Windows 10: Windows 10 default audio rapidly changing between devices

I have an intermittent problem where the default audio keeps rapidly changing between devices. For example, between usb headset, built in speaker, HDMI connected monitor - whatever is connected. If you click the speaker icon in the taskbar it will show the computer rapidly alternating between devices. Sometimes it settles on one device, sometimes it keeps changing, sometimes there's no problem.


I'm running Windows 10.0.18363 on an HP Pavilion laptop. I have tried disabled and re enabling the devices and uninstalling and re-installing the drivers. I have looked for updated drivers in Device Manager and apparently all the updated drivers are already installed. I've tried plugging in different devices but to no effect.


Suggestions for things to try would be very welcome.


Thanks.

:)

 

Set new audio device default for volume mixer in Windows 10

I use two audio devices:

• Default (audio) device "Realtec Digital Output (Optical)"
  
• Default communication device "Lautsprecher (Speaker)"
  

My goal:
I want to have the default audio volume on my default communication device, instead of the default device - at all times.

What I tried so far:
Changing the volume mixer to my communication device explicitly works temporary, but as soon as I close the settings window, the default audio volume is reset again to the default audio device.

Step 1: Clicking on volume shows me the default device:





Step 2: Changing the volume mixer to my communication device manually:









Step 3: Clicking again on volume does not keep the change





How can I make it permanent that windows uses my communication device for default volume control?

 

Unable to access audio from speakers and headphones by setting the devices as a default on Windows 10

Hi Mitch,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community and being part of Windows 10.

I understand your concern about accessing audio from headphones, speaker on your device. We will help you with this issue.

Do let us know if you have installed all the pending updates for drivers on your device?

This issue might have occurred due to corrupted drivers/ settings to access Default device.

Try the below troubleshooting steps 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: I suggest you to connect the headphones, set the device as a default device and check if it helps

Follow the steps:

• Right click on the sound icon at the bottom right corner of the
  Taskbar.
• Click on Playback devices.
• Check if you are able to find the icon headphone in the list of connected playback devices.
• If yes, click on the icon and then click on Set default
  option.
• Click on Apply and then on OK.

Step 3: I suggest you to find the audio drivers from Device Manager, update them and check if it helps.

Press Windows + X keys from the keyboard, click on Device Manager, right click on the audio drivers and click on
Update driver software.

For better assistance refer: Fix sound problems

Hope it helps. Try the above and reply to the post with an updated status of this issue, we will be happy to help you further.

 

No Audio Output Device is Installed

Hi,

You will need to select Windows 8 from the drop down list while installing the driver in compatibility mode.

I would suggest you to try setting the speaker as default audio output by following the steps below and check if it helps.

1. Right click on the sound icon on the right bottom corner of the taskbar.

2. Select "playback devices".

3. If "speaker" is not set as the default device, highlight it and click "set as default".

5. Save the changes.

Let us know the result.