Windows 10: How to stop Windows from automatically switching default sound devices on connection?

If I connect any sort of new audio device, bluetooth speakers, usb mic, etc., Windows automatically sets that new device as the default and starts using it.


That's really annoying, as I have to be switching the default devices all the time, which in itself is a bit of a ridiculous process do due to the mess that is the Settings App on Windows 10. Unfortunately I know exactly how to go about that process, as I've had to do that a hundred times by now. I would like Windows to stop changing it every time I plug something in.


I understand why Windows does that, but at least give me an option to disable it...

:)

 

How to stop Windows from automatically switching default sound devices on connection

I am using a 3rd party app to control my sound outputs through virtual audio cables.

I want this to be my frontend for all audio interfacing.

If I connect any sort of new audio device, bluetooth speakers, usb mic, etc., Windows automatically sets that new device as the default and starts using it.

I totally understand why it is this way, but I want to disable this in Windows. I want the software I am using to handle my virtual audio cables to handle this functionality. For my setup to work, my default playback and recording devices have to be the
virtual audio cables that are managed by software. When windows changes the defaults automatically, I have to go back and reset the default devices to what they were before I connected my bluetooth speakers or whatever.

I want windows to stop trying to switch my default playback and recording devices and just leave it as-is no matter what gets connected or disconnected.

 

Sound devices automatically switching off

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are facing issues with audio devices on your PC. For further clarity on the issue, please respond to the questions below.

1. Are you aware of any changes made to the PC prior to which you weren’t facing this issue?
   
2. What is the make and model of the PC?
   
3. How the audio device is connected to the PC?
   
4. Which audio device are you using?
   
5. Does the issue occur with all the audio devices connected to the PC or with any particular device?
   

Meanwhile, I would suggest you to refer the article
Fix sound problems in Windows 10 and see if that helps.



If the issue persists, please get back to us with the results of the troubleshooting steps to assist you further.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Automatic sound switch from HDMI to headset?

Hi,

Do not worry we will help you with this issue.

Let us know the make and model of your computer.

I would like to inform that the sound will be automatically played from headphones/ speakers when you connect/ eject headphones respectively. There might be a drivers issue.

Try few of the troubleshooting steps below and check if it helps.

Step 1: I suggest you to run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

Hardware and Devices troubleshooter checks for common problems and makes sure that any new device or hardware connected to your PC is installed correctly.

• Press Windows key from the keyboard, type
  Troubleshooting and select it.
• Click on view all option on the upper left corner of
  Troubleshooting window.
• Select the Hardware and Device options from the list.
  
• Click Next to run the Hardware and Device
  Troubleshooter.

Step 2: Uninstall and Update the audio driver.

I suggest you to uninstall the existing driver and update it.

Steps:

• Right click on the Start button from the desktop and select
  Device Manager.
• Expand Audio inputs and outputs, right click on
  High Definition Audio Device and click on Uninstall.
• Restart and Windows will re-install the
  IDT High Definition Audio driver.

If it works fine otherwise try to search for the drivers with the help of model number of your computer from the Manufacturer’s website and install them.

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of accessing sound for further assistance.

Thank you.