Windows 10 offers much more control over how you can use your device to the fullest, with intricate control over the visual and audio aesthetics of the operating system. If you keep multiple speakers and headsets connected to your device, you may be wondering how to set the default audio device in Windows 10.
Windows 10 Set Default Audio Device Option
Windows 10 allows you to make many changes to your operating system when it comes to sound. With each new update, you will find some new features allowing you to configure the audio. With a recent update, Windows 10 now allows you to change which device you want to use as the default output device.
Many modern-day laptops come with decent quality speakers, which some desktop monitors also have a built-in speaker. Changing your default audio device comes in handy if you connect multiple output devices like more speakers or Bluetooth and wired headsets.
How To Set Default Audio Device Windows 10?
There are many ways to change the audio device in Windows 10, and now I shall list them one by one.
Method 1: Change Playback Device From The Speaker Flyover Option
If you want to just change the audio playback for this one session only, this is the method you can follow.
Windows 10 focuses a lot on being seamless across the user interface. This is evident from the fact that many popular options and settings have been made to be accessible within a few clicks. The taskbar sound option is no different, and you can change the audio output right from your taskbar.
Simply click on the taskbar sound option to display the current playback device. To reveal the list of playback devices connected to your computer, click on the small up arrow next to the current speaker. Here, click on any device that you wish to set as the default playback device.
Windows 10 will save your preferences, playing media from this source by default the next time. However, you may see the default audio device revert to the one set as default. To change this, check out the next methods.
Method 2: Use The Settings App
With Microsoft all set to replace the control panel inevitably, it has started to incorporate many configurational settings into the Settings app. You can use this section of the Settings app to control playback and select the default audio device.
Follow these steps for the same:
- Open the Settings You can use the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
- Go to the System section.
- From the left pane menu, click on Sound. It is generally the second option.
- In the right pane, use the drop-down menu under the Output section to select your default playback device.
Method 3: Use The Classic Control Panel Option
The classic Control panel has not been completely removed from Windows 10, and it still houses nearly all the settings it has to customize how Windows functions. To change the default audio playback device using the control panel, follow these steps:
- In Windows Search, type control and press Enter to launch the Control Panel applet.
- Change the display option to Small or Large Icons according to your preference, if you see it set to Category.
- Select Sound from the control panel items.
This will open the Sound window which contains all the options to configure sound output. - Under the Playback tab, you will find a list of all the audio output devices connected to your computer.
- The audio device with a green tick is the default audio device.
- Click on the audio device that you wish to set as default, and click on the Set Default button to change the default playback device.
- Go to the Recording tab.
- Here, select an input device that you wish to use as default, and click on the Set Default button to change the default microphone.
How To Change The Default Communication Channel?
If you use your Windows 10 device to make and receive calls, this a feature that you will find very useful. You can set up a separate communications channel, which device will be used by default to make and receive calls, and during other communication.
This option is also located in the Sound window that you opened in Method 3 above. Simply switch to the Communications tab, and click on your desired playback device (most preferably your headset).
Next, click on the small arrow next to the Set Default button to reveal the additional menu. From this menu, select Default Communication Device and click on the Apply button. This will change the default communication device for your computer.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it. Now you know how to set the default audio device in Windows 10 using the methods provided above. Did you find this useful? Comment below if you did, and to discuss further the same.
AndroidVixen says
Thank you for this. Fixed the issue for me!