Headphones with mic, mic doesn't show up anymore

GuyInDogSuit · 20 Jun 2019

I don't know why, but my microphone in my headset is no longer detected by Windows. I can't seem to figure out what caused this, but I can say with certainty that nothing major was changed or installed before this happened, other than Defender updates. I've checked all the audio settings, privacy options, etc, and nothing seems to be working. It doesn't even list the headset in the sound and recording devices settings, but it does show the Bluetooth version (it's usable with Bluetooth and a wired 3.5 mm jack connection). I've also tried different ports (I usually plug it into my main speaker), top, back, etc. None seem to pick it up anymore. If I plug it into a microphone jack, it shows up, but it doesn't detect sound at all.

Pls help me · 26 Jun 2019

Hey, I am having the exact same issue. Unfortunately the fix is rather difficult and as far as I know not permanent. The problem was the realtek audio drivers Windows automatically updated to June 15, and for whatever reason it is extremely hard to get it to properly role back. The last driver version I tested that worked was released in January, but unfortunately, because Windows, as of yesterday night, automatically installs the May version instead of the January version, it is impossible to role back.

Note, when I say role back, I mean completely wiping any trace of the realtek driver off your pc before rebooting it. Unfortunately I had tried a regular roleback before taking more desperate measures, but for whatever reason it still didn't work.

May I ask what headset model you are using? And yes, I know this issue is so annoying. I have a $70 pair of headphones and almost bought a new pair thinking it was busted.

GuyInDogSuit · 29 Jun 2019

I was using a Bluedio Turbine Bluetooth headset. As mentioned, I could get it working via Bluetooth, but they could barely hear me, and it caused lag issues. With the word connection, the mic no longer functioned. So I figured it was a driver issue, but I was not willing to spend hours, possibly even having to reinstall Windows, just to get them working again, so I bought a dedicated gaming headset, which came with a splitter for headphone output and microphone input, as well as a USB plug to power the blue lights on the headset. It's pretty nice. I can link the Amazon page if you'd like. Technically my problem is solved, but yours isn't.

The best advice I can suggest is to disable driver updates via Windows Update, then download the drivers, uninstall your Realtek driver and remove all traces of it, them install the old one you prefer. Rollback isn't always reliable.