Headphone echo can be caused by a poor connection, a low-quality device, or improper audio settings. No matter the cause, experiencing echo in your headphones is distracting and can spoil a gaming session or movie marathon. It’s safe to say that hearing echo during a job-related conference call doesn’t boost productivity.

Let's look at how you can fix this problem.

1. Unplug and Replug Your Headphones

While this solution seems too simple to fix the problem, it might be enough.

Improperly connected headphones sometimes cause the echo effect. Sometimes the echo issue is caused by the port itself, so if you have multiple ports, try connecting the headphones using a different port. Also, unplugging and replugging them will stop the feedback loop, eliminating the echo.

2. Use the Windows 10 Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 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. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Right-click Start and select Settings. Also, you can open the Settings menu by pressing Windows Key + I.
  2. Head to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Below Get up and running, select Playing Audio and click Run the troubleshooter.
Troubleshooting audio in Windows 10

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.

Please note that if you are using Bluetooth headphones, you must also run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.

3. Check the Microphone Settings

The Listen to this device feature allows you to connect a music device to your laptop or PC and use its speakers. If this feature isn’t turned off, it may produce an echo effect even if you haven’t connected an external music device. Here is how you can turn it off:

  1. In the Start menu search bar, search for control panel and select the Best match.
  2. Open the View by menu and click Small icons or Large icons.
  3. Select Sounds.
  4. Click the Recording tab.
  5. Right-click Microphone > Properties.
  6. Click the Listen tab and untick the Listen to this device setting.
  7. Click Apply > OK.
Microphone settings in Windows 10

4. Check Speakers Properties

Audio Enhancement is a feature that allows you to personalize the headphone’s output through its settings. However, if your headphone set is not compatible with this feature, it might cause echoing, so you have to turn it off. Here is how you can do it:

  1. In the Start menu search bar, search for “control panel” and select the Best match.
  2. Open the View by menu and click Small icons or Large icons.
  3. Select Sounds.
  4. Right-click Speakers > Properties.
  5. Open the Enhancements tab and tick Disable all sound effects.
Speakers settings in Windows 10

5. Check the Audio Driver

An outdated, buggy, or corrupted driver might cause an echo in your headphones. To fix it, you have to find and replace outdated Windows drivers. If you need to update the drivers, remember to avoid third-party software.

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

  1. Input device manager in the Start menu search bar and select the Best Match.
  2. Unfurl the Audio inputs and outputs section.
  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 restart your system so the changes can take effect.
windows 10 device manager audio driver update

6. 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.