How to Fix Echo in Headphones in Windows 11/10

Echo headphones are a terrible distraction, but there are some simple ways to deal with it.

Headphone echo can be caused by a poor connection, low-quality equipment, or incorrect audio settings. Regardless of the cause, encountering echoes in your headphones will distract you and can ruin a gaming or movie session. It's safe to say that hearing echoes on a work-related conference call doesn't increase productivity.

A. Unplug and re-plug your headphones

While this solution may seem too simple to fix the problem, it may be enough.

Improperly connected headphones sometimes cause an echo effect. Sometimes the echo problem is with the port itself, so if you have multiple ports, try connecting your headphones using another port. Also, unplugging and re-plugging them stops the feedback loop, eliminating echoes.

B. Use the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 11/10 has a built-in troubleshooter for microphone and speaker which can solve the issue for you. Before you try more complicated solutions, give the troubleshooter a chance. 

1. Open the Settings menu by pressing Windows Keys + I.

2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

3. Now, click Playing Audio > Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.

After the Playing Audio troubleshooter finishes its job, scroll down to the Find and fix other problems menu and run the troubleshooter for Recording Audio and Speech.

Note: that if you are using Bluetooth headphones, you must also run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.

C. Disable Listen to this device

This Device Listen feature allows you to connect a music device to a laptop or PC and use its speakers. If this feature is not turned off, it may create an echo effect even if you have not connected an external music device. Here's how you can turn it off:

1.Launch Control Panel from the Start Menu.

2. Open the View by menu and click Small icons or Large icons. and click Sound.

3. Click the Record tab. Right click on Microphone > Properties.

4. Go to the Listen tab, untick the Listen to this device option, and click Apply > Ok.

D. Disable Audio Enhancement

Sound Enhancement is a feature that allows you to personalize the output of your headset through its settings. However, if your headset is not compatible with this feature, it may cause echo, so you must turn it off.

1. Launch Control Panel from the Start Menu.

2. Open the View by menu and click Small icons or Large icons. and click Sound.

3. Right-click Speaker > Properties.

4. Now, tick Disable all enhancement and click Apply > Ok.

E. Check the audio driver

Outdated, faulty, or damaged drivers can cause echo in your headphones. To fix it, you have to find and replace outdated Windows drivers. If you need to update your drivers, be sure to avoid third-party software.

You can find the driver you need on the manufacturer's website or update your audio driver using Device Manager.

1. Type device manager in the Start menu search bar and select Device Manager

2. Unopen the Audio inputs and outputs

3. Right-click the audio driver for your headphones and select Update Driver.

4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

5. Install the latest version of the driver, then reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

Video:

How to Fix Headphones Echo When You Are in a Conference Call

No matter how much effort you put into making the perfect conference call, echoing headphones will ruin the experience.

The first step is to figure out the cause of the issue. If you are the only one hearing the noise, there is a high chance your equipment is causing the echo effect. If other people can also hear the sound, the problem might be caused by the program you are using. You can use the program’s troubleshooter to get rid of the echo.

Sometimes the call’s audio starts malfunctioning without reason. If this is the case, the quickest fix is to leave and rejoin the call. Also, if some of the call participants are in the same room, their voices will be recorded by multiple microphones, which will make them interject. To fix it, they could mute their microphones when not talking or use a single device.

Keep Your Sound Crystal Clear

Hopefully, the tips mentioned within this article helped you fix headphones echo so you can use them without disruption. If you want to take it to the next level, use your device's settings to test different sound effects.