Quick overview:
Windows Headset remains Windows Headset - even under Windows 8. All PC headsets that already worked under Win 7 work on the new OS. In the test comparison, we present four - and show how to set them up and manage them under Win 8. These include wireless Bluetooth headsets from Plantronics, Logitech, Creative - and wired headphones from Sennheiser. Our Windows headset tips.
Windows headset - a short test comparison
The good news for Windows 8 users: A Windows headset remains a Windows headset. As all headsets that also work under Windows 7 run under Windows 8, you can choose from a wide range of PC headsets with cable or Bluetooth. The choice is not particularly easy.
Here are three Windows headset recommendations from the WINDOWS-TWEAKS editorial team:
1st Plantronics GameCom 780 Gaming Headset 7.1 Surround Sound in a test comparison:
The Plantronics headset contains surround sound software that only works with Windows PCs. It is a "comfortable to wear headset with good surround simulation", writes the GameStar test editorsn. At just under 60 euros, she rates it as a "fair offer". Unless you already have a sound card with room sound simulation.
The "digitale generation" magazine test states about the Plantronics GameCom 780 gaming headset: It has a "very good and clear sound, an appealing voice quality, a powerful bass as well as a comfortable wearing comfort and a low weight".
2. test comparison of the Sennheiser PC 151 headset black:
According to Headset test by GameStar magazine the Sennheiser PC 151 is a convincing PC headset. The GameStar editorial team rated the wired headset as a "performance tip" in the test. The very lightweight headset runs naturally under Windows and scores with good wearing comfort and sound.
3rd Logitech G930 PC gaming headphones wireless in test comparison:
The Logitech G930 PC gaming is a wireless headset and works with either Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz technology. In the Headset test by GameStar magazine it received 90 out of 100 points. It is a "very precise sounding wireless headset with good surround sound simulation and great operation", write the testers.
4. comparison of the Creative WP-450 2.1 Bluetooth headset:
The WP-450 2.1 Bluetooth headset has a range of up to 10 meters and has an integrated omnidirectional microphone. It is characterized by maximum wearing comfort. The MediaPlanet test says: "The design is great. The sound quality is excellent." And the headset also works "very well" when making calls with a cell phone.
PC gamers are probably the largest group of headset buyers, although the market offer is quite confusing. If you are looking for a Windows headset or want to get an overview of all current models, you should of course take a look at other headset tests.
Bluetooth headset under Windows 8 - how it works
If you have a Bluetooth headset, you can easily connect it to your Windows 8 PC in just a few steps.
The prerequisite is, of course, that the PC itself has a Bluetooth receiver.
Some headsets come with USB Bluetooth modules, while other PCs have Bluetooth built in.
In principle, there is no need for additional drivers and software from the manufacturer, as Windows 8 already includes everything required for the proper operation of Bluetooth devices. In addition, all devices can be conveniently added and removed from one place. This is a significant simplification compared to Windows 7. Where is this location?
Adding a Windows headset - step-by-step
To register a new Bluetooth device on the PC and establish a connection, you must:
Switch the device to detection mode (usually a small button that you press for a few seconds).
Then switch to the PC settings on the Windows 8 PC. To do this, press [Win]+[C] and then select "Settings/Change PC settings" in the charms bar.
Now click on the "Devices" group in the left-hand area.
Click on "Add device" to search for new devices and therefore also for Bluetooth devices in discovery mode.
If the device is listed, simply click on it and the device will be installed and ready for use.
With some devices such as keyboards, you still have to enter an identifier, but this is not the case with headsets. In most cases, additional drivers are no longer required.
Windows headset with driver problem?
It may be necessary to update the driver after adding the device. Then proceed as follows:
You open in the central charms bar ([Win]+[C]) and search for the term "Device Manager". Select "Settings" as the source.
Once you have opened the device manager, select the problem device by double-clicking on it. Headsets can usually be found under "Audio".
In the dialog window that opens, switch to the "Driver" tab.
Here you click on "Update driver". Then select the option "Automatically search for the latest driver software". Windows will then search the Internet for the latest drivers for the device.
The driver update can then be completed. The PC may need to be restarted.
Tip: To adjust the settings for the headset itself, select "Hardware and Sound" in the Control Panel.
(Photo above: Screenshot from Windows-Tweaks.info)

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