Windows 10: Windows 11 Pro: Audio cuts out when multiple outputs are enabled and used

I have Windows 11 Pro and I have two main audio outputs: one is named "Voice" and is used for communicating with others like through Zoom, Discord or any other communication app. The other is "Game" which is used for any and all media including YouTube, Spotify, Games, System sounds, anything that isn't another person's voice. If audio attempts to play out of both outputs at the same time, ALL AUDIO cuts out until only one source is being used. I have done extensive testing and can recreate this perfectly. Both audio outputs route to the same headset, which is connected via USB.Attempted fixes

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Windows 11 Pro: Audio cuts out when multiple outputs are enabled and used

I have Windows 11 and I have two main audio outputs: one is named "Voice" and is used for communicating with others like through Zoom, Discord or any other communication app. The other is "Game" which is used for any and all media including YouTube, Games, System sounds, basically anything that isn't another person's voice.

If audio attempts to play out of both outputs at the same time, ALL AUDIO cuts out until only one source is being used. I have done extensive testing and can recreate this perfectly. This only seems to be an issue on Windows 11. I have a second computer with windows 10 that doesn't have this issue at all.

Attempted fixes: reallocated audio drivers. Disabled exclusive control on any and all devices. Disabled audio enhancements. Selected one to be "Default Device" and one to be "Default Communications Device". Tried using different speakers instead in an attempt to get two outputs working at the same time.

"Fixes" that worked (but is not a real solution): Disabling all audio outputs except for one and routing all sounds to that output. This is not preferable though as I would like to be able to separate voices from other media. Looking this issue up online didn't get me any results besides people saying its a "known issue with Windows 11" but that has me skeptical as some of my friends have Windows 11 and don't have this issue.

 

Windows 11 Pro: Audio cuts out when multiple outputs are enabled and used

Hi Blyte,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

If the issue persists and you've already tried the mentioned troubleshooting steps, it's possible that there might be a specific combination of factors causing the problem on your system. Since the workaround of disabling all outputs except one is not a satisfactory solution for your needs, you might want to try some additional steps:

1. Different Audio Ports/Connections: If you're using different ports for your audio outputs (e.g., USB, audio jack), try switching the connections. Sometimes, certain ports might have compatibility issues.

2. Testing with Different Apps: Try using different apps for communication and media playback to see if the issue is app-specific. It could be that certain apps are causing conflicts.

3. Creating Separate User Profiles: Create a new user profile on your Windows 11 system and test if the issue persists there. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your user profile. Create a local user or administrator account in Windows - Microsoft Support

4. Driver Rollback or Update: Try rolling back audio drivers to an earlier version or updating to the latest versions directly from the manufacturer's website (bypassing Windows Update).

If none of these steps seem to resolve the issue, it might indeed be a compatibility issue between your specific hardware configuration and Windows 11. In such cases, reaching out to Microsoft Support or the manufacturers of your audio devices for dedicated support could be beneficial.

The fact that it's a known issue for some but not all Windows 11 users suggests there might be specific conditions triggering it, and pinpointing those conditions might require more specialized attention.

Your Sincerely

| Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Surface Pro 3 - No HDMI Audio Output

Hi, my Surface Pro 3 HDMI audio stopped working last week, after a year or more of use. Any ideas would be appreciated. I only use this PC to stream entertainment to the TV, and sometimes for Skype. No changes made by me. Thanks!

Here's what I've tried so far:

• Switched cables.
• Switched output devices (receiver and direct to TV)
• Reset Surface Pro
• Disabled/Enabled UEFI TPM in BIOS
• Disabled/Enabled "Intel Display Audio" in device manager
• Messed around with advanced audio settings and format