PC Not Recognizing a USB Headset

So you plugged your headset into your computer and then nothing happens. No alert on your computer, and no sound going into the headset. What causes this and how do we fix it?

Troubleshooting the computer directly

• Minimize the remote desktop and change the settings in the normal desktop (instructions for this below)
• Head to the sound settings by right-clicking the speaker in the bottom right corner of your computer and select "open sound settings"
• Check to see if it is listed in the output and input drop-down menus. If not, move on to the next step
• Try unplugging the USB and plugging it back into the same port. If that doesn't do the trick, unplug it again and try another available port
• If the headset USB cord is connected to a hub or docking station, try moving it directly into the computer if possible
  • If not possible, try unplugging the docking station from the computer, then turning it off. Either with the on/off button
• If still having issues, reboot your computer
• The problem still persisting? Try another USB cord, if available
• Lastly, try to plug it into another PC and see if anything starts happening in the computer

It could be your VPN

Recently, many people started working from home which means they are using a VPN (virtual private network), and sometimes this can affect the way a computer recognizes a headset.

When this happens, you won't be able to change the settings while in the remote desktop.

If you run into USB no sound issues or issue with PC not recognizing the device try the following (applies to MAC/Windows):

First, if you are in a remote desktop, minimize it so you can see your normal desktop

Windows: If you don't know, right click on the speaker in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "open sound settings". If you see “remote audio” under playback or “no audio devices installed” in Output and Input, then we know you are in your remote desktop.

Mac: For MAC it may say “no input devices installed”

1. Once you are out of remote desktop check your sound settings. Playback and recording for windows and input and output for Mac.

2. If you are not using a VPN make sure USB cord is plugged in all the way

3. Try moving USB ports (if going through a hub try connecting directly to PC)

4. If you have a spare USB cord, lets grab that

5. Still not working? Try plugging the headset into a different computer. If still bad, give us a call!

If all this fails, then you likely will need something replaced. Go ahead and give us a call to see what we can do for you!