Windows 11 keeps changing audio output.

Anonymous
2022-04-11T11:41:43+00:00

Hello,

Windows 11 keeps swapping between audio output devices at random times. Even if I "don't allow" a device in the settings or disable it through 'more sound settings'. Sometimes it happens after a reboot, sometimes it just does it for no reason. Sometimes it goes well for a day, maybe two, and then it'll swap things around again.

Is there a way for me to 'lock' the output device? My default device is set as the default. Sometimes it changes volume to maximum after a swap which you can probably understand is very inconvenient.

Did I miss a setting somewhere?

I'm using my earbuds plugged in to one of my monitors and the monitor is connected through DP, so the audio controller is my graphics card (nvidia) rather than the on-board one.

Can anyone help me out?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

121 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-06-24T21:16:28+00:00

    I've been struggling with this issue too. So, does anyone have a solution to share so we can solve the problem, as DaveGross1 says?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-29T17:55:45+00:00

    It will take 85% of Eng/Mgr time to review the data and agree upon a solution, ~15% of the effort to implement in code whatever is the agreed upon solution. So some additional scope to make it perfect shouldn't be an issue.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-27T09:10:37+00:00

    I have the same issue on Windows 10

    It's just started happening and is really frustrating.

    I'm working on music with headphones in on a Komplete Audio interface and windows suddenly decides to switch to the laptops RealTek audio, so the sound blasts out the laptop speakers.

    It sometimes switches back to Komplete Audio, then will just randomly switch back again.

    :(

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T19:06:54+00:00

    I like how you recognize the nuances.

    I think one thing that's important to recognize is you're trying to define the "perfect" solution.

    Personally, I think everyone in this thread could live with "don't switch the audio device at all unless I tell you to".

    Would it be nice if it just knew what to do? sure. But, since they can't get that right...please don't switch it at all. I can go click on the button and select what I want and so can everyone else.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T18:58:14+00:00

    Soundcard would not be the solution either. As windows would still default to another device say bluetooth audio, or wireless headset. All adding a sound card would do is add another audio device. If internal you need to be sure you have the slot and are confident in installing. External it's another plug and play audio device that windows will treat like everything else. Basically it would have to have an installed driver that supersedes windows default audio behavior and allows you that control, which yes there could be certain cards with the included drivers. Still as you said this should not be required. As it stands most onboard cards are realtek based which has had decent audio control drivers in the past.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments