Click the speaker icon in the taskbar, then select the desired output device from the list next to the volume slider. 2. For a permanent setting, go to Settings > System > Sound and choose the output device under the Output section in Windows 10 or 11. 3. Press Win R, type mmsys.cpl, then use the Playback tab to set a default or default communication device with advanced options. 4. If the device doesn’t appear, check physical connections, update audio drivers, restart the Windows Audio service, or run the audio troubleshooter to resolve issues. Always ensure the device is properly connected and recognized by Windows for successful audio switching.
Changing the audio output device in Windows is a simple process, whether you're switching from speakers to headphones, a Bluetooth device, or an external sound system. Here’s how to do it in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Quickly Switch Output Devices Using the Volume Menu
The fastest way to change your audio output is through the system tray:
- Click the speaker icon in the taskbar (bottom-right corner).
- In the volume slider popup, click the arrow next to the volume slider (or the current device name).
- A list of available output devices will appear.
- Select the one you want (e.g., Headphones, Speakers, Bluetooth Headset, etc.).
- Audio will immediately switch to the selected device.
Note: This method only shows active or recently connected devices. If your device isn’t listed, it may not be properly connected or detected.
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2. Set Default Audio Device in Sound Settings
For a more permanent change or to manage devices:
Windows 11:
- Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
- Go to System > Sound.
- Scroll down to Output, then click the dropdown under Choose your output device.
- Select your preferred device.
Windows 10:
- Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
- Go to System > Sound.
- Under Output, use the dropdown menu to choose your desired device.
You can also test the device by playing a sound directly from this menu.

3. Use the Classic Sound Control Panel (Advanced Options)
For more control, including setting default communication devices:
- Press Win R, type
mmsys.cpl
, and press Enter. - In the Sound window, go to the Playback tab.
- You’ll see a list of all connected audio output devices.
- Right-click the one you want and select Set as Default Device.
- Optionally, set it as Default Communication Device (used for calls, Teams, Zoom, etc.).
- Click Apply > OK to save.
If a device isn’t showing up, right-click in the list and check Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices.
4. Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes the device won’t appear or switch properly:
- Check physical connections – Ensure headphones or speakers are plugged in or Bluetooth is paired.
- Update audio drivers – Go to Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers > right-click your audio device > Update driver.
- Restart audio services – Open Task Manager, find Windows Audio, and restart it if needed.
- Run the audio troubleshooter – In Settings > System > Sound > Related settings > Troubleshoot common sound problems.
Basically, switching audio output is quick through the volume menu, but using Sound settings or mmsys.cpl
gives you more control. Just make sure your device is connected and recognized by Windows.
The above is the detailed content of How to change the audio output device in Windows. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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