Likely fix
Fix: Headset with pink and green plugs not working
Headsets with separate pink and green plugs need the green plug in headphone/speaker output and the pink plug in microphone input. Reversing them can make audio or mic fail.
Quick answer
Plug green into headphone/speaker output and pink into microphone input, then select the headset mic in sound settings.
Important warning
Front panel audio ports on desktop PCs can fail or be disconnected internally, so rear motherboard ports are useful for testing.
Try this
- 1 Find the green headphone or speaker output jack.
- 2 Plug the green headset plug into the headphone/speaker jack.
- 3 Find the pink microphone input jack.
- 4 Plug the pink headset plug into the microphone jack.
- 5 Open sound settings and choose the microphone input.
- 6 Check whether the microphone is muted.
- 7 Test the microphone in a recording or meeting app.
- 8 Try front and rear audio ports if one set does not work.
Common causes
Pink and green plugs are reversed.
Mic input is not selected.
Front audio port is disconnected.
Microphone is muted.
Audio driver does not detect the jack.
Headset cable is damaged.
What to check next
- Check pink plug goes to mic input.
- Check green plug goes to headphone/speaker output.
- Check front and rear PC audio ports.
- Check input device settings.
- Check headset mute switch.