Headsets)

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD

Method 2

Overview

Single-jack headsets (TRRS) combine audio and mic signals, but most desktop PCs require separate ports (TRS). A splitter divides the signals.

Method 2 of 5

Next Method

Buy Splitter

Buy a TRRS to Dual TRS Splitter (e.g., UGREEN or Sabrent)

Method 2 of 5

Step 1 of 3

Connect your headset

Insert the TRRS end of the headset into the splitter

Method 2 of 5

Step 2 of 3

Connect to PC

Green plug → PC audio-out

Pink plug → Mic-in

Caution: Ensure your headset uses the standard TRRS pinout (CTIA for most Android/iOS headsets)

Method 2 of 5

Step 3 of 3

Adjust Bluetooth Headset Settings

1 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD

Method 3

Overview

Bluetooth headsets have two modes:

🎧 Stereo / Hi-Fi

High-quality audio (mic disabled)
🎤 Hands-Free AG Audio / HSP

Lower audio quality (mic enabled)

Method 3 of 5

Next Method

Pair Bluetooth Headset

Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices and pair your headset

Select Output mode: Choose Hands-Free AG Audio under Output

Set Input device: Confirm same device is selected under Input

Method 3 of 5

Step 1 of 1

Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD

Method 4

Overview

Let Windows automatically find and fix mic or headphone issues with its built-in troubleshooter.

Method 4 of 5

Next Method

Open Troubleshooters

Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other trouble-shooters

Method 4 of 5

Step 1 of 3

Run Recording Audio

Click Run next to Recording Audio

Method 4 of 5

Step 2 of 3

Run Playing Audio

Do this if headphone issues persist

Method 4 of 5

Step 3 of 3

Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD

Method 5

Overview

Fix sound problems by updating or reinstalling your audio drivers (like giving your PC new "instructions" to handle sound properly).

Method 5 of 5

Update Driver

Press Win + X → Click Device Manager

Method 5 of 5

Step 1 of 4

Check Driver

Expand Sound, video and game controllers

Method 5 of 5

Step 2 of 4

Step 3

Update Driver

Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek) → Click Update driver → Choose Search automatically

Method 5 of 5

Step 3 of 4

Reinstall (if needed)

Right-click → Uninstall device → Restart PC

Manual Option: Download latest audio drivers from your PC or motherboard maker’s site (e.g., HP, ASUS, Lenovo)

Caution: Avoid generic Windows drivers—use OEM-provided WHQL-certified drivers for best performance

Method 5 of 5

Step 4 of 4

Quick Tips

Disable ghost devices: In Sound settings, disable unused outputs like HDMI audio or inactive Bluetooth devices—they can “steal” audio priority from your headset or mic.

Close conflicting apps: Before running the Windows audio troubleshooter, close apps like Chrome, Discord, or Zoom—they may lock the mic and prevent troubleshooting.