Connect a Headset to PC

This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a wired or Bluetooth headset to your computer and use it for both audio output and input. Headsets are often used for gaming or other online communication.

Steps

Connecting via Wires

  1. Check your headset's connections. Depending on the type of headset you have, you will see one or more of the following wires:
    • 3.5 mm audio out - This is the standard audio-out plug-in that you see on headphones and speaker systems. 3.5 mm connectors plug into headphone ports, and are usually green in color. Typically, 3.5 mm audio-out ports also support audio-in (e.g., microphones).
    • 3.5 mm microphone - Some headsets have a separate 3.5 mm jack for audio input as well. These are usually pink.
    • USB - USB connectors are flat and rectangular. These plug into USB ports on your computer.
  2. Locate your computer's audio inputs. Laptop PCs typically have the 3.5 mm audio-out port on the left, right, or front side of the housing, while desktop PCs may have these ports on the front or back of the CPU box. Microphone ports are usually pink, while headphone ports are usually green.
    • On laptops that don't have color-coded ports, the audio-in port will have an image of headphones next to it and the microphone input will have an image of a microphone next to it.
    • USB port locations vary from computer to computer, but you'll normally find them near the audio ports.
  3. Plug your headset into your computer. Plug the headset's cables into the appropriate locations on your computer.
  4. Plug your headset into a power source if necessary. Some headsets require external power sources, though most will be powered via USB if this is the case. If you need to attach your headset to an external power source (e.g., a wall socket), do so. Once this is done, your headset is ready to be set up in Windows settings.

Connecting via Bluetooth

  1. Turn on your headset. Press the headset's power button to turn it on. If the headset isn't fully charged, you might also want to connect it to its charger to ensure that it stays on during the connection process.
  2. Open your computer's Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. The Start window will appear.
  3. Open Settings . Click the gear-shaped icon in the lower-left side of the Start window.
  4. Click . It's a computer monitor-shaped icon in the middle of the Settings page.
  5. Click . This tab is in the upper-left side of the Devices page.
  6. Click the Bluetooth switch if Bluetooth isn't on. It's below the "Bluetooth" heading near the top of the page. Doing so will switch Bluetooth to On.
    • If the Bluetooth switch is blue (or your computer's default color), Bluetooth is already on.
  7. Click . It's at the top of the page. Doing so opens the Bluetooth menu.
  8. Click . You'll find this at the top of the Bluetooth menu.
  9. Press your headset's pairing button. This button's location will vary depending on your headset model. Most pairing buttons have a Bluetooth icon next to them or on them.
    • Consult your headset's manual if you can't find the pairing button.
  10. Click your headset's name. It should appear in the Bluetooth menu within a few seconds. The headset's name will likely be a combination of the manufacturer's name and the headset's model number.
    • If the headset doesn't appear in the Bluetooth menu, turn the Bluetooth off, press the pairing button on your headset, and then turn Bluetooth back on.
  11. Click . It's below the headset's name. Clicking this should prompt your headset to connect to your computer at this point. After this is done, your headset is ready to be set up in Windows settings.

Changing Windows Sound Settings

  1. Open . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. The Start menu will open.
  2. Type sound into Start. Doing so will search your computer for the Sound settings app.
  3. Click . It's a speaker-shaped icon at the top of the Start window.
  4. Click your headset's name. You'll find it in the middle of the window.
  5. Click . It's in the lower-right side of the window. Doing so sets your headset as the default sound output item to use when it is connected.
  6. Click the tab. This is at the top of the Sound window.
  7. Click your headset's name. It's in the middle of the window.
  8. Click . This sets your headset as the default sound input item (e.g., microphone) when it is connected to your PC.
  9. Click , then click . Doing so saves your settings. You're now ready to begin using your headset with your computer.



Tips

  • Your headset will most likely allow for audio output and input without changing any Windows settings, but it's good to confirm this by reviewing the Windows sound settings anyway.

Warnings

  • Some headsets may have an extra cable or need an installation CD in order to work. For best results, always consult your headset's manual before attempting to connect it to your computer.
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