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When you connect a headset to your PC, you’ll first need to set it up correctly. We’ll show you how to configure the recording and playback quality for the best possible results.
Select your headset as the default recording device
If your computer or laptop has a built-in microphone, this is usually selected as the default recording device. To activate your headset, you’ll need to change this setting:
- Right-click on the volume icon in your taskbar. You’ll find it at the bottom right, next to the date and time.
- Then, in the pop-up window, select ‘Recording devices’.
- Look for the name of your headset in the list. On notebooks and laptops, there is usually already an entry labelled ‘Microphone’, which refers to the built-in microphone. Select your headset and click ‘Set as default’. Then close the window by clicking ‘OK’.
Set your headset as the playback device
Computers usually recognise external audio devices such as headsets and speakers automatically. If your PC is still playing sound through other speakers, you’ll need to set your headset as the playback device.
- To do this, right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar again.
- Now select ‘Playback devices’.
- Find your headset in the list and set it as the default using the “Set as default” button.
Skype sound isn’t coming through the headset – how to select your headset for Skype
A common problem is that Skype audio is still being played through a different speaker. You can fix this in Skype’s settings:
- Open Skype and click on ‘Options’ under ‘Actions’ in the menu.
- Go to the audio settings and select your headset under ‘Speakers’ as well.
