How to Change Audio Output for Specific Programs in Windows

Windows provides a surprisingly flexible, although sometimes hidden, set of options for managing audio output. While the default audio device is usually sufficient, sometimes you need specific programs to use different speakers or headphones. This guide will walk you through various methods to achieve this, from the built-in Windows settings to third-party applications. We’ll cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques, ensuring you have a clear understanding of how to route audio exactly where you want it.

Table of Contents

Understanding Audio Output in Windows

Before diving into the methods, it’s crucial to understand how Windows handles audio. Windows sees each audio device (speakers, headphones, USB headsets, etc.) as a separate output. The operating system designates one of these as the “default” audio device. This is where most programs will send their audio unless specifically told otherwise. Changing the default device affects all applications using the system’s default. However, what if you want one program to use speakers while another uses headphones? That’s where program-specific audio routing comes in.

The challenges often lie in finding the right settings and understanding how different audio drivers interact. Some drivers offer advanced control panels with built-in routing capabilities, while others rely solely on Windows’ native features. This article aims to address both scenarios.

Using Windows Sound Settings to Change Audio Output

The most straightforward approach is to use the built-in sound settings in Windows. While this method doesn’t offer program-specific routing for all applications, it’s a good starting point and works for many modern applications.

Accessing Sound Settings

To access the sound settings, right-click the speaker icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom-right corner of your screen) and select “Open Sound settings”. Alternatively, you can search for “Sound settings” in the Windows search bar. The Sound settings window provides a comprehensive overview of your audio devices.

The “Output” section at the top allows you to select the default output device. This controls which device will be used for all sounds by default. Below this, you’ll often find an “App volume and device preferences” option. This is where the magic happens.

App Volume and Device Preferences

Clicking on “App volume and device preferences” takes you to a screen that lists all currently running applications that are producing sound. This is where you can individually control the output device for each application. If an application isn’t listed, it either isn’t currently playing audio or doesn’t support this level of control.

For each application listed, you’ll see a volume slider and a dropdown menu for both the “Output” and “Input” devices. The “Output” dropdown allows you to select which audio device that specific application will use. For example, you can set your web browser to use your speakers while your music player uses your headphones.

It’s important to note that these settings are persistent. Once you set the output device for an application, Windows will remember that setting even after you close and reopen the application (in most cases).

Troubleshooting Sound Settings

Sometimes, the “App volume and device preferences” section might not function as expected. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Ensure the application is actively producing sound: The application needs to be playing audio for it to appear in the list. Try playing a song or video in the application you want to configure.
Restart the application: Sometimes, simply restarting the application can resolve issues with audio routing.
Update your audio drivers: Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause various sound-related problems. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website (if using onboard audio) or the manufacturer’s website for your sound card to download and install the latest drivers.
Check for Windows updates: Microsoft often releases updates that include fixes for audio-related issues. Make sure your Windows installation is up to date.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter: Windows includes a built-in audio troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common sound problems. Search for “Troubleshoot” in the Windows search bar and select “Troubleshoot settings”. Then, click on “Playing Audio” and run the troubleshooter.

Using Third-Party Applications for Advanced Audio Routing

While Windows’ built-in sound settings offer basic program-specific audio routing, they have limitations. Some applications don’t appear in the list, and the options may not be granular enough for advanced users. Third-party applications offer more powerful and flexible audio routing capabilities.

VoiceMeeter Banana: A Powerful Audio Mixer

VoiceMeeter Banana is a popular and powerful virtual audio mixer that allows you to route audio from multiple sources to multiple outputs. It acts as a virtual sound card, intercepting audio streams and allowing you to redirect them as needed.

While VoiceMeeter Banana has a steeper learning curve than the built-in Windows settings, its capabilities are significantly more advanced. You can route audio from individual applications to specific hardware outputs, apply audio effects, and even create complex audio setups for streaming or recording.

How VoiceMeeter Banana Works

VoiceMeeter Banana essentially creates virtual audio devices that act as intermediaries between your applications and your physical audio devices. You configure your applications to output audio to these virtual devices, and then you use VoiceMeeter Banana’s interface to route that audio to your desired physical outputs.

The software presents a complex interface with multiple inputs (Hardware Inputs, Virtual Inputs) and outputs (Hardware Outputs, Virtual Outputs). Understanding these inputs and outputs is key to mastering VoiceMeeter Banana.

Hardware Inputs: These represent your physical audio input devices, such as microphones or line-in connections.
Virtual Inputs: These are virtual audio devices that applications can use as output destinations. They’re the key to routing audio from specific programs.
Hardware Outputs: These represent your physical audio output devices, such as speakers or headphones.
Virtual Outputs: These are virtual audio outputs that can be used for various purposes, such as streaming or recording.

Configuring VoiceMeeter Banana for Program-Specific Audio Routing

Install and Set Up VoiceMeeter Banana: Download and install VoiceMeeter Banana from the official website. After installation, you’ll need to set VoiceMeeter as your default audio device in Windows. This allows VoiceMeeter to intercept all audio output from your system. In Windows Sound settings, set “VoiceMeeter Input (VB-Audio VoiceMeeter VAIO)” as the default output device.
Identify the Application’s Audio Stream: Once VoiceMeeter is set as the default, applications will output their audio to VoiceMeeter’s virtual inputs. Identify which virtual input (usually “VoiceMeeter VAIO”) is receiving the audio from the application you want to control.
Route the Audio to the Desired Output: In the VoiceMeeter Banana interface, you’ll see columns labeled “A1”, “A2”, “B1”, and “B2” for each input. These columns represent different hardware and virtual outputs. To route the audio from a specific application to a specific output, simply click the corresponding button in the row for that application’s virtual input. For example, to send the audio from an application to your headphones connected to “Hardware Out A1”, click the “A1” button in the row for the “VoiceMeeter VAIO” input (assuming the application is outputting to that virtual input).
Configure the Application’s Audio Output: Some applications allow you to directly select the audio output device within their settings. If an application allows this, select the appropriate VoiceMeeter virtual input as the output device for that application. This can streamline the routing process and make it more reliable.

SoundSource: A User-Friendly Alternative

SoundSource is a commercial application that provides a more user-friendly interface for audio routing. It’s easier to learn and use than VoiceMeeter Banana, but it comes at a cost.

SoundSource allows you to control the audio output, input, and effects for individual applications. It integrates seamlessly with the macOS user interface and provides a simple and intuitive way to manage your audio devices. While this is available on macOS, similar functionality is often found in commercial windows applications that are built for gamers, streamers or content creators.

Other Third-Party Options

Several other third-party applications offer audio routing capabilities, including:

Equalizer APO with Peace GUI: Equalizer APO is a system-wide equalizer that can also be used for audio routing. The Peace GUI provides a user-friendly interface for configuring Equalizer APO.
CheVolume: CheVolume is a dedicated audio routing application that allows you to control the volume and output device for individual applications.

Choosing the right third-party application depends on your needs and technical expertise. VoiceMeeter Banana is a powerful and versatile option for advanced users, while SoundSource and CheVolume offer a more user-friendly experience for beginners.

Troubleshooting Common Audio Routing Issues

Even with the right tools and knowledge, audio routing can sometimes be challenging. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

No Sound: If you’re not hearing any sound from a specific application, double-check that the application is configured to output to the correct audio device. Also, ensure that the volume is not muted and that the correct output device is selected in Windows sound settings or your chosen third-party application. Verify the output device is enabled and not disabled in the Windows Sound Control Panel (mmsys.cpl).
Audio Delay: Audio delay can occur when using virtual audio devices or complex audio routing setups. Try reducing the buffer size in your audio settings or using a different audio driver.
Application Not Listed: If an application doesn’t appear in the “App volume and device preferences” section of Windows sound settings or in your chosen third-party application, make sure the application is actively playing audio. If it still doesn’t appear, try restarting the application or updating your audio drivers.
Conflicting Audio Drivers: Conflicting audio drivers can cause various sound-related problems. Try uninstalling any unnecessary audio drivers and reinstalling the latest drivers for your sound card or motherboard.
Application Resets to Default: Some applications may not properly remember their audio output settings. This can be due to bugs in the application or compatibility issues with your audio drivers. Try updating the application or using a different audio routing method.
VoiceMeeter not working after Windows Update: Major Windows updates can sometimes interfere with VoiceMeeter’s virtual audio drivers. Reinstalling VoiceMeeter after the update typically resolves this issue.

By understanding the different methods for changing audio output and troubleshooting common issues, you can gain complete control over your audio experience in Windows. Whether you’re a gamer who wants to route game audio to your headphones while streaming music to your speakers, or a professional audio editor who needs precise control over audio routing, the techniques outlined in this guide will help you achieve your goals. Remember to experiment with different settings and applications to find what works best for your specific needs.

Why would I want to change the audio output for specific programs?

Changing the audio output for specific programs allows you to route audio from different applications to different speakers or headphones. For example, you might want to listen to music through your speakers while playing a game through your headphones. This level of audio control can improve your multitasking capabilities and enhance your overall audio experience by preventing conflicting sounds and allowing for personalized audio setups.

Another common reason is to isolate communication audio. You may want to direct voice chat applications like Discord or Zoom to your headset, keeping the audio separate from the audio of your game or other applications playing through your main speakers. This ensures clearer communication without the distraction of other sounds, and allows other users to only hear your voice and not the other sounds coming from your computer.

What Windows settings allow me to control audio output on a per-application basis?

Windows 10 and 11 offer built-in settings that allow you to configure audio output for specific applications. These settings are primarily located within the “Sound settings” panel. Accessing this panel typically involves right-clicking the volume icon in your system tray and selecting “Open Sound settings,” or navigating through the Settings app to System -> Sound. From there, you can find options relating to advanced sound settings.

Within the Sound settings, look for options like “App volume and device preferences” (Windows 10) or “Volume mixer” (Windows 11). These sections allow you to see a list of currently running applications that are producing audio. For each application, you can select the desired output device, such as headphones, speakers, or even virtual audio cables, providing granular control over where each program’s audio is directed.

How do I access the “App volume and device preferences” (Windows 10) or “Volume mixer” (Windows 11)?

To access the “App volume and device preferences” in Windows 10, right-click on the volume icon in your system tray (usually located in the bottom right corner of your screen). In the menu that appears, select “Open Sound settings”. In the Sound settings window, scroll down until you find the “Advanced sound options” section, and click on “App volume and device preferences”. This will open a new page displaying all the applications currently playing audio, along with their respective volume and output device settings.

In Windows 11, accessing the “Volume mixer” is similarly straightforward. Right-click the volume icon in the system tray and choose “Open volume mixer”. This will open a settings window that lists running apps with audio and lets you select the output device for each one. If the “Open volume mixer” option does not appear, make sure you have the latest Windows 11 updates installed, as this feature may have been added or updated in recent releases.

What if the application I want to configure doesn’t appear in the “App volume and device preferences” or “Volume mixer”?

If the application isn’t listed in the “App volume and device preferences” or “Volume mixer,” it likely means the application isn’t actively producing audio at the moment. Windows only displays applications in these settings when they are actively playing sound. Ensure the application is running and is currently playing some form of audio, even if it’s just a menu click or background music.

If the application is playing audio but still isn’t appearing, try restarting the application. Sometimes, Windows may not immediately recognize a new audio stream. A restart can force the application to properly register its audio output with the operating system, making it visible in the audio settings. Additionally, ensure the application itself isn’t configured to use a specific audio device internally, overriding the Windows settings.

Are there any third-party applications that offer more advanced audio routing options?

Yes, several third-party applications provide more advanced audio routing capabilities than the built-in Windows settings. These programs often offer features like virtual audio cables, allowing you to create virtual audio devices that can be used as inputs and outputs for different applications. This enables more complex audio routing scenarios, such as sending audio from one application to multiple destinations or mixing audio from different sources.

Popular options include VoiceMeeter Banana, Equalizer APO with the Peace GUI, and Virtual Audio Cable (VBCable). VoiceMeeter Banana is a powerful virtual audio mixer with extensive routing options, while Equalizer APO provides system-wide equalization capabilities and Peace GUI offers a user-friendly interface for configuring it. VBCable is a simple virtual audio cable driver that allows you to route audio between applications. These tools are often used by streamers, podcasters, and audio enthusiasts who require precise control over their audio setup.

Will changing the audio output for a specific program affect the default audio device settings in Windows?

No, changing the audio output for a specific program within the “App volume and device preferences” or “Volume mixer” will not affect your default audio device settings in Windows. The default audio device settings control which device is used for all applications that haven’t been explicitly assigned a specific output. This means that any program not configured individually will continue to use the audio device set as the default within the main Sound settings.

This separation ensures that your overall system audio remains consistent while allowing you to customize the audio output for specific applications that require different routing. If you change your default audio device, only applications that haven’t been individually configured will be affected. The settings you’ve made for specific programs will remain unchanged, providing a consistent and personalized audio experience.

What should I do if the audio output settings for a specific program keep reverting to the default device?

If the audio output settings for a specific program repeatedly revert to the default device, there are several potential causes. One common reason is that the application might be configured internally to use a specific audio device, overriding the Windows settings. Check the application’s audio settings to ensure it’s set to use the “Default” or “System Default” audio output. If it’s set to a specific device that’s not always available, it might revert when that device is disconnected or unavailable.

Another potential issue could be related to driver problems or conflicts. Ensure your audio drivers are up-to-date by visiting your sound card manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers. Sometimes, conflicting drivers from other audio devices or virtual audio cables can interfere with the audio routing. Try disabling any unused audio devices in the Device Manager to see if that resolves the problem. As a last resort, consider reinstalling the audio drivers completely.