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: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T17:32:54+00:00

    How does this help at all. The issue isnt with compatibility and devices you loon. The issue at hand here is auto defaulting to whatever new item is connected. Some people have peripherals that will be swapped regularly, or do customizations on the fly. Hell Linux systems dont have this problem, because it's not a function built into the OS response.

    Leave your apple pandering fandom out. Their systems arent so streamlined anyways, they are restrictively closed and difficult to work with in any experience I have had. The inability to play well with other systems is also an issue more than a boon.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T17:40:49+00:00

    I managed to make it through that rambling post and am at a loss for how it is at all helpful, and I don't agree with a fair amount of it.

    "The Windows platform isn't right for everybody, & there's no shame in that."

    What does that even mean in the context of this conversation?

    "I've got at least 11 peripheral audio devices connected to Windows 11 right now, & I usually have zero problems because I made sure the devices are already known to work flawlessly & they all do."

    Good for you? I'm not sure what else to say...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T17:44:28+00:00

    Well, we can all agree that guy's post was pointless. :)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T17:52:54+00:00

    Are you okay there buddy?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T18:01:38+00:00

    So what is your configuration? I find this very odd.

    I have three monitors with audio in them and an RME Babyface high end audio device I use for recording , mixing and mastering.

    I think its as most folks are saying. Windows does not lock in the audio device you choose.

    Lets say you get a new driver for Nvidia Graphics card. Nvidia will have an audio driver included. Even if I uncheck the box for the audio, in my setup I can be guaranteed that after installing the graphics driver, Windows will change my audio device to one of the monitors. When I go into the sound settings to change back all three monitors audio are enabled again. This is after I have choose don't allow them under sound settings. This also happens when I have them disabled in Device Manager.

    So this is and there is a problem, and always has been a problem for me. WIN10/11

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments