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

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-06-06T05:04:07+00:00

    I have an HP Envy 17 laptop that changes the default speakers EVERY time I power cycle it. Not on a reboot, but every power up I have no sound and have to go choose my speaker/headphone again, EVEN THOUGH they are set and confirmed to be correctly set as default. I've also tried every "solution" I can find online. So frustrating.

    Screen shot shows what I have set correctly to default. On power up it always changes to the USB speakers.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-05-21T09:33:37+00:00

    Thanks for your reply!

    I remember unchecking "Allow Application to take exclusive controls on this device" a bunch of times before because it keeps re-checking itself. I think it's because I run the troubleshooter in order to get my sound back and it probably resets these settings every time.

    I have, of course, enabled my audio device...

    I have now disabled the audio on one of my monitors in device manager and I hope it stays that way. I just want Windows to not randomly switch between these monitors is all. Is there no way to 'lock' or force the output device?

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-05-20T18:52:35+00:00

    I love how the "experts" don't read the original message. Scary if they are experts.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-04-11T12:56:01+00:00

    Good Day Bobbeloos,

    I appreciate your time getting back to this thread have you tried to Uncheck the box to "Allow Application to take exclusive controls on this device"

    -Go to Control Panel

    -In Control Panel, select Large icons from the View by drop down menu.

    -Select Sound.

    -Select the Playback tab

    -Right click the Speakers and click Enable.

    -Right-click it again and select Set as Default Device.

    -Right click Speakers and click Properties.

    -Click on Advance Tab

    -Uncheck the box to "Allow Application to take exclusive controls on this device"

    -Click OK.

    Restart your computer and check.

    If issue persists, proceed with these steps.

    -Go to Device Manager

    -Expand the Sound and Video Game Controllers

    -Look for Audio driver that was installed

    -Right click and Uninstall

    Once uninstalled go to this link below and download and install the driver.

    https://download.msi.com/dvr_exe/mb/realtek_aud...

    Restart once done and observe the audio.

    Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

    Sincerely,

    Carlo T.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-04-11T12:52:01+00:00

    Hi Carlo, thanks for your reply!

    I've already attempted the fixes above. I forgot to mention I went through all the common fixes before making this thread. Sorry!

    I already tried updating the audio drivers as well as my graphics card driver since it handles the audio over DP.

    Here's the relevant information. The mobo is a B550-A-PRO.

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