This article shows you how to connect a pair of headphones to a computer via a cable or a Bluetooth connection and use them as a device for listening and capturing an audio signal. Users mainly use headphones for online gaming or video calls, as they allow you to hear the audio being played by the system and often have a built-in microphone.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wired Connection
Step 1. Check the connecting cables that your headphones are equipped with
Depending on the type of device you have, you may have at least one of the following:
- 3.5mm jack for audio signal - this is the standard audio connection cable fitted to all headphones and public address systems of this type. This connector connects to the computer's 3.5mm audio port for headphones. It is normally characterized by the green color. In some cases this port also supports the acquisition of an incoming audio signal, for example via a microphone.
- 3.5mm jack for the microphone - some models of headphones come with a second 3.5mm audio cable reserved for the microphone. It is normally characterized by a pink color and must be connected to the computer port intended for connecting a microphone.
- USB connector - the connectors have a tapered rectangular section and can be connected to any free USB port on the computer.
Step 2. Locate the computer's audio input and output ports
Generally laptops are equipped with a 3.5 mm jack for connecting headphones located on the left, right or front of the case. Desktop systems, on the other hand, place the audio ports on the back or front of the case. The audio port reserved for the microphone is generally characterized by a pink color, while the one reserved for the headphones is green.
- Laptops that do not use color coding to distinguish audio ports most likely use small headphone and microphone icons for line-out and line-in respectively.
- The USB ports are located in different places that vary from computer to computer, but are normally placed near those reserved for the audio compartment.
Step 3. Connect the headphones to the computer
Insert the 3.5mm jack into the correct audio port on your computer.
Step 4. If your headphones need to be powered to work properly, connect them to the mains via their power supply as well
Most headphones that use a USB connection are powered directly from the computer port. If this is the case, immediately connect the headphones to the mains. Once the wiring is complete, you'll be ready to set up Windows to use the headphones as an audio playback and recording device.
Part 2 of 3: Bluetooth connection
Step 1. Turn on the headset by pressing its power button
If your device's batteries are not fully charged, plug the headphones into the charger to make sure they don't turn off during the connection process.
Step 2. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located at the bottom left of the desktop.
Step 3. Open the "Settings" window by clicking the icon
It features a gear and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu.
Step 4. Click the Devices icon
It features a small computer monitor and is located in the center of the "Settings" page.
Step 5. Access the Bluetooth and other devices tab
It is located in the upper left of the "Devices" window.
Step 6. Turn on the Bluetooth slider
by moving it to the right (only if it is not already active).
It is located within the "Bluetooth" section located at the top of the page. This will make the cursor look like this:
If the Bluetooth slider is already blue (or the system default color), it means that the Bluetooth connection is already active
Step 7. Click the link + Add Bluetooth or other device
It is located at the top of the page. The "Add a Device" pop-up window will appear.
Step 8. Choose the Bluetooth option
It should be the first menu item that appears.
Step 9. Now press the headset button to enter pairing mode
The precise location of this button varies according to the make and model of headphones you are using. In most cases, the pairing button is characterized by the Bluetooth connection symbol
Consult the instruction manual of the headphones to understand precisely where the button for pairing is located
Step 10. Select the name of the headphones
It should appear inside the "Add a Device" window as soon as your computer has detected the Bluetooth device. The name by which the headphones will be identified will likely consist of a combination of the manufacturer name and the model of the device.
If the headset is not detected by the computer, try turning off the computer's Bluetooth connectivity, press the headset's pairing button again, and then turn the system's Bluetooth connection back on
Step 11. Press the Connect button
It is located under the name of the headphones. This way the headphones should connect to the computer. At this point, you're ready to set up Windows to use the headphones as an audio playback and recording device.
Part 3 of 3: Change Windows Audio Settings
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located at the bottom left of the desktop.
Step 2. Type the audio keyword into the "Start" menu
This will search for the "Audio" application within your computer.
Step 3. Click the Audio icon
It features a loudspeaker and is located at the top of the result list that appears.
Step 4. Select the name of the headphones you just connected to your computer
It should be displayed within the central pane of the window.
Step 5. Press the Default button
It is located in the lower right corner of the window. This will set up the headphones as the default audio device for playing sounds whenever they are connected to your computer.
Step 6. Go to the Registration tab
It is located at the top of the "Audio" window.
Step 7. Select the name of the headphones you just connected to your computer
It should appear within the central window pane.
Step 8. Press the Default button
It is located in the lower right corner of the window. In this way the headphones will be configured as the default audio device for recording sounds, in other words they will be used as a microphone every time they are connected to the computer.
Step 9. Press the Apply buttons successively And OK.
The configuration changes will be saved and applied. You are now ready to use your new headphones to listen to music, play online or chat with friends while on your computer.
