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Computer basics

How do I switch sound between my speakers and headphones?

You'll be able to: Switch between headphones, speakers, and external sound devices

Risk
Safe to try
Windows
Windows 11 · Windows 10

Filed under Computer basics

The steps

  1. 1

    Click the sound / speaker icon in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar. The Quick Settings volume slider pops up.

    Why do I need to switch manually?

    When you connect Bluetooth headphones or an external monitor with built-in speakers, Windows sometimes stays on the previous device until you pick your preferred one.

  2. 2

    Click the small arrow icon > located immediately to the right of the volume slider (or press WinCtrlV). A list of all connected audio playback devices appears (such as Speakers, Headphones, or your Monitor).

    Windows audio output selector displaying a list of available headphones and speakers.
  3. 3

    Click the name of the headphones or speakers you want to listen through. A checkmark appears next to your selected device, and all sound immediately routes through it.

    4. It looks different on my screen

    In Windows 10, clicking the speaker icon shows the active device name directly above the slider — click on that name to open the device dropdown list.

Did this work?

Updated 2026-08-29اقرأ بالعربية