Can Windows use headsets that have a single audio jack with 4 rings?

Only if you use something like this StarTech 3.5mm 4 Position Headset Splitter Adapter - Female to Male

Windows would need a mic plugged into the mic jack, unless the hardware you're using can tell windows that the input jack you're using is for speakers/headset and microphone.

Go to the task bar, and near the clock right click the speaker and click recording devices. Do you see your mic there?


Find the latest RealTek Sound subsystem drivers (check in your device manager on your Win install) on their website for the version of Windows you are running if available. Install them and see if it will pick up the extra ring. It's a 50/50 shot.

It's all still about the jack, Windows drivers never saw fit to support an Apple peripheral just to run under BootCamp.

Most threads on this, and from personal experience says to go get a USB or better yet Bluetooth headset and be done with cords altogether.

Other recommendation is to use Parallels and it virtualizes the microphone which can then be used by the Parallels drivers installed into Windows