Ever wanted to play music on two different speakers at the same time using your Windows 10 computer? Well, you’re in luck! By tweaking a few settings, you can easily manage audio output to two devices simultaneously. This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use 2 Audio Outputs at the Same Time on Windows 10
In this section, we’ll break down the process of setting up two audio outputs on your Windows 10 computer. By following these steps, you’ll be able to simultaneously use multiple audio devices.
Step 1: Right-click on the Volume Icon
First, right-click on the volume icon located at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
This icon is next to the clock. A right-click will open a context menu with several options related to your audio settings.
Step 2: Select “Sounds”
Next, from the context menu, select the “Sounds” option.
Selecting “Sounds” will open a new window that allows you to configure different audio settings, including playback and recording devices.
Step 3: Go to the “Playback” Tab
Once the Sounds window is open, click on the “Playback” tab.
The “Playback” tab lists all the audio output devices connected to your computer. Here, you can choose which devices to configure.
Step 4: Enable Your Two Preferred Devices
Select your two preferred audio devices from the list and make sure they are both enabled.
To enable a device, right-click on it and select “Enable.” You’ll know a device is enabled if it doesn’t have a red arrow pointing down.
Step 5: Set Up the Primary Device as Default
Right-click on your primary audio device and set it as the default device.
The primary device is the one you want the main audio to play through. Right-click and select “Set as Default Device.”
Step 6: Configure Stereo Mix
While still in the “Sounds” window, go to the “Recording” tab and right-click on “Stereo Mix” to enable it.
If “Stereo Mix” is not visible, right-click in the empty space and select “Show Disabled Devices.” Then, enable “Stereo Mix.”
Step 7: Redirect Audio Through Stereo Mix
Right-click on “Stereo Mix,” select “Properties,” go to the “Listen” tab, check “Listen to this device,” and select your secondary playback device from the dropdown menu.
This will redirect audio from your default device to the secondary device, allowing both to play audio simultaneously.
After following these steps, Windows 10 will output sound to both of your selected audio devices. This can be beneficial if you want to use both your computer speakers and headphones at the same time.
Tips for Using 2 Audio Outputs at the Same Time on Windows 10
- Ensure your audio drivers are up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
- Use high-quality audio cables for the best sound quality.
- Experiment with different combinations of audio devices to see what works best.
- If you experience lag, try adjusting the buffer settings in your audio software.
- Regularly check your device settings, as updates may reset your configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bluetooth devices for multiple audio outputs?
Yes, but you may experience lag. Bluetooth technology sometimes struggles with syncing multiple devices.
What if I can’t find Stereo Mix?
You may need to update your audio drivers or enable hidden devices in the Sounds menu.
Will this method work with older versions of Windows?
The steps might vary slightly, but the general process is similar. However, Stereo Mix is specific to certain versions.
Can I control the volume for each device separately?
Yes, you can control the volume for each device through the individual device settings or through software that supports multiple outputs.
What should I do if one device isn’t working?
Check the device settings, ensure it’s enabled, and make sure it’s not muted. Restarting your computer also helps.
Summary of Steps
- Right-click on the Volume Icon.
- Select “Sounds.”
- Go to the “Playback” Tab.
- Enable Your Two Preferred Devices.
- Set Up the Primary Device as Default.
- Configure Stereo Mix.
- Redirect Audio Through Stereo Mix.
Conclusion
Using 2 audio outputs at the same time on Windows 10 is easier than it sounds. By simply configuring your audio settings, you can enjoy dual audio outputs in just a few steps. Whether you want to play music at a party using different speaker setups or need to listen through headphones while others enjoy the same sound through speakers, this method offers a flexible solution.
Learning how to use 2 audio outputs at the same time on Windows 10 opens up a realm of possibilities for your audio experience. It’s a handy skill that can make your tech life a bit easier and more enjoyable. Give it a try, and you might find it’s just what you needed to enhance your audio setup. If you’re curious about other tech tips, be sure to explore further reading or guides to keep your skills sharp.
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.