This tutorial will show you how to set the default input and output sound device for communication for your account in Windows 11.
The default sound output device is the device that Windows uses to play sound. For example, a speaker.
The default sound input device is the device that Windows uses for speaking or recording. For example, a microphone.
The default communication device is the sound device set to be used for calls. For example, a headset.
By default, the default sound device is also used as the default communication device.
You can set to use a speaker as your default sound output device, and set a separate device (ex: headset) as your default output communication device.
You can set to use a microphone as your default input output device, and set a separate device (ex: headset) as your default input communication device.
This allows you to use both devices independently at the same time. For example, media can play on speakers while calls (ex: from Teams) go the headset.
Starting with Windows 11 build 26340.9354 (Experimental 26H2) for Insiders, the option to set an audio device as the default sound device for communication now always appears in Properties. The option is unavailable if the device is already the default instead of being hidden.
Contents
- Option One: Change Default Input and Output Sound Device for Communication in Settings
- Option Two: Change Default Input and Output Sound Device for Communication in Control Panel
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Sound on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3 Do step 4 (input) or step 5 (output) below for which type of sound device you want to set for communication.
4 Change Default Input Sound Device for Communication
A) Click/tap on the Properties arrow to the right of the device you want used as the default communication device. (see screenshot below)
You will need to select an input device that is not already set as the Default communications device.
B) Select Also use as default for communications or Use as default for communications in the Set as default sound device drop menu. (see screenshots below)
You will see Also use as default for communications if this is the default sound input device.
5 Change Default Output Sound Device for Communication
A) Click/tap on the Properties arrow to the right of the device you want used as the default communication device. (see screenshot below)
You will need to select a output device that is not already set as the Default communications device.
B) Select Also use as default for communications or Use as default for communications in the Set as default sound device drop menu. (see screenshots below)
You will see Also use as default for communications if this is the default sound output device.
6 You can now close Settings if you like.
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Sound on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3 Under Advanced, click/tap on More sound settings. (see screenshot below)
4 Do step 5 (input) or step 6 (output) below for which type of sound device you want to set for communication.
5. Change Default Input Sound Device for Communication
A) Click/tap on the Recording tab. (see screenshots below)
B) Perform either step below:
- Right click on the device you want, and click/tap on Set as Default Communication Device.
- Select the device you want, and click/tap on Default Communication Device in the Set Default drop menu.
You will need to select an input device that is not already set as the Default communications device.
C) Click/tap on OK.
6. Change Default Output Sound Device for Communication
A) Click/tap on the Playback tab. (see screenshots below)
B) Perform either step below:
- Right click on the device you want, and click/tap on Set as Default Communication Device.
- Select the device you want, and click/tap on Default Communication Device in the Set Default drop menu.
You will need to select a output device that is not already set as the Default communications device.
C) Click/tap on OK.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited:
