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In this case, set them as the default device by right-clicking the volume/sound icon on your computer’s system tray, and select Open Sound Settings. You may have plugged in your headphones but it’s not recognized as the default audio device.
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Check for this and clean the jack using a cotton swab damped with some rubbing alcohol to get the lint and dust out, or use a can of compressed air if you have one close by. For others, Microsoft is setting a precedent that future laptops won't include a headphone jack and other laptop makers may follow suit. Dust, lint and dirt may block the connection between the jack and the headphones. If so, turn it off, plug in your headphones and see if they work again.
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