A Walkthrough of Windows Sound Settings
Windows Sound settings, found at Settings > System > Sound, is the central page for choosing audio devices, adjusting volume, and diagnosing problems. It has grown over the years to include per-app volume and spatial sound as well.
This page walks through the main sections so you know exactly where to look for a given setting.
Output and input device selection
The top of the Sound settings page lists the current output (speakers/headphones) and input (microphone) devices, with dropdowns to switch between all detected devices.
Volume and mixer sections
Below device selection, a master volume slider sits alongside a link to the Volume mixer (Windows 11) or App volume and device preferences (Windows 10), covered in detail on the Volume Mixer page.
Advanced sound options
- Spatial sound format selection (for supported headsets and formats)
- Device properties, including sample rate and exclusive mode
- Troubleshoot buttons for playback and recording issues
- Links to the classic Control Panel Sound dialog for legacy settings
Getting to Sound settings quickly
- Win+I to open Settings, then System > Sound
- Type "sound" into Start search and pick "Sound settings"
- Right-click the tray speaker icon and choose "Sound settings" directly
- From the classic Control Panel, search "Sound" for the legacy dialog with Playback, Recording, and Sounds tabs
How Sound settings differs from the Volume Mixer
Sound settings is the umbrella page for devices and configuration, while the Windows app volume mixer and Windows volume control handle the actual loudness levels. Think of Sound settings as choosing which device and format to use, and the mixer or flyout as adjusting how loud things are once that device is selected.
Managing multiple devices
Sound settings also lists every connected audio device, even inactive ones, letting you rename, disable, or set defaults for each. See using multiple audio devices in Windows for setup guidance.
Renaming and organizing devices
Each device listed in Sound settings can be renamed by clicking into its properties, which helps distinguish similarly-named USB headsets or monitors with built-in speakers. Devices you never use can be disabled from the same properties screen so they stop appearing in dropdowns throughout Windows audio control menus.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the old Sound control panel go?
It's still accessible; Sound settings includes a "More sound settings" or similar link that opens the classic dialog with the Playback, Recording, and Sounds tabs.
Can I get to Sound settings with a keyboard shortcut?
There's no single default shortcut, but Win+I opens Settings, and typing "sound" in Start search jumps straight to it.
Does Sound settings show Bluetooth pairing status?
Only indirectly; full Bluetooth pairing and connection status lives under Settings > Bluetooth & devices, while Sound settings just lists a paired device once it's connected as an audio endpoint.
Can I open Sound settings for a specific app directly?
Not from Sound settings itself; app-specific volume and device routing lives in the Volume mixer page, which Sound settings links to.