Windows 10: How to disable Windows from auto switching default audio device?

Discus and support How to disable Windows from auto switching default audio device? in Windows 10 Drivers and Hardware to solve the problem; I have multiple microphones and an electric piano which I use through Voicemeeter but Windows changes my default input and output to my Vive VR headset... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Drivers and Hardware' started by Katherine Johnson2, Apr 1, 2025.

  1. How to disable Windows from auto switching default audio device?


    I have multiple microphones and an electric piano which I use through Voicemeeter but Windows changes my default input and output to my Vive VR headset whenever it's plugged in.I'm looking for a way to disable Windows from switching the default audio devices so I don't have to go to settings and change it back to Voicemeeter every time.

    :)
     
    Katherine Johnson2, Apr 1, 2025
    #1
  2. Arjay Dom Win User

    Switching between bluetooth audio devices.

    Thank you for the information.

    Try doing the following steps below to switch between your audio devices:

    For Windows 10, 1607 version:

    • Click on the sound icon in the notification area.
    • Click Select playback device.
    • Select the audio device you want to use from the menu.

    For previous versions of Windows:

    • Right-click on the speaker icon in the notification area.
    • Click Select Playback devices to select your preferred/default speaker.
    • Click on Playback tab to see the list of the devices.
    • Right-click on the preferred device then select Enable.
    • To make the device as your default audio, right-click on the chosen device then select
      Set as Default Device.

    Don't hesitate to get back to us if you need further assistance.
     
    Arjay Dom, Apr 1, 2025
    #2
  3. Default Audio device does not switch in Windows 10

    Hello Pamela,

    We regret for the inconvenience. Let me assist you.

    To be able to assist you better, let us know a few more details on the below questions.

    • What is the make and model of the laptop you are using?
    • How did you upgrade to Windows 10? Was it through Windows update settings or via Media Creation Tool?
    • Did you install the latest drivers form the audio device installed in your laptop?

    As an initial recommendation, I suggest you to follow these steps to run the Windows in built troubleshooter. This is a diagnostic which helps to identify any potential audio related issues present in your PC.

    a) Write Troubleshooting in the search box and hit enter.

    b) Click on Troubleshooting
    tab.

    c) Click on view all option on the upper left corner.

    d) Select the Playing Audio
    option from the list.

    e) Click Next to run the Troubleshooter.

    Note: Also perform the Hardware and Device troubleshooter from the
    view all list.

    Now, follow the below methods and check if it helps to resolve the issue.

    Method 1

    I would suggest you to try setting the speakers as default and check if the issue persists.



    a. Right click on the volume icon in the system tray and then click "Recording devices".

    b. Right click on the blank space in the popped up window and then select "Show Disabled Devices" and "Show Disconnected Devices".

    c. Right click on Headphone and then click "Enable".

    d. Highlight the speaker and then choose "Set as Default Device".

    e. Click Apply and Ok.

    Method 2

    Next, check if updating/rolling back the audio device driver helps to resolve the issue. Follow the below steps.

    • First of all, Press Windows logo + R from keyboard. It will open
      RUN.
    • Now type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
    • You will see all the driver list of your PC. Expand Sound, video and game controller. Locate the listed sound driver for your PC.

    Update driver

    Double click on your audio device driver in Device Manager. Then Click on
    Driver tab and select Update.

    Reference: Update drivers in Windows 10

    Rollback driver

    Double click on your audio device driver in Device Manager. Then Click on
    Driver tab and select Rollback.

    Important: If your drive is performing well and there is no error, Rollback driver button will be grayed out as an option.

    If the issue persists I would suggest you to try uninstalling and reinstalling the sound drivers.

    Write to us with the updated status and the required information related to sound device settings, for us to be able to assist you further.

    Thank You.
     
    Sayan_Ghosh, Apr 1, 2025
    #3
  4. How to disable Windows from auto switching default audio device?

    Auto switch in audio device not working

    Hi,

    Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

    We understand the inconvenience you are facing with the audio output.
    In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

    • What is the Windows 10 version and Build installed? (Type
      winver in Windows search/Run command)
    • What is the make and model of the PC?
    • Are you aware of any recent changes on the PC, prior to this issue?

    Please provide us the screenshot of the window where you are switching the audio devices. Please follow the steps mentioned in the

    screenshot
    posted by Shawn 'Cmdr' Keene on Oct 2, 2015 to post the screenshots.) Do not share any personal information in the screenshots.

    Meanwhile we would like you to uninstall the sound/audio driver from the device manager and re-install it the PC manufacturer website.

    1. Press Windows + X and click on Device Manage.
    2. Expand or double-click Audio Inputs and Outputs.
    3. Right-click on the listed driver, and then select
      Uninstall
      device
    4. Select Delete the driver software for this device, and then click Uninstall.
    5. Follow the onscreen steps and restart the PC.
    6. Upon restart, install the Audio drivers from computer manufacturer website.

    Regards,

    Aditya Roy

    Microsoft Community – Moderator
     
    Aditya_Roy, Apr 1, 2025
    #4
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How to disable Windows from auto switching default audio device?

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