Fix “No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged In” Error

Theo Lucia

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

The music of our favorite band, "The Beatles," and audio notes from our loved ones are pretty much the two things keeping us sane from the ongoing pandemic. Any type of error related to headphones and speakers might put a toll on our mental health. Don’t you agree?

Fortunately, the article under study reviews this error by providing probable causes of its occurrence and brings away solid methods to deal with it. By following the procedure carefully, the user sure has a better chance at getting rid of it once and for all. Let us do this!

Part 1: Causes of Speakers or Headphones Plugged in Error

It is easy to know the problem and its consequences on our life but complicated to understand the causes of the error. The knowledge of possible causes of the error paves the way for solving it effectively.

As Windows 10 is a complex operating system, multiple problems can occur. The speakers or headphones jack may not identify the headphones and stop working.  The section covers the basic reasons for the "No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in" error. Let us have a look at them, shall we?

Outdated Drivers

The sound and audio drivers are what allows the easy operation of the sound system with Windows. If they are outdated, the error occurs and prevents your usage of headphones. The headphone jack also ceases to identify the headphones due to the same reason.

System Issues

In most cases, the system is having errors and issues of its own. There might be no apparent cause to it, but they do put a strain on the normal functioning of headphones or headphones jack. The speakers may also stop working due to system issues.

Software Error

The software error is another cause of occurrence of this error. If you have installed software in your system and it has been successful in interfering with your headphones and headphone jack, you might want to remove the application.

Physical Damage

It is also possible that your headphone or headphone jack has undergone physical damage. If they are not working properly and displaying a "No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in" error, it is the impairment of your headphone or speakers.

Part 2: Easiest Methods to Resolve the Speakers or Headphones Plugged in Error

The comprehension and adequate know-how of the occurrence of an error are important for a number of reasons. For starters, you understand the origin of the fault, employ solutions to cease it, and then work on tips to kill the error from its roots.

Now that you know what the background causes of the "No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in" error, let us dive right into the workable solutions.

Method 1: Re-enabling the Sound Card

This heading shall bring Method 1 to help you with your “No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged In” error. Re-enabling the sound card of your system is pretty much a solid and viable way to get rid of this problem and forget it as it never occurred.

To enable the sound card, just follow the guidelines below vividly and move on with your lives.

1. Go to the “Search” and type away “Device Manager” in the bar. Click on “Device Manager” from there.

2. Scroll down to navigate to “Sound, video and game controllers” and expand it. Now, the user is supposed to right-click on their sound card and then tap "Disable Device."

3. Now, restart your computer and navigate back to the Device Manager.
4. Enable your sound card from there. If you hear a sound, your problem is solved.

Method 2: Disabling the Front Panel Jack Detection

Allow me to introduce you to solution 2 of the lot. This method is sure to get you out of this fix once and for all. The practice revolves around disabling front panel jack detection. According to this fix, the audio system comes back to its operation, and the "No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in" error is safely taken care of.

If you are unaware of the process, just have a look at the procedure below:

1. Go to the “Search” and type away “realtek hd audio manager" in the panel. From there, select "Realtek Audio HD Manager.”
2. The Realtek Audio HD Manager pops up. Navigate to the “Speakers” tab. There will be “Device Advanced Settings” on the right side of the window. Tap on the folder beneath it.
3. From the dialogue box that appears, tap on “Disabling the Front Panel Jack Detection.”

Method 3: Restarting the Windows Audio Service

The third solution to the burning problem of the day is introduced as “Method 3.” As the title suggests, restarting the Windows Audio Service works like a charm in handling the "No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in" error. If you do not know how to do so, just follow the procedure given below carefully.

1. The first and foremost step is to type "Services" in the search bar. Click on "Services" afterward.

2. Scroll down to navigate to “Windows Audio Service.” Have a look to see if the service is enabled.
3. If it is not enabled, right-click on it, and hit "Start." If it is enabled, right-click, and then tap on "Restart."

4. Wait a couple of minutes until the process is finished. Restart the system and check if the audio system is restored in its working condition.

Method 4: Performing an SFC Scan

The next solution of the lot is an easy and fast step to steer clear of this error. If your system shows a "No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in" error, do not lose your patience as we are here at your service. Just perform a quick SFC Scan, and you will forget if this error even occurred in the first place. If you do not know how to perform an SFC Scan, allow us to walk you through it step by step.

1. For starters, run the Command Prompt. It is done by typing "cmd" in the search bar. After that, right-click on "Command Prompt," and from the dialogue box that appears, tap on "Run as Administrator."

2. After the Command Prompt is initiated, type “sfc/scannow.” Press “Enter.”

3. Wait till the process is concluded. After that, restart your system, and check if the problem has been resolved.

Method 5: Performing a System Restore

The last method is here at your disposal. If no method up till now has done the magic for you, performing a system restore might do it. Therefore, forget everything and execute a System Restore for your PC. If you are not sure how to do it, do not worry, as we have got you covered. Follow the steps below carefully to avoid any problems in the future.

1. Go to "Settings" and tap on "Control Panel." From there, hit on "System and Security" and then "System."
2. Under the Control Panel menu, choose “System Protection” and tap on “System Restore.”

3. From there, the user is supposed to pick a restore point. After following the on-screen instructions, initiate the process. The system will be restored to its previous state.

Part 3: Useful Tips to Avoid the Issue

This section shall bring effective and useful tips that will play an important role in throwing away the “No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in” error. Let us not wait any longer and commence this!

• Always keep your audio drivers updated to avoid the origination of this issue.
• It is important to ensure that your system is running free of errors and issues.
• Always restart your system before using it for long hours.
• It is mandatory to keep check and balance on different software errors present on your device. Make sure to remove such applications.
• You might want to keep your headphones in good working condition and free of any physical damage.

Wrapping Up

The article provided a brief discussion of the causes of the occurrence of the "No Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in" error and gave five potential methods to solve it. You can re-enable the sound card, disable the front panel jack detection, restart the windows audio service, and perform a system restore. Follow the tips keenly as well to lose your connection with this error.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I know the reason behind my computer suddenly having no sound?

If your computer suddenly has no sound, it might be due to the following reasons. For instance, the correct device may not be in use by Windows for speaker output. The external speakers may not be powered on, and the audio might be muted.

2. Is there any way to know what soundcard do I have?

If you want to know the soundcard that you have, just tap on “Windows + Pause Key”. A dialogue box appears. Click on “Device Manager” from there and hit the “Sound, video and games controllers.” The list that pops up shows the soundcard that you have.

3. Can I enable sound without speakers?

Yes, you can enable sound without speakers easily. For starters, just right-click on the output devices from your settings. Have a look at the audio output from your external speakers and choose one. As they are connected with HDMI, make sure that all ports are connected correctly.