Getting sound from both monitors in Windows 11 can be a little tricky, but don’t worry! By following a few simple steps, you can easily set up your system to output audio through both monitors. This guide will walk you through each step.
How to Get Sound from Both Monitors in Windows 11
First, let’s get your system set up to play audio through both monitors. These steps will help you modify your audio settings to achieve this.
Step 1: Right-click the Speaker Icon
Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
By doing this, you’ll open up a context menu where you can access various sound settings. This is your first gateway to making changes to how your system handles audio.
Step 2: Select ‘Sounds’
Step 2: Select ‘Sounds’ from the context menu that appears.
This will open the Sound settings window. This window is crucial as it allows you to manage your audio devices and settings.
Step 3: Go to the Playback Tab
Step 3: In the Sound settings window, go to the ‘Playback’ tab.
The Playback tab lists all the audio output devices connected to your system. Here, you’ll see your monitors listed if they support audio output.
Step 4: Set One Monitor as Default
Step 4: Right-click one of your monitors and select ‘Set as Default Device.’
Setting one monitor as the default device tells Windows to use that monitor as the primary audio output. This step is necessary for the next steps to work.
Step 5: Open Sound Control Panel
Step 5: Open the Sound Control Panel by clicking ‘Related Settings’ and then ‘Sound Control Panel.’
This will open a more advanced sound settings window where you can configure more detailed options for your audio devices.
Step 6: Set Up Stereo Mix
Step 6: In the ‘Recording’ tab, right-click and select ‘Show Disabled Devices,’ then enable ‘Stereo Mix.’
Stereo Mix allows you to combine multiple audio outputs into one. Enabling this will allow you to output sound through both monitors.
Step 7: Configure Stereo Mix
Step 7: Right-click ‘Stereo Mix,’ select ‘Properties,’ and go to the ‘Listen’ tab. Check ‘Listen to this device’ and select your second monitor as the playback device.
Configuring Stereo Mix in this manner will route the audio to your second monitor, effectively playing sound through both monitors simultaneously.
After completing these steps, you should hear sound from both of your monitors. This setup allows you to enjoy a more immersive audio experience, perfect for gaming, watching movies, or listening to music.
Tips for Getting Sound from Both Monitors in Windows 11
- Ensure that your monitors are capable of audio output.
- Updating audio drivers can solve many sound-related issues.
- Use high-quality audio cables to prevent signal loss.
- Restart your computer after making changes to audio settings.
- Verify that no other applications are interfering with audio output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all monitors output sound?
No, not all monitors have built-in speakers. Check your monitor’s specifications.
Do I need special cables?
Usually, HDMI or DisplayPort cables can carry both video and audio signals. Ensure your setup supports audio through these cables.
What if I can’t see Stereo Mix?
Some sound cards may not support Stereo Mix. In this case, you might need third-party software.
Will this method work with multiple audio devices?
This method is designed for monitors, but similar steps can be applied to other audio output devices.
Why is my second monitor not playing any sound?
Double-check the steps, especially the configuration in the Stereo Mix properties. Ensure all settings are correctly applied.
Summary
- Right-click the Speaker Icon
- Select ‘Sounds’
- Go to the Playback Tab
- Set One Monitor as Default
- Open Sound Control Panel
- Set Up Stereo Mix
- Configure Stereo Mix
Conclusion
Getting sound from both monitors in Windows 11 might seem daunting at first, but with these steps, it becomes a walk in the park. As technology advances, integrating multiple audio outputs into our daily lives becomes increasingly important. Whether you’re a gamer looking for an immersive experience, a movie buff wanting surround sound, or just someone who loves high-quality audio, having sound come from both monitors can elevate your experience.
If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to revisit the steps or check out additional resources. Always ensure your drivers are up to date and your devices are compatible. By mastering these settings, you open up a world of enhanced audio possibilities. Happy listening!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.