Once you plug in your headset to your PC, you’ll remember it for a long time. It’s easy and simple. I’ll tell you how to do it.
The process of connecting the headset itself consists of 2 steps. The first step is the physical connection. The second step is the software detection of the headset by your computer.
Headset connectors
If we’re talking about a wired headset, there are 3 basic types of connection: 3.5mm headphone connection, USB connection ( compatible with 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0) and Type-C. Depending on the type of connection, the headset will be plugged into the corresponding port on the PC.
Important: Before you buy a headset, check what free ports you have on your PC/laptop to choose a device with the right connector. However, if for some reason you have a headset (say, you were given it as a gift or you bought it with the wrong connection), you don’t have to worry too much either. You can buy an adapter that connects the connectors of the headset (adapter’s input) and the output will be a connector that fits the PC (adapter’s output).
PC’s ports for the headset connector
So, where to plug in headset on PC?
Next, find the corresponding port (slot), suitable for the headset connector. Here it is important to note that if for USB b Type-C connection any suitable working port on the PC case will do, then for 3.5mm there is a nuance. If the 3.5mm connection combines both headphones and microphone, there must also be a compatible 3.5mm port on the computer. If it is a split connection, then you must plug it STRICTLY into the corresponding ports (for audio into the audio port and for microphone into the microphone port). Such ports have a visual clue (see picture 1):
Plug&Play
In most cases, if you plug in the headset to a switched on PC, the system will recognize the new dev automatically. You can check this by opening a video and listening to it through the headphones. If this does not happen, you don’t need to worry. Most likely a different headset/headphone is the default. Right-click on the sound icon (usually in the bottom right corner of the screen) and select the headset you want in the settings. Save it and check if it works.
What about wireless headset?
Usually a wireless headset has a USB component that plugs into the USB port to make a Bluetooth connection to the headset. If the headset is not automatically recognized, follow the steps above. The procedure is the same.
