FAQ
TL;DR: 4 laptops tested; "Since it works in Linux, it is physically functional." This thread shows Win10 failing to route audio to headphones while speakers and Ubuntu work; fixes include cold shutdown and driver refresh. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17597911]
Why it matters: For ASUS K53SV and similar Windows 10 laptops with silent headphones but working speakers, this FAQ helps you separate OS/driver faults from hardware issues.
Quick Facts
- Laptop/OS specs reported: ASUS K53SV • Windows 10 Pro 64‑bit • BIOS 04.06.03 • DirectX 12. [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17596855]
- Ports: separate 3.5 mm headphone (green) and mic (red); headset used: Razer Kraken Pro (dual plug). [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17597033]
- Cross‑OS test: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS plays audio in headphones, indicating hardware OK and a Windows‑layer fault. [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17596887]
- Already tried by OP: driver reinstall, BIOS jack enable, Realtek panel, services, Device Manager, troubleshooter, System Restore. [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17596855]
- Observed fix: full power‑off overnight restored headphone audio on reboot (driver state likely reset). [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17597056]
Why are my headphones silent but laptop speakers work on Windows 10?
Windows may not switch audio to the headphone endpoint, or the audio driver stuck. The same laptop played audio on Linux, proving hardware is fine. As one helper noted, "Since it works in Linux, it is physically functional." Reset or reinstall the audio driver and verify jack detection. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17597911]
How can I tell if Windows detects the headphone jack insertion?
Look for a popup like “the socket has been plugged in/disconnected” on Asus or Samsung. Even an inserted extension plug can trigger the detect message. If nothing appears, some OEMs auto‑switch outputs without prompts. Test by inserting and removing the plug while watching for messages. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17597911]
What simple fix restored audio for the OP?
A full cold shutdown cleared the issue. Try this:
- Shut down Windows completely (Power > Shut down).
- Leave the laptop powered off for an extended period (overnight worked here).
- Boot and test headphones again.
This reset restored headphone audio for the OP. [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17597056]
What quick checks should I do before reinstalling drivers?
Confirm the correct output device is selected in sound settings. Ensure no hardware mute key or physical volume control is engaged. In Chrome, unmute the specific page or site if muted. If supported, switch the port role to headphones in the audio panel and retest. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17596984]
Is reinstalling the audio driver worth trying, and how?
Yes. Users reported uninstalling and reinstalling audio drivers to chase this fault. Do a clean uninstall, reboot, then install a fresh, compatible audio driver package. Repeat if needed until the device enumerates correctly and the jack switches outputs as expected. [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17598892]
Does the ASUS K53SV have separate jacks, and does headset wiring matter?
Yes. It has separate 3.5 mm jacks: green for headphones and red for microphone. The Razer Kraken Pro with dual plugs fits this layout. Make sure each plug goes to its matching jack, then select the correct output in Windows. [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17597033]
Could the jack be physically damaged even if speakers work?
Less likely here. The same hardware played audio under Linux, which indicates the jack and codec are healthy. Focus on Windows configuration and drivers first. If Linux also failed, then suspect a mechanical jack or board fault. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17597911]
How do I switch output between speakers and headphones in Windows/Realtek?
Open the speaker icon, enter sound settings, and choose the correct output device. You can also set defaults for playback and communications roles. Some drivers prompt for what you connected; others do not support manual switching. Adjust, apply, and test. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17597028]
Could Chrome or app‑level mute be causing no sound?
Yes. Chrome can mute audio on a specific page or site. Unmute the tab or site from the browser controls, then test again. Also verify you selected the intended output device in Windows after unmuting the app. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17596984]
Do different laptop brands handle jack detection differently?
Yes. Across four laptops tested (two Asus, plus HP and Toshiba), behaviors varied. Asus and Samsung showed popups on insertion, while HP and Toshiba auto‑switched silently. This can make troubleshooting appear inconsistent across machines. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17597911]
Why does my laptop never ask what I plugged into the jack?
Some sockets only support one function, so the driver never asks. Other laptops expose multiple modes or outputs and will prompt. Lack of a prompt alone does not prove a fault if switching still occurs. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17597053]
Should I reinstall Windows to fix this?
Consider it only after driver resets and settings checks fail. A clean Windows install with the latest audio drivers was suggested as a stronger reset path. Back up your data first, then test the jack immediately after setup. [Elektroda, fifcio13-13, post #17596874]
What BIOS or services settings matter for audio on this laptop?
Ensure onboard audio and jacks remain enabled in BIOS. Confirm related Windows services are running. The OP checked these and found them enabled, so focus shifted back to Windows and drivers in that case. [Elektroda, Flash3050, post #17596855]
Can an extension cable affect jack detection tests?
Yes. On Asus, plugging in a plain 3.5 mm extension still triggers a jack‑detect popup. That confirms the detect circuit reacts to insertion. If you never see an event, target the Windows driver and switching logic. [Elektroda, kaczakat, post #17597911]
