Multiple Audio Outputs in Windows 11
Getting multiple audio outputs to work in Windows 11 can be a bit of a dog’s breakfast, but it’s not rocket science. Sometimes it feels like searching for a lost ball in the bush because the settings are scattered everywhere. The main idea is you want different apps to sound through different devices—like gaming on your headphones while Netflix blares out of the big speakers. Deadset handy for multitasking, right? So, how do you get Windows 11 to sort this out? Let’s have a look.
Opening Sound Settings
First up—get into the Sound settings. Click the Start button, go to Settings, then into System and select Sound. Or just right-click that little speaker icon in your taskbar and pick Open Sound settings. You can also press Windows + I to quicksmart get there. Either way, this is where all the audio magic happens. Fingers crossed, all the bits you need are here because hunting through endless menus can do your head in.
Accessing Advanced Sound Options
Scroll down until you see Advanced sound options under the Output section. Click on App volume and device preferences, and boom! You’ll see a list of all the apps you’ve got open and where they’re sending their sound. Just a heads up: changes made here are often session-specific; restarting your PC can sometimes reset them, which can have you pulling your hair out.
Quick tip: If you want settings to stick for certain apps, third-party tools like VB-Cable or Voicemeeter are your mates—they give you extra control without Windows forgetting what you set.
Selecting Audio Output for Applications
This is the fun part (or a bit frustrating, depending on your luck). For each open app in that list, you’ll see a dropdown under Output. Choose your device—be it headphones or speakers. Easy as! But here’s the snag: sometimes apps just don’t get the memo, and you might need to restart them to kick things into gear. And sometimes logging out and back in helps too—because, of course, Windows has to make things difficult as usual.
Setting the Default Output Device
Now, head back to the main Sound settings. At the top, you’ll see Output with whatever your current default device is. Pick what you want as your primary sound source. This is what Windows uses by default unless you tell each app otherwise. To change it, just click the dropdown and pick your preferred device. If you’re comfortable with PowerShell, you can also do it with commands like:
Get-AudioDevice -Playback | Format-Table -AutoSizeand to set it, try:
Set-AudioDevice -Index <index-number>(Note: these commands need the AudioDeviceCmdlets PowerShell module, which you can install with `Install-Module -Name AudioDeviceCmdlets`.)
Keep an eye on this setting, especially after updates—sometimes drivers or Windows itself can throw a spanner in the works, making things go haywire. Best to double-check if things start acting odd after an update.
Testing Your Settings
Finally, give it a burl. Play audio on different apps to see if it’s routing properly. If something’s off—like your game sound not coming through the headphones—head back into the settings and tweak again. Sometimes restarting the app or logging out and in helps fix it. A few folks find they need to fiddle with these settings a couple of times before it all settles. And if you want to switch outputs on the fly, hotkeys or third-party tools are the go.
Here’s a handy tip: clicking the sound icon in the taskbar lets you swap between outputs quick smart, without diving into settings every time.
Once you get the hang of it, managing multiple audio outputs in Windows 11 is a piece of piss. Expect a bit of trial and error, but once it’s sorted, your sound setup will be a lot more flexible and tailored for your needs.
Quick Tips for Multiple Audio Outputs
Before mucking around with all this, make sure your devices are plugged in and recognised properly. Check your devices by going to:
Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound > Playback tabor if you’re into a bit of command-magic, try:
nircmd.exe showdefaultdevice 1 (grab NirCmd from NirSoft first).
Keeping your drivers up to date is key—swing by Device Manager, find your sound device, right-click and choose Update driver. Better drivers mean less hassle.
If Windows’ native options aren’t cutting it, third-party apps like Voicemeeter Banana or Virtual Audio Cable give you more control over routing. Also, take a squiz at each app’s internal settings—many have their own volume sliders and output options that can tidy things up nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bluetooth and wired headphones at the same time?
Most likely, yeah. If Windows detects both, you might get options to send sound to both, but usually it defaults to one device only. For proper multitasking, tools like Voicemeeter or SoundFlower can help you mash things together for better control.
Why can’t I see all my audio devices?
Check out Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound. Some devices might be disabled or need drivers updating. Head to Device Manager, find your sound hardware, right-click and select Update driver.
How do I update my audio drivers?
In Device Manager, find your sound card under Sound, video and game controllers, right-click and choose Update driver. For the latest and greatest, head to the manufacturer’s website, grab the newest drivers and follow the instructions.
Can I control volume levels for each app?
Too easy! The App volume and device preferences menu lets you tweak each app’s volume and output device. Perfect for fine-tuning your sound setup.
Is there a quick way to switch between outputs?
You bet. Just click the volume icon in your taskbar and select the device from the dropdown. Some third-party tools let you set hotkeys for even faster switching.
Managing multiple audio outputs on Windows 11 isn’t too shabby once you get the hang of it. Expect a bit of fiddling at first, but once you’re sorted, your sound experience will be heaps better suited to what you want. Cheers to that!