computer audio output can only connect to an unknown audio device

Hi, good day! I'm John Dev a Windows user like you and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you.

When was the last time it worked properly? Can you try unplugging the headphones first, restart your computer and then plugging them back in?

Please let me know if you have tried the methods below.

• Run the Troubleshooter

From Sound Icon

Right-click on the Speaker/Headphone icon in the taskbar of your PC.

Select "Troubleshoot sound problems"

• Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: control mmsys.cpl sounds

Press Enter then select Communications tab

Select "Do nothing"

Click Apply then Ok

**Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: services.msc

Press Enter

Double-click Windows Audio

If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart

• Open Device Manager

Click View > Show hidden devices

Expand the Sound, video and game controllers

Find the Realtek Audio driver in the list

Right click it and select Update

Click "Browse my computer for driver software"

Select "Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer"

Make sure to put a check mark "Show compatible hardware"

Select an older driver from the list

Click Next then Restart your computer

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed.

Kind regards,

John DeV

Independent Advisor

Thank you for sharing the details, it sounds like your system is stuck on the Nahimic Easy Surround device. Here's how to fix it:

Step 1: Unplug your headphones and plug them back in. Try a different port if available. Test the headphones on another device to make sure they work.

Step 2: Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner. Click "Open Sound settings." Under Output, check if your headphones or speakers show up. If not, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Go to the Startup tab. Disable anything related to Nahimic. Restart your computer.

Step 4: Press Windows + X and open Device Manager. Expand "Sound, video and game controllers." Right-click your audio device (like Realtek or Intel) and choose "Uninstall device." Restart your PC to let Windows reinstall the driver.

Step 5 (Optional): Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Find Nahimic and uninstall it if you don’t use its features. Restart your PC.

Let me know if the issue persists after following these steps. I’ll be happy to assist further if needed.

If the issue has been resolved, kindly mark the response as answered."