Windows 10/11: How to change audio output

Summary

How to change the audio output in Win 10 / 11, this may be necessary if sound is not coming out of the desired speaker(s).

Body

Overview

Most computers have multiple audio output options including an on-board small (piezo) speaker that is primarily meant for diagnostic purposes as well as higher quality speakers that are available for general listening purposes. Additional audio options will be available if you connect personal audio devices such as a headset, external microphone, etc.

Windows generally detects and changes the audio output based on what was most recently connected/used but in some cases it will not switch automatically and it is necessary to change the audio output yourself.

If you hear sound but it's not coming out of the desired speaker(s), you can change the audio output to match the correct speaker.

Details / Instructions

Windows 10Show

1) Begin playing something with audio such as a Youtube video, your desired training course, music, etc. If you are using speakers be sure to turn the volume to a reasonable level. Doing this step first will help you in step #3. Double-check the volume on your media; youtube and most music / video players, for example, have their own volume control and mute control.

2) Right-click the sound icon in your system tray and left-click "Open Sound Settings" The system tray is at the lower right-hand corner of your screen next to the time/date.

3) Change the output device by left-clicking the dropdown list under "Choose your output device" If you are unsure which device is the correct output device, select the next available device and wait a few moments. Since you have audio playing from Step 1 you will immediately hear sound when the correct output device is selected.

4) Double-check the "Master Volume" selection in the same window, adjust as needed. You can also mute or unmute sound by clicking the sound icon directly to the left of the volume bar.

5) Close the window by left-clicking the "X" in the top right corner.

Windows 11Show

1) Begin playing something with audio such as a Youtube video, your desired training course, music, etc. If you are using speakers be sure to turn the volume to a reasonable level. Doing this step first will help you in step #3. Double-check the volume on your media; youtube and most music / video players, for example, have their own volume control and mute control.

2) Right-click the sound icon in your system tray and left-click "Open Sound Settings" The system tray is at the lower right-hand corner of your screen next to the time/date.

3) Left-click the carat (^) at the far-right side of the label "Choose where to play sound" and choose a different output device from the list. If you are unsure which device is the correct output device, select the next available device in the list and wait a few moments. Since you have audio playing from Step 1 you will immediately hear sound when the correct output device is selected.

4) Double-check and adjust the Volume slider on this screen if needed. You can also click the sound icon next to the volume bar in this window to Mute or Unmute the volume.

5) Close the window by left-clicking the "X" in the top right corner.

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Details

Article ID: 151377

Created

Wed 5/15/24 9:54 AM

Modified

Thu 5/16/24 8:37 AM