Dealing with multiple audio outputs in Windows 11 can be kinda weird, but it’s totally doable. Maybe you want to send your Spotify to a speaker while keeping game sounds on headphones, or you’re trying to get that perfect setup for a livestream. Whatever your reason, this setup isn’t just plug-and-play — Windows likes to make things complicated, and sometimes the default settings just don’t cut it. So, here’s a guide that walks through the actual steps needed, with some tips along the way for when stuff doesn’t seem to work right. Expect a slightly more flexible audio experience after this, letting you pick exactly where each app’s sound goes. The goal is to split or route audio streams more intelligently, and honestly, it’s worth messing with the settings if you want that control.
Using Multiple Audio Outputs in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll go through how to set up multiple audio outputs on your Windows 11 machine. Whether you’re tired of manually unplugging and plugging speakers or just want different sounds on different devices, this should help. The tricky part is Windows’ default sound settings are kinda limited; you need some extras or workarounds if you want real control. With the right steps, you’ll be able to split audio streams, route applications to various devices, and maybe even get that perfect 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 doesn’t work, head to Settings > System > Sound.
This opens the settings panel where all the magic happens. On some setups, you might see different options, but you’re mainly looking for the output device list and advanced options. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Choose your main and secondary output devices
- In the Output section, pick your main device from the dropdown — speakers, headphones, whatever.
- Now, if you want to get fancy and route things differently, you’ll need to fiddle with advanced settings.
This step helps assign a default device, but what if you want apps to use different outputs? That’s where Windows’ default options fall short, which is why third-party tools come into play, like VoiceMeeter or Virtual Audio Cable.
Adjust individual app volume and device preferences
- Click on Advanced sound options or App Volume and Device Preferences. It’s a link at the bottom of your sound settings window.
- This brings up a list of running apps. Here, you can assign each app to a different output device — like routing your Spotify to speakers, your Zoom call to headphones, and so on.
It’s kind of a relief when it works — on some machines, this can be a bit flaky, needing a restart or toggling the devices. But when it does, it’s pretty neat.
Installing third-party software for better routing — because Windows alone isn’t enough
- If you want true multi-stream routing, software like Winhance, VoiceMeeter, or Virtual Audio Cable
- Download and install these tools. They create virtual audio devices that can split or route sound more granularly.
Personally, VoiceMeeter Banana (the free version) is fairly popular. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s powerful once you get the hang of it. The main idea: you configure inputs and outputs inside the software, then select those virtual devices inside Windows or your apps.
Configure software for your setup
- Open VoiceMeeter and set your hardware input/output devices. You’ll pick your real speakers, headphones, and any virtual ones.
- Adjust sliders, patch cables, and routing options in the software to direct audio streams accordingly.
- Once configured, set your Windows output to the virtual device VoiceMeeter creates, which acts as a router.
Sure, this sounds complicated — in practice, it’s just trial and error, and sometimes you need to restart the apps or Windows to get everything working nicely. But once set up, you’ll have more flexibility than Windows’ default options.
Tips for making it work better
- Make sure your audio drivers are fully updated — sometimes old or incompatible drivers break app routing.
- Check device compatibility — not all USB audio devices or headphones play nice with multiple streams.
- If something weird happens, try toggling sound devices on and off or restarting your PC. Sometimes that’s the only way to get Windows to recognize your changes.
- Explore settings in your third-party software for optimal routing, like assigning specific apps to specific virtual channels.
- Remember, Windows updates can reset or break your audio configs, so keep backups of your settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any software instead of VoiceMeeter?
Yeah, there are options like Virtual Audio Cable, Soundflower (on Mac), or even some paid apps. Pick whatever fits your needs, just be aware some are easier to set up than others.
Do I need special hardware to run multiple outputs?
Not necessarily. If your sound card supports multiple outputs, you’re good. Many modern PCs handle this via software, but some setups might need USB sound cards or external DACs for more outputs.
How do I revert my setup if it all goes sideways?
Just go into Sound settings, select Restore sound defaults, or uninstall third-party routing software. Usually fixes the mess.
Will all this make my system slower?
If you’re running complex routing with virtual devices, it can add some overhead. Usually not noticeable unless your PC is already strained. Keep an eye on your CPU/RAM usage if you notice lag.
Is this only for Windows 11 or also older versions?
Most principles are similar on Windows 10, but the interfaces can be different. Older Windows versions might need different steps or tools.
Summary
- Open Sound Settings
- Pick your main output device
- Set application-specific output in advanced options
- Download and configure 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 should be, but with some patience and the right tools, it’s totally possible to customize your soundscape. Whether you want to separate game audio from chat or create a more immersive listening environment, these steps cover the essentials. Just remember, sometimes you’ll have to restart or tweak a few settings when things glitch. Still, it’s worth it for that level of control — fingers crossed this helps someone get closer to their perfect setup.