This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a wired (standard) or Bluetooth headset to a computer and use it as an audio output and input. Usually the headset is used for games or online communication.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Connecting the Headset Via Cable
Step 1. Check the device connection
You may see one or more of the following cables, depending on the type of headset you have:
- 3.5 mm. audio output – This cable is the standard audio output cable that you usually see on headphones or speaker systems. The 3.5 millimeter connector on the cable must be inserted into the headphone port and is usually green. Generally, the 3.5 mm audio-out port also supports audio input (eg microphone).
- Microphone 3.5 mm – Some headsets have a separate 3.5 mm connector or jack for audio input. Usually, this connector is pink.
- USB – The USB connector is rectangular and flat. You need to insert it into the computer's USB port.
Step 2. Locate the computer's audio input port
Laptops usually have a 3.5 mm audio output port on the left, right, or front of the body. Meanwhile, desktop computers have these ports on the front or back of the CPU case. The microphone port is usually pink, while the headphone port is green.
- On laptops that don't have a colored port, the audio input port is indicated by a headphone image next to it, while the microphone input port has a microphone icon next to it.
- The location of the USB ports varies from computer to computer, but you can usually find them near the audio ports.
Step 3. Connect the headset to the computer
Connect the headset cable to the appropriate port or location on the computer.
Step 4. Connect the headset to a power source if necessary
Some types of headsets require an external power source, although most get their power via USB. Connect the device to an external power source (eg a wall outlet) if needed. Once done, the headset is ready to be set up via Windows settings.
Part 2 of 3: Connecting the Headset Via Bluetooth
Step 1. Turn on the headset
Press the headset's power button to turn it on. If the device has not been fully charged, it is a good idea to connect it to a charger to ensure that the device remains on during the connection process.
Step 2. Open the “Start” menu
on the computer.
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen. The “Start” window will appear immediately.
Step 3. Open “Settings”
Click the gear icon in the lower-left corner of the “Start” window.
Step 4. Click Devices
This computer monitor icon is in the middle of the “Settings” page.
Step 5. Click Bluetooth & other devices
It's in the top-left corner of the "Devices" page.
Step 6. Click the “Bluetooth” switch
if Bluetooth on the computer has not been activated.
This switch is under the " Bluetooth " heading that appears at the top of the page. Once clicked, the toggle button will shift to the active position or "On"
If the switch is already blue (or your computer's primary color), Bluetooth is already enabled on the device
Step 7. Click Add Bluetooth or other device
It's at the top of the page. The “Bluetooth” menu will be opened after that.
Step 8. Click Bluetooth
It's at the top of the “Bluetooth” menu.
Step 9. Press the pairing button on the headset
The position of this button differs based on the model of the headset used. Usually, this button has a Bluetooth icon
beside or in it.
Check your device's manual if you can't find the pairing button
Step 10. Click the headset name
The device name will be displayed in the “Bluetooth” menu in a few seconds. This name is usually a combination of the manufacturer/manufacturer name and the device model number.
If the name doesn't appear in the menu, turn off Bluetooth, press the pairing button on the headset, and turn the computer's Bluetooth back on
Step 11. Click Pair
This button is below the device name. Once clicked, the headset will connect to the computer. Now, the headset is ready to be set up via Windows settings.
Part 3 of 3: Changing Windows Sound Settings
Step 1. Open the menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen. The “Start” menu will open after that.
Step 2. Type sound into the “Start” menu
The computer will search for a sound management program (“Sound”).
Step 3. Click Sound
It's the speaker icon at the top of the "Start" window.
Step 4. Click the headset name
You'll find it in the middle of the window.
Step 5. Click Set Default
It's in the lower-right corner of the window. Now your headset is set as the primary sound output device to be used when connected to the computer.
Step 6. Click the Recording tab
This tab is at the top of the “Sound” window.
Step 7. Click the device name
The name appears in the center of the window.
Step 8. Click Set Default
The headset will be set as the primary sound input device (eg microphone) when connected to the computer.
Step 9. Click Apply, then select OK.
Settings will be saved. Now you are ready to use the headset on your computer.
