Dealing with multiple audio outputs in Windows 11 can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely doable. Whether you want to send Spotify to a speaker while keeping your game sounds in headphones, or you’re setting up for a livestream, the process isn’t just plug and play — Windows can be a bit stubborn. Default settings often won’t cut it, so here’s a straightforward guide with tips for when things don’t go quite as planned. Once you’re done, you’ll have a more flexible audio setup, letting you assign different sounds to different devices. The goal is to route or split audio streams more smartly, and honestly, it’s worth fiddling with the settings to get the control you want.
Using Multiple Audio Outputs in Windows 11
In this part, we’ll run through how to set up multiple audio outputs on your Windows 11 PC. Whether you’re tired of yanking cables out and in, or just want different sounds on different devices, this should help. The tricky bit is that Windows’ default sound options are pretty limited; you’ll need some extra tools or workarounds for proper control. With the right steps, you’ll be able to split audio, assign apps to specific devices, and maybe even get a sweet multi-room setup.
Open Sound Settings — How to get there
- Click on the sound icon in your taskbar.
- Right-click it and select “Sound settings”. If that’s not working, head to Settings > System > Sound.
This opens the sound settings panel where the magic happens. On some setups, you might see different options, but you’re mainly after the output device list and advanced options. Because, of course, Windows has to make things a bit more complicated.
Choose your main and secondary output devices
- In the Output section, pick your main device from the dropdown — speakers, headphones, whatever you’re using.
- Now, if you want to get fancy and route sound differently, you’ll need to tinker with advanced settings.
This step sets the default device, but what if you want apps to use different outputs? That’s where Windows’ built-in options fall short, which is why third-party tools like VoiceMeeter or Virtual Audio Cable come in handy.
Adjust individual app volume and device preferences
- Click on Advanced sound options or App Volume and Device Preferences. There’s a link at the bottom of your sound settings window.
- This pulls up a list of running apps. Here, you can assign each app to a specific output device — like routing Spotify to speakers, Zoom to headphones, etc.
It’s a bit of relief when it works — on some setups, this can be a bit temperamental, sometimes needing a restart or toggling devices. But when it clicks, it’s pretty handy.
Installing third-party software for better routing — because Windows alone isn’t enough
- If you want proper multi-stream routing, software like Winhance, VoiceMeeter, or Virtual Audio Cable are your mates.
- Download and install these tools. They create virtual audio devices that give you more granular control over routing and splitting your sound.
Personally, VoiceMeeter Banana (the free version) is pretty popular. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quite powerful. The main idea is to set up your inputs and outputs within the software, then select those virtual devices in Windows or your apps.
Configure the software for your setup
- Open VoiceMeeter and pick your hardware input/output devices. Choose your actual speakers, headphones, and any virtual ones you’ve set up.
- Adjust sliders, cables, and routing options in the software to send audio exactly where you want.
- Once sorted, set your Windows sound output to the virtual device VoiceMeeter creates, which acts like a traffic controller for your sound.
Yep, it sounds a bit complex — in reality, it’s mostly trial and error, and sometimes restarting your apps or the PC helps. But once it’s all set up, you’ll have more flexibility than Windows’ default options.
Tips for making it work better
- Make sure your audio drivers are fully up to date — outdated or incompatible drivers can mess with your routing.
- Check if your USB audio devices or headphones play nicely with multiple streams.
- If things go haywire, try toggling your sound devices or restarting your PC. Sometimes that’s the only fix.
- Explore settings in your third-party software to assign specific apps to virtual channels for better control.
- And remember, Windows updates can reset or break your setup, so keep backups of your configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any other software instead of VoiceMeeter?
Yeah, there are options like Virtual Audio Cable, Soundflower (on Mac), or paid apps. Pick what suits you, but be aware some setups are easier than others.
Do I need special hardware to run multiple outputs?
Not necessarily. If your sound card supports multiple outputs, you’re sorted. Many modern PCs handle this via software, but sometimes you might need external USB sound cards or DACs for more outputs.
How do I reset my setup if it all goes sideways?
Just head into Sound settings, select Restore sound defaults, or uninstall any third-party routing software. That usually does the trick.
Will all this slow down my system?
If you’re running complex routing with virtual devices, it might add a bit of overhead. Usually not noticeable unless your PC’s already chugging along. Keep an eye on your CPU and RAM if you notice lag.
Is this only for Windows 11 or also on older versions?
The basics are similar on Windows 10, but the interfaces can differ. Older Windows might need different steps or tools, so check accordingly.
Summary
- Open Sound Settings
- Select your main output device
- Set application-specific outputs in advanced options
- Download and set up routing software like VoiceMeeter
- Fine-tune your virtual devices and routing rules
Wrap-up
Getting multiple audio outputs in Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as it could be, but with some patience and the right gear, you can customise your sound setup pretty well. Whether you want game audio separate from chat or a more immersive experience, these steps will get you there. Sometimes you’ll need to restart or tweak a few settings if things act up — but it’s worth the effort for that extra control. Hope this helps someone get closer to their perfect setup, mate.