Latest Windows Update removed headset from sound Playback list

Ethan Unken · 19 Sep 2019

I put off installing some update for a little while, and when I did today, I noticed that I couldn't switch from my headset to my speakers in the Playback tab of the Sound box. I used to do this constantly, it was easy and seamless. My headset still do work, and in fact, when they are plugged in I literally cannot switch to my speakers, as the computer claims that the speakers are the currently selected playback device. But the sound is playing through my headset.

A temporary solution to my problem is simply unplugging my headset. When they are unplugged, the computer switches back to the speakers, when they are plugged in the computer switches back to the headset.

Why did this update have to mess this up? xD Everything was just fine before, it seems like a situation of fixing something that wasn't broken, resulting in breaking it.

Additionally, now it's a chore to access the Sound box in order to look at the playback, recording, sounds, and communications tabs as right clicking the sound icon in Windows doesn't give me an instant option to it. Kinda reminds me of how you can't easily get to the Status box for your wifi....... Very disappointing how the windows update had created more unnecessary problems.

Realtek Audio drivers, windows 10 OS.

Please feel free to ask if I need to supply more information. Additionally, I'd love

dalchina · 20 Sep 2019

Additionally, now it's a chore to access the Sound box in order to look at the playback, recording, sounds, and communications tabs as right clicking the sound icon in Windows doesn't give me an instant option to it.

Welcome to tenforums.
Agreed, this change by MS has been noted elsewhere.
Further, win key + s, sound does not find it, nor does playback.

Suggestions:
a. Use Open Shell Start menu (free). Searching for Sound finds it easily.
b. Use 3rd party utility Volume2 - (e.g lets you control volume by scrolling when hovering over taskbar + mute with middle button and more). Free, well thought out.

Rt click the tray icon, option Playback Devices opens the Sound dialogue.
c. Create your own shortcut - and put it in the Start Menu
See
CLSID Key (GUID) Shortcuts List for Windows 10

explorer /e,::{F2DDFC82-8F12-4CDD-B7DC-D4FE1425AA4D}
or
explorer shell:::{F2DDFC82-8F12-4CDD-B7DC-D4FE1425AA4D}

Berton · 20 Sep 2019

I also don't see Headset/Headphone as a choice in Sound but then most of my computers, both Desktop and Notebook, have only the usual single Speakers Out port on them. The Headset does cut out the speakers when plugged in but still don't show as an item. I'd think it may depend upon having dedicated ports to the headset or maybe a headphone/microphone set.

dalchina · 20 Sep 2019

Why did this update have to mess this up?

Perhaps you could specify to which update you are referring... a driver update? a Windows update? a Windows feature update (upgrade)...?