If you ever connect an audio device to your PC and don't hear sound coming out, you may need to change the device that your PC is outputting audio to. The ability to select the audio output device allows users to have multiple speakers or headphones connected to their PC and choose the location of the audio output as needed.
To Select the Audio Output Device in Windows 11:
From the Taskbar
- On the Taskbar, click on the Audio 🔉 icon in the lower right corner of the screen
- To the right of the volume slider, click on the Settings 🎛️ icon
- Identify and select the device that you want to output audio
From the Settings Application
- Open the Settings ⚙️ Application, you can do so by holding down the Windows ⊞ key and the letter I on your keyboard
- On the left-side of the Settings window, select System
- On the right-side, select Sound
- Locate the device that you are wanting to output audio and select the toggle to the left of the device's name
In Windows 11, you are also able to select a default audio device that will be used for communications, like voice or video calls. When selected, the audio output device that your PC uses will change when you receive a voice or video call. This settings comes in handy if you enjoy using external speakers, but prefer using headphones for more privacy during calls.
To Set a Default Audio Output Device for Communications:
- Open the Settings ⚙️ application and navigate to the Sound settings
- Select the device that you are wanting to use for voice or video calls
- Locate Set as default sound device and select the dropdown towards the right
- Select Use as default for communications
