EarTrumpet

How to Use Multiple Audio Devices in Windows

Windows can keep more than one audio device connected at once — a monitor's speakers, a USB headset, and a Bluetooth speaker can all show up in the same list — but only one is treated as default at a time unless you route apps individually.

This guide covers seeing all connected devices, changing the default, and sending specific apps to specific devices.

See every connected audio device

  1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
  2. Select 'Sound settings' (both Windows 10 and 11 use this label).
  3. Scroll to 'Output' or 'Choose your output device' to see the full list of detected devices.
  4. Click 'Manage sound devices' or scroll further to see devices that are connected but currently disabled.

Route one app to a specific device

  1. Open the Volume mixer (Win+Ctrl+V on Windows 11, or Settings > System > Sound > App volume and device preferences on Windows 10).
  2. Find the app you want to redirect.
  3. Use the output dropdown next to that app to pick a different device than the system default.
  4. The app will keep using that device even if you later change the overall default.

Using EarTrumpet to move apps between devices

EarTrumpet lists every connected device and lets you drag an app's icon onto a device directly in the flyout, which is faster than opening Settings each time you switch.

Common multi-device setups

  • Music through desk speakers while calls go to a headset
  • Game audio on headphones, background music on a Bluetooth speaker
  • Monitor speakers for notifications, dedicated speakers for media

What you need before setting this up

Any device Windows already sees under Settings > System > Sound qualifies — built-in speakers, a USB headset, a Bluetooth speaker, or an HDMI-connected monitor with speakers. No extra drivers are usually needed for USB or Bluetooth audio, since Windows ships generic class drivers for both.

If you plan to route apps individually rather than relying on one default, it helps to first confirm each device shows up correctly by playing a short test sound through it from Settings.

Alternative: assign devices per app instead of switching the default

If you don't want to keep changing the system default, leave it as-is and instead set each app's output individually using the per-app dropdown in the Volume mixer, as covered above. This is generally the more reliable long-term setup, since it survives Windows switching the default automatically when a new device connects.

When a device doesn't show up or won't stay connected

If a device is plugged in but missing from the list, click 'Manage sound devices' in Settings > System > Sound and check whether it's listed but disabled — right-click it and choose 'Enable' if so. Bluetooth devices that connect but produce no sound sometimes need to be removed and re-paired under Settings > Bluetooth & devices.

For dedicated steps on making one specific device the default and keeping it that way, see how to set the default audio device. For a full rundown of app-level muting, output routing, and microphone access in one place, see how to manage app audio on Windows.

Frequently asked questions

Can Windows play different apps through different devices at the same time?

Yes, as long as each app is set to use a specific device individually; apps left on 'Default' will follow whichever device is currently set as default.

Why did my default device change on its own?

Windows often switches the default automatically when you plug in or wake a new device such as a USB headset; disable this under Settings > System > Sound > advanced device options if it's disruptive.

Do I need drivers for a second audio device?

Most USB and Bluetooth audio devices work with Windows' built-in drivers; only specialized hardware typically needs manufacturer drivers.

Can I use more than two audio devices at the same time?

Yes, Windows doesn't limit the number of simultaneously connected devices; the practical limit is how many apps you want routed to different outputs.

Does EarTrumpet let me listen to two devices at once through one app?

No — like Windows itself, EarTrumpet routes one app to one output device at a time; splitting a single app's audio across two devices simultaneously isn't supported by standard Windows audio APIs.

Why does audio briefly cut out when I switch a device mid-playback?

This is normal; most apps pause or click briefly while re-initializing the new output stream, then resume playback.

Install EarTrumpet to drag apps between devices instantly.