Windows 11 · Windows
Set an App’s Audio Output in Windows
Source-checked About 3 minutes
Answer
Windows can assign a different output device to an individual app through Volume mixer. Whether two devices can play the same audio simultaneously depends on the audio hardware and driver, so do not assume a universal dual-output setting.
Connect both audio devices
Connect or pair the headphones, speakers, or other devices you want Windows to recognise.
Start the app
Play audio in the app you want to configure so it appears in Volume mixer.
Open Sound settings
Select Start, open Settings, then choose System and Sound.
Open Volume mixer
Select Volume mixer to see app-specific controls.
Choose the app output
Under Apps, select the output device for the affected app.
Check the system default
If another app should use a different device, check its own Volume mixer output or the system playback default separately.
Test without extra software
Play audio in each app and confirm the assigned device. Do not install virtual mixers or modify drivers unless the hardware maker documents that setup.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If an output is missing, reconnect or pair it and check its power before changing audio services or drivers.
- If both devices need the same audio at once, check the audio hardware maker’s documentation. Microsoft’s per-app setting does not promise simultaneous playback.
- Changing an app output affects that app only. Keep a written note of the original output so you can restore the working setup if an app becomes silent. Some drivers expose extra routing features, but use them only when the audio hardware maker documents the feature for that exact model, Windows version, and connection type.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.