Computer Won't Use Headphone Mic

My computer won't use the mic on my headphones. When I connect my headphones to my computer a window pops up asking what device is plugged in. I click "Headphones" and continue with my work. When the time comes and I need to use my mic, my computer uses its internal mic instead of the external headphone mic. If I click on settings and change the mic to external, the other side of the call can't hear me at all. I tested my headphones on another computer to see if the headphones are the problem, but the mic on the headphones worked perfectly. By the way, my Windows Version number is Version 1909 (OS Build 18363.1316). Please help me fix my computer. Thanks!

Are you using a wired or wireless connection?

If you are using Bluetooth you will find there is a gotcha when using a headset with a microphone. With Bluetooth 4.x there is not enough bandwidth for both the headset's stereo speakers and the microphone at the same time. If the headset's speakers are used in mono mode then the microphone will work. Here is the information from my computer:
I I left-click on speaker icon on taskbar tray I see my options for the speakers:

• Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio) = Laptops built-in speakers
• Headphones (Arctis 3 Bluetooth Stereo) = Headphones stereo mode
• Headphones (Arctis 3 Bluetooth Hands-Free AG Audio) = Headphones mono mode

I found out that if I select "Headphones (Arctis 3 Bluetooth Hands-Free AG Audio)" the headset microphone will work.


However, I found that next time the computer might choose "Headphones (Arctis 3 Bluetooth Stereo)". Then the headset speakers will work but the the headset microphone will not work.

To ensure that the right selection is always done automatically I have to go further and set the default to "Headphones (Arctis 3 Bluetooth Hands-Free AG Audio)".
Note I can always override this at any time. To do this...
I right-click on speaker icon on taskbar tray and left-click on Sounds


The first tab Playback is for the speakers

• Headset = Headphones mono mode
• Headphones = Headphones stereo mode
• Speakers = Laptops built-in speakers

The second tab Recording is for the microphone

• Headset = Headset's microphone
• Microphone Array = Laptop's built-in microphone
• Stereo Mix = N/A

To ensure that both the headset speakers and microphone work at the same time I set the default playback to Headset. This will put the headset in mono mode and allow the microphone to work. Note that if I disconnect the headset the computer will automatically revert back to using the built-in speakers and microphone.

I have wired headphones. I right-clicked on the sound icon in my taskbar and the option "Sound" didn't show up. I posted a screenshot below.

You have to set it to headset, not headphone.

956548 said:

I have wired headphones. I right-clicked on the sound icon in my taskbar and the option "Sound" didn't show up. I posted a screenshot below.

Make sure both input and output are Headset.

Guys, I have another huge problem. I can't change the settings from headphones to headset. When I plug in my headset it usually says "Which device is plugged in?" and I accidentally ticked the box where it says "Don't show this again". Then I clicked "Ok" since I was in a hurry. Is there another method to change the settings from headphones to headset?

Run Realtek HD Manager or Realtek Audio Console app.

Do I have to download Realtek HD Manager? I also have another audio driver other than Conexant SmartAudio HD called High Definition. But when I use High Definition my Internal nor External mics work.

If you have Conexant audio chip, then use whatever Conexant audio control panel provides.

sandyt said:

If you have Conexant audio chip, then use whatever Conexant audio control panel provides.

That's not the problem. I can't access the pop-up dialogue that says "Which device did you plug in?". I wan to change the headphones to headset.