How to Change Default Speaker on Windows 10 (Audio Playback Device)

When you have multiple audio playback devices connected to Windows 10, you can set the one you like as the default playback device. Follow the instructions below to change the default audio playback device in Windows 10.

You can attach as many audio playback devices as you want in Windows. For example, I have three audio devices. i.e, monitor speakers, external speakers, and headphones. Each and every playback device is available to you as long as they are powered on and in the working state. When you have multiple audio playback devices, Windows does its best to choose the default one. In some cases, the audio drivers will choose the default playback device.

If the default configuration is not to your liking, you can change the default playback device in several different ways. In this quick and simple post, I will show the ways to change the default audio device in Windows 10. Follow the method you are comfortable with and you will be good in no time.

1. Change Default Audio Playback Device from Taskbar

You can change the default playback device directly from the taskbar in Windows 10. Here are the steps you should follow.

1. First, click on the “Volume” icon on the taskbar.
   
2. Now, click on the playback device name.
3. As soon as you click, you will see all the connected audio playback devices. Select the playback device you want.
   

As soon as you select the device, Windows will set it as the default. You can follow the same steps to quickly change the playback device as and when needed.

2. Set Default Playback Device from Settings

The Settings app also provides a simple way to quickly set a default audio playback device. All you have to do is select the audio device from the dropdown menu. Follow the steps listed below.

1. Open Settings by pressing the “Windows Key + I” keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to the “System” page.
   
3. Select the “Sound” tab on the left panel.
4. On the right panel, select the audio playback device from the dropdown menu under the “Output” section.
   
5. Settings all automatically saved.
6. Close the Settings app.

That is all.

3. Change Audio Output Device for A Select Application

If you want to, you can also set the default audio output device on a per-application basis. For example, if you want Spotify to use external speakers by default, then you change its audio output device via settings. Here’s how.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to “System“.
   
3. Now, go to the “Sound” page.
4. On the right page, scroll down and click on the “App volume and device preferences” option under the “Advanced Sound Options” section.
   
5. Here, you will see all the opened applications. If an application is not opened, you will not see it here.
6. Select the audio playback device from the top dropdown menu of the application.
   
7. Settings are automatically saved.
8. Close the Settings app.

That is all.

I hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. If you like this article, check out how to connect AirPods to Windows 10.