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Quick Answer

Click the volume icon in your taskbar, click the arrow or speaker icon next to the volume slider, and select the device you want to use from the list of available speakers and headsets.

How to Switch Between Audio Devices on Windows ​

Applies to: Windows 11
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-09

Summary ​

You have a headset plugged in, external speakers on your dock, and your laptop's built-in speakers — and Windows is playing sound through the wrong one. This guide shows you how to switch between audio output and input devices in seconds using Quick Settings, and how to set defaults so it remembers your preference.

Prerequisites ​

  • At least two audio devices connected to your Windows 11 laptop (e.g., headset + laptop speakers)

Instructions ​

1. Switch Audio Output (Speakers/Headset) Using Quick Settings ​

This is the fastest way to change where sound comes out.

  1. Click the Speaker / Network / Battery icon cluster in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar (or press Win + A).
  2. In the Quick Settings panel, find the volume slider.
  3. Click the arrow (>) to the right of the volume slider.
  4. A list of all available audio output devices appears.
  5. Click the device you want to use. Sound switches immediately.

2. Switch Audio Input (Microphone) ​

Switching your microphone takes one extra step — Quick Settings handles output, but input requires Sound settings.

  1. Open Settings (press Win + I).
  2. Select System > Sound.
  3. Scroll down to the Input section.
  4. Under Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the microphone you want to use.

TIP

Shortcut: Right-click the Speaker icon in your taskbar and select Sound settings to jump directly to this page.

3. Set a Default Audio Device (So Windows Remembers) ​

Windows doesn't always remember your preference, especially when you dock and undock your laptop. You can pin a preferred device.

  1. Open Settings > System > Sound.
  2. Under Output, click the arrow (>) next to your preferred device.
  3. On the device detail page, find the Set as default sound device dropdown.
  4. Select Use as default for audio.
  5. Repeat for your preferred Input device if needed.

4. Switch Audio Per App (Volume Mixer) ​

You can send different apps to different audio devices — for example, music through your speakers and Teams calls through your headset.

  1. Open Settings > System > Sound.
  2. Scroll down and click Volume mixer.
  3. Under each app listed, use the Output device dropdown to choose which audio device that specific app should use.

TIP

Press Win + Ctrl + V to open the Volume Mixer directly from anywhere.

5. Verify Success ​

  1. Play audio (music, a video, or a test call) and confirm sound comes from the correct device.
  2. For microphone, open Settings > System > Sound > Input and use the Start test button to verify the correct mic is active.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If a device disappears from the list when you undock, that's expected — Windows removes devices that are no longer connected. When you dock again, the device should reappear. If it doesn't, unplug and re-plug the dock.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Audio plays through laptop speakers despite headset plugged inHeadset not selected as outputOpen Quick Settings (Win + A) > click arrow next to volume > select headset
No audio devices in Quick Settings listAudio service issueRestart your laptop; if the issue persists, right-click the Speaker icon > Troubleshoot sound problems
Teams uses wrong mic even after switchingTeams has its own device settingOpen Teams Settings > Devices and select the correct microphone
Default device resets after restartWindows update or driver overrideRe-set the default in Settings > System > Sound > Output > device details
Volume Mixer shows "System Sounds" onlyNo apps currently playing audioOpen an app that plays sound, then check Volume Mixer again