How to set default audio output for Windows 11

You can choose a separate pair of speakers or headphones for the entire system or each program in Windows 11.

Select the default system output

Follow these instructions to change where the sound should play on your PC in Windows 11.

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Select System.
3. On the right, go to the Sound page.
4. Select the setting Choose where to play sound ( Choose where to play sound ) in the Output section.
5. Select the desired speakers or headphones.

You can also change the default output device by using the Quick Settings toggle ( Windows + A keyboard shortcut ), selecting the device, and clicking the Manage Audio Devices option next to the volume slider.

Choose a default output for each program

Follow these procedures to give a default application a default output device.

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Select System.
3. On the right, go to the Sound page.
4. Select a volume mixer setting from the Advanced section.
5. Select an application from the Applications section.
6. Select a different output device using the Output device setting.

After you finish the instructions, Windows 11 will start playing sounds through the output device you selected.

Read more about Windows 11.