SMALL STEPS. USEFUL SKILLS.

Choose where sound plays

Switch sound between speakers, headphones or a monitor.

Windows 11About 2 minutes5 steps · 5 with pictures

Follow along on your device

Use the pictures where shown. Follow the short instructions between them.

STEP 1 OF 5

Open the sound panel

Select the speaker symbol beside the clock.

Take your time. There’s no rush.

Prefer to see all the steps together?+

STEP 1

Open the sound panel

Select the speaker symbol beside the clock.

STEP 2

Show the devices

Select the arrow beside the volume slider.

Example Taskbar screen with Choose output highlighted. — Step 2

STEP 3

Choose the device

Select the speakers, headphones or monitor you want to hear.

Example Sound output screen with Headphones highlighted. — Step 3

STEP 4

Check the volume

Make sure the sound is not muted and raise the slider slowly.

Example Sound screen with Volume slider highlighted. — Step 4

STEP 5

Test it

Play a familiar video at a low volume and check the sound comes from the chosen device.

Example Test screen with Play highlighted. — Step 5

IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT

A little help along the way.

Your menus may look different after an update. Look for the same control name and take your time.

I cannot find that option+

Check that this guide covers your device and software. If the names do not match, use the manufacturer’s instructions linked below for your model.

I need to go back a step+

Use Previous step or select a step number above. This changes the guide only; it does not undo anything on your device.

Are these pictures of my device?+

They are example screens showing exactly where to click. Your names, apps, wallpaper and layout may look a little different, but the options you need are the same. Some pictures show what you should see after a step.

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