- Windows 11 offers multiple ways to select and customize the audio output device.
- Audio outputs can be assigned per program, customizing the experience for each application.
- There are external tools to improve sound control and adapt it to specific needs.
Manage the sound on your computer with Windows 11 may seem like a simple task, but the truth is that, with the evolution of the operating system, new options, methods and Tricks allowing fully control the audio output and level, both globally and for each individual application. If you've ever suffered from your music not playing through the correct speakers or your headphones not turning on automatically, this article brings you the most comprehensive and up-to-date solution, along with all the details, tips, and workarounds, without leaving anything out.
In the following lines, you'll discover how to select the default audio output device in Windows 11, how to adjust the sound for each program, what to do when things aren't working, and which apps can help you go far beyond what the operating system itself allows. Whether you're a new or experienced user, you'll find everything you need to know here, explained step by step and in clear language, so you don't waste any more time navigating through menus. Let's get started!
Native Windows 11 Options for Managing Audio
Windows 11 has maintained and updated the centralized sound settings panel which already brought Windows 10, although with a more modern design and some new steps. From this control center You can select, adjust, and organize how and where audio plays on your PC. One of the first things to consider is whether you have multiple output devices (e.g., speakers, Bluetooth headsets, sound bars, Etc.), Windows allows you to choose at any time which one to use as default.
To do it from the taskbar, simply click on the audio icon, which is usually located at the bottom right of the screen. To the right of the volume slider, you will see an icon settingClick there, and a list of connected and available output devices will appear. Just select the one you want to use.
If you prefer to do it from the settings app, press the Windows key and the I key at the same time to open Settings. Inside, access the section System and in the right side menu choose SoundOn that screen, locate the output devices section, where you'll see each one available. Clicking on the one you're interested in makes it the default device, and it's where the system's overall audio signal will be output.
Furthermore, Windows 11 allows you to define a default output device only for communication tasks, such as voice or video calls.This is incredibly useful if you frequently switch between speakers for music and headsets for conferences, for example. To configure it, within the Sound options, select the desired device, open the 'Set as default sound device' drop-down menu, and choose 'Use as default for communications.'
What to Do if the Sound Device Does Not Appear?
Sometimes, a device you've connected may not appear in the list of audio output options. This is usually because it's disabled or the system hasn't detected it correctly. To resolve this, right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select 'Sounds' or 'Open Sound Settings'. In the window that opens, go to the 'Playback' tab. All detected devices will appear there, although some may be disabled. If you see the one you're interested in but it appears disabled, right-click it and select 'Connect' or 'Enable'.
Assign Audio Output Device for Each Application
One of the biggest advances in the latest versions of Windows is the ability to send the audio of each program separately to different devices, which translates into a complete customization of the sound experience. For example, you can play with the sound coming out of the speakers, have Spotify on Bluetooth headphones and a call on your mobile phone with wired headphones, all at the same time and each one where you want.
To assign audio outputs by program, open the Settings menu (Windows + I), go to 'System,' then 'Sound,' and scroll down to the 'Advanced sound options' or 'Device and app volume preferences.' Here you'll find a list of all currently open applications, along with options to set the volume and output device for each one. At the top of the window, you can set the default devices for the entire system, while below, for each running program, you can configure both the individual volume (which will be applied as a percentage of the overall volume) and the independent audio inputs and outputs.
It's important to know that Only those applications that are open and generating sound at that time will appear in the list.If any of them don't appear, make sure you have them working and playing audio before changing their settings.
The Volume Mixer in Windows 11
Windows 11 has reorganized some of the sound options compared to previous versions, including access to the volume mixerNow, when you click the speaker icon in the taskbar, look for the option "More volume settings" or something similar (the wording may vary depending on the update). This will take you directly to the mixer section within Settings, where you can manage each app and its output or adjust the overall system level.
Finalizing Details: How to Troubleshoot Common Audio Output Problems
Audio may give problems from time to time: devices not showing up, sound is low or cuts out, Windows doesn't automatically switch between headphones and speakers, etc. If this happens to you, the first thing to do is go back to the sound settings to make sure everything is selected and connected correctly.
If everything seems correct but it still doesn't work, Windows offers a built-in troubleshooter. From the sound panel, look for the 'Troubleshoot' option, which will guide you step by step to locate errors in the configuration, in the drivers or on the devices themselves.
Another possible cause is that your sound card drivers are outdated. Visit the manufacturer's website (Realtek, ASUS, etc.) and download the latest drivers for your model. This can unlock new features and ensure everything works as expected.
Advanced Sound Output Configuration Using Third-Party Software
Although Windows 11 offers many options, There are those who need to go further to have full control over the system audio.Some examples include apps that allow you to duplicate output, assign sounds to multiple cards at once, equalize per app, or even set maximum volume limits.
Let's take a look at the main tools you can use to further customize the sound experience on your computer:
audio routers
Audio Router It is a free and portable application that allows us to assign different audio outputs for each running program. Simply download it, unzip it, and run it (no installation required). Before opening the program, make sure the applications you want to change are running and playing audio, otherwise they won't be detected. Within Audio Router, you'll see the applications on the left and the available output devices on the right. By clicking on the arrow for each program, you can choose the 'Route' option, which will open a drop-down menu to select where you want the audio to be output. Additionally, you can adjust the volume level, mute independently, and even have the same application play through more than one device simultaneously using the 'Soft routing' option.
Pros: Simple interface and many options per program. Against: May require prior knowledge to get the most out of it and only works with programs that are open when you start the app.
Ear Trumpet
Ear Trumpet is one of the most popular apps for advanced sound management in Windows 11. Once installed from the Microsoft Store, it adds its own volume control icon to the taskbar. Clicking on it will show you all open apps and their individual volumes, allowing you to modify each one without affecting the rest. It also allows you to move its icon to the main area to replace the native system icon, and supports the use of keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume more quickly without having to use the mouse.
Advantages: It integrates seamlessly with Windows, is free and easy to use. Drawbacks: There are others apps more advanced with options that are missing here, but for most users the functionality will be more than sufficient.
WALE
WALE (Windows Audio Level Editor) is perfect for those looking for even finer control. It not only allows you to adjust the overall and per-app volume, but also equalize the sound, set maximum limits to avoid interruptions, and adjust the audio output of each browser tab independently. It's a very comprehensive app, although its interface can be somewhat less intuitive and requires some time to master all its features. It is frequently updated and incorporates improvements to adapt to new Windows environments.
Background Music
Background Music is another free and open source option It allows you to manage the volume of all open applications, regardless of their type (browsers, games, messaging apps, etc.). In addition to being lightweight and consuming very few resources, it works perfectly offline and contains no ads. It's an alternative to Ear Trumpet or WALE for those who want something simple, effective, and hassle-free.
Managing Sound with Your Sound Card Software
We can't forget that When installing the drivers for your sound card, a manufacturer-specific control panel is often added., especially if you have a motherboard with a Realtek chip or a dedicated card. These control centers allow even more options, such as adjusting quality, equalization, effects, enabling or disabling specific outputs, and, in short, having a level of control impossible with generic Windows tools. From here you can see a list of all connected peripherals and choose, visually, which one to use and how to configure it. If what you want is Change the default audio output device in Windows 11, these panels offer a very complete solution.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.