ByThe audio-related settings in Windows 11 have changed a bit compared to before. If you want to make your favorite headphones, speakers, or Bluetooth device the default audio device, then you have to follow some special steps. In this guide, we will explain in detail how you can easily set the default audio device in Windows 11.
What is the default audio device?
The default audio device is the device that Windows uses to output system sound and your playing media (such as YouTube, music, games). If you have connected multiple audio devices, such as headphones, speakers, or Bluetooth headsets, you will need to choose which device to use as the default.
Ways to set the default audio device in Windows 11
1. Set default audio device from Settings app
1. Click on the Start button and open Settings.
2. Click on the System tab.
3. Now select the Sound option.
4. Under the Output section, you will see a list of connected audio devices.
5. Select the device you want to make the default.
6. After selecting the device, click on the Set as Default button (if available).
This method works if the device is recognized by the system and is active.
2. Change default audio device from Control Panel
1. Press Windows + R, type mmsys.cpl, and hit enter.
2. This will open the Sound Settings window.
3. All output devices will be displayed in the Playback tab.
4. Click on the device you want to make the default.
5. Now click on the Set Default button.
6. Finally press Apply and then OK.
This method is ideal for users who prefer the classic interface.
3. Quickly switch audio devices from the taskbar
1. Click on the Speaker icon located at the bottom right of the taskbar.
2. Click on the Sound output icon next to the volume slider.
3. Now from the dropdown menu, you can quickly select any of your connected devices.
Although this method does not make the device a permanent default, it is very useful for temporary use.
4. Set the device properties for the audio device
1. Go to Settings > System > Sound > Output devices.
2. Click on the selected device.
3. You can change the volume, channel output, and format in Audio properties.
4. You can also activate features like Spatial Sound.
This allows you to customize your device with better sound quality.
5. What to do if the device is not visible.
If your device is not visible in Windows, try the following solutions:
Reconnect the device (via USB or Bluetooth)
Update drivers – Open Device Manager, right-click on the audio device, and select “Update Driver”.
Go to Bluetooth Settings and pair the devices again.
Run Windows Update and install the latest sound patches.
Set custom routing for multiple audio devices
In Windows 11, you can set different devices for different apps:
1. Go to Settings > System > Sound > Volume Mixer.
2. Here, you can set the input and output devices separately for each app.
3. For example, you can set the headset for Zoom calls and the speakers for music.
This feature is very useful for professionals who do multitasking.
Setting the default communication device in Windows 11
Sometimes, Windows allows you to set a separate communication device for voice calls and video calls:
1. Go to Sound Settings > More Sound Settings > Playback tab.
2. Right-click on the device you want to make the default for calls.
3. Select Set as Default Communication Device.
Benefits of changing the default audio device
Improved sound quality
Selecting the right device for a particular task
Ease of multi-device connection
Suitable for professional setups like Zoom, Teams, or OBS
Conclusion
Setting the default audio device in Windows 11 is a one-time task, but the right settings make your daily use much easier and effective. Whether you are a music lover or use a computer for office meetings, these settings will make your experience better.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Setting the default audio device in Windows 11
Q1. Can I make more than one device the default at once?
Answer: No. Only one device can be made the default output device at a time in Windows 11. However, you can choose different devices for different apps using the Volume Mixer.
Q2. My Bluetooth headphones are connected but not showing in the defaults. What should I do?
Answer: First, disconnect the Bluetooth device and pair it again. If it still doesn’t show up, update the driver from Device Manager or restart Windows.
Q3. Does the default device change every time the computer starts up?
Answer: No, if the device is always connected, it remains the default. But if the device is not available at startup, Windows may choose another device.
Q4. I can’t see the audio device. Is it hidden?
Answer: Yes, the device may be disabled. For this, go to Sound settings > More sound settings > Playback tab and right-click on the empty space and select “Show Disabled Devices”.
Q5. How do I set different sound devices for different apps?
Answer: Input and output devices can be selected separately for each app by going to Settings > System > Sound > Volume Mixer.
Q6. Can I change the default audio device with a keyboard shortcut?
Answer: There is no such inbuilt shortcut in Windows 11, but you can use third-party tools like Audio Switcher.
Q7. Can we make HDMI or monitor speakers the default?
Answer: Yes, if your monitor transfers audio via HDMI and it is visible in the system, then you can make it the default device.
