How to Change Windows Default Audio Device Settings

Introduction

On a Windows machine, the following steps will be a guide on how to change audio devices on the user’s machine. It will cover how to access the sound control panel, how to set the default sound device, and how to set the default communication device. 

Estimated Time to Complete

10 Minutes

Special Concepts

Default Device

The Default Device is the device that your main computer audio will project from. This is generally set to the default speakers unless another audio device is plugged in.

Default Communication Device

The Default Communication Device is the device that will be used for communication platforms for calls and conferences. This would commonly be a headset plugged into the machine.

Steps

Open Sound Control Panel

  1. Select the magnifying glass at the bottom left of the screen

  2. Type “sound” in the search bar that appears

  3. Select “Sound Settings” in the options that appear

  4. Select "Sound Control Panel" from the "Related Settings" section

Set Default Audio Device

  1. Follow the steps from above to open the sound control panel

  2. Select the audio device that needs to be set

  3. Select the drop-down arrow next to Set Default

  4. Select Default Device

Set a Default Communications Device

  1. Follow the steps from above to open the sound control panel

  2. Select the audio device that needs to be set

  3. Select the drop-down arrow next to Set Default

  4. Select Default Communication device

 

Conclusion

After following the guide, you should be able to set and change windows default audio devices.

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Details

Article ID: 105203
Created
Mon 4/13/20 3:28 PM
Modified
Thu 7/27/23 10:50 AM