How to Change Default Sound Output Device in Windows 10
The default audio playback device is the device that Windows uses to output (play) sound.
When you connect speakers, headphones, Bluetooth headset, or other audio devices to your PC, you can select which device you want to use by default.
This tutorial will show you different ways to change the default audio playback (output) device for your account in Windows 10.
Contents
- Option One: Change Default Audio Playback Device from Volume icon on Taskbar
- Option Two: Change Default Audio Playback Device from Settings
- Option Three: Change Default Audio Playback Device from Sound Control Panel
- Option Four: Change Default Audio Playback Device from Game Bar
1 Click/tap on the Volume icon on the taskbar notification area. (see screenshot below)
2 Click/tap on the expansion arrow above the master volume control. (see screenshot below)
You will not see an expansion arrow if you do not have multiple audio playback devices.
3 Click/tap on the playback device you want to use from the menu. Windows will then switch to it. (see screenshot below)
This option is only available starting with Windows 10 build 17035.
1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the System icon.
2 Click/tap on Sound on the left side, and Choose your output device you want from the drop menu on the right side. (see screenshot below)
You will not be able to choose if you do not have multiple audio playback devices.
3 When finished, you can close Settings if you like.
1 Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Sound icon.
If you like, you can open Run (Win+R), copy and paste the command below into Run, and click/tap on OK to directly open "Playback" devices in the Sound panel.
rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL mmsys.cpl,,0
2 Click/tap on the Playback tab, and perform one of the actions below you want to use to set the default playback device. (see screenshots below)
- Right click or press and hold on the playback device, and click/tap on Set a Default Device.
- Select a playback device, and either:
- Click/tap on Set Default to set for both "Default Device" and "Default Communications Device".
- Click/tap on the drop menu arrow to the right of Set Default, and click/tap on Default Device.
- Click/tap on the drop menu arrow to the right of Set Default, and click/tap on Default Communication Device. This will not be the "Default Device"
3 Click/tap on OK when finished. (see screenshot below)
This option is only available starting with Windows 10 build 17692.
1 Open the Game Bar (Win+G).
2 Select the default audio output device you want. (see screenshot below)
You will not be able to choose if you do not have multiple audio output devices.
3 When finished, you can close the Game Bar if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
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Change Default Audio Playback Device in Windows 10
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New #2
Hello bighair, :)
Sorry, but Option Two is only available starting with Windows 10 build 17035,
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New #4
Note: I find it MUCH easier to use the windows 7 versions. ( ihave my mixer set to win7 too using a regedit)
Just
1) click: start> type "control panel"(launch it) > click: sound
from here you will see what you are expecting. TABS for input/output devices. Right click to change settings/config
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New #5
I have a new HP PC, the audio doesn't come through external speakers. I tried a new set of speakers, same issue. I can't change the audio playback. I've looked at the diagrams, I don't see how to change them. I've gone into every setting I can find. HP won't help, they say Software issues. I tried their paid 3rd party, got disconnected. HP says that is the only solution they have. They won't pay for any one else to look at it. Is there a setting I'm overlooking? I have 3 days to return it for a refund. Thanks, Tom
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New #6
Hello Tom, and welcome to Ten Forums.
It could be a driver issue, and an updated version may help.
If you haven't already, you could see if restarting the computer may help if it's just a glitch.
Otherwise, I would say go ahead and return the PC while you can considering the bad HP customer service you received.
Change Default Audio Playback Device in Windows 10
How to Change Default Sound Output Device in Windows 10Published by Shawn BrinkCategory: Hardware & Drivers
27 Aug 2020
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