Headphones are equipped with earbuds for both left and right ears to create a symphony. When either one is not working, the sound coming out of that device will be distorted. In this post, we will see what you can do if only one side of the headphone is working.

Why does only one side of my headphones work on my PC?

Only one side of the headphones works on your computer because it’s either not connected perfectly or it’s configured incorrectly. As for the former, all that one needs to do is plug the device in more firmly, and if that’s not happening, clean the port. However, the latter requires you to modify your system’s settings.

Fix Only one side of the headphone is working

If Only one side of the headphones works, follow the solutions mentioned below.

1. Check if the headphone is plugged in perfectly
2. Plug the headphones into some other device to check
3. Disable all enhancements
4. Run playing audio troubleshooter
5. Change the Sampling rate
6. Adjust the sound settings to balance left and right audio

Let us talk about them in detail.

1] Check if the headphone is plugged in perfectly

If you are using a 3.5 headphone, check if it’s plugged into the port perfectly. You may have to apply a little more force to plug the device in. In case you are unable to do so, clean your port as there can be some dust and debris stuck in it, due to which your headphone is not connecting.

2] Plug the headphones into some other device to check

Before changing your system’s configuration, we need first to check if the headphone itself is malfunctioning. For that, plug the device into another computer or phone with a jack and check if you get the same error. In case the headphone is still paralyzed from one side, you either need to get a new one or consult its manufacturer. However, if both sides work when plugged into a different device, go to the next solution to resolve the issue.

3] Disable all enhancements

Microsoft has embedded some features into Windows that enhance the audio experience of the users. However, some headphones do not support any audio enhancements and show peculiar behavior. That is why one must disable all of them to resolve the issue. Follow the steps mentioned below to do the same.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Change View by to Large icons.
3. Now, click on the Sounds icon.
4. Then, right-click on the headphones that you currently use and select Properties.
5. Go to the Enhancements tab and then tick the box next to Disable all enhancements.
6. Finally, click Apply > OK.

Hopefully, after making the changes, check if the issue is resolved.

4] Run playing audio troubleshooter

Another method to resolve the issue is by using the playing audio troubleshooter. It is a built-in tool that can scan your system to find out what’s wrong with it and then resolve it. To run the Audio troubleshooter, follow the steps mentioned below.

Windows 11:

1. Open Settings. 
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot.
3. Now, click on Other troubleshooters.
4. Click on Run button next to Playing Audio.

Windows 10:

1. Launch Windows Settings.
2. Now, navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
4. Finally, click on Playing Audio and then click on Run the troubleshooter.

You have to follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Hopefully, after that, your issue will be resolved.

5] Change the Sampling rate

The sampling rate is the number of audio samples carried per second. We need to change the sampling rate for your device to make it compatible with your system. Follow the steps mentioned below to do the same.

1. Hit Win + R, type mmsys.cpl and click Ok.
2. Go to the Playback tab, right-click on the device, and select Properties.
3. Now, navigate to the Advanced tab and then select the highest sampling rate.
4. Finally, click Apply > OK.

Hopefully, this will do the job for you.

6] Adjust the sound settings to balance left and right audio

If nothing works, you must change the audio settings to balance the left and right channels.

Hopefully, you can resolve the issue using the solutions mentioned in this post.

Read: Loudness Equalization is missing in Windows 11

How do you fix unbalanced headphones on Windows?

If your headphone is unbalanced, you need to change its settings. For that, open Run (Win + R), type mmsys.cpl and click OK. Now, right-click on your headphone and click Properties. Then, go to the Levels tab and click on Balance. Finally, adjust the left and right channels, and you will be good to go.

Read: Best free Open Source Audio Editor Software for Windows.