By default, Windows doesn’t allow you to play audio through multiple outputs simultaneously. This can be inconvenient when you want to share audio with others or listen on different devices simultaneously. Thankfully, there are workarounds and dedicated software to achieve this.
How to use multiple Audio Outputs at the same time on a Windows 11
To use multiple Audio Outputs at the same time on Windows 11/10, follow any one of these methods:
- Utilizing Stereo Mix and multiple Playback Devices
- Using Voicemeeter
Try both of them to understand what works best for you.
1] Utilizing Stereo Mix and multiple Playback Devices
This method involves enabling the Stereo Mix recording device and configuring it to send audio to multiple playback devices.
In simple words, Stereo Mix acts as a virtual microphone that listens to everything playing on your computer and sends them to multiple devices simultaneously.
- Open Windows Settings (Win + I) and navigate to System > Sound.
- Click on More sound settings to open the classic Sound control.
- Switch to the Recording tab, right-click, and select Show Disabled Devices.
- Look for Stereo Mix and enable it.
- Switch to the Playback tab, select your primary audio output device, right-click and Set as Default Device.
- Switch to the Recording tab, right-click on Stereo Mix, and select Properties.
- Switch to the Listen tab and check the box Listen to this device.
- Select your secondary audio output device (e.g., headphones) from the Playback through this device dropdown.
- Click Apply and OK in the Stereo Mix Properties and Sounds windows.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
2] Using Voicemeeter
Some PCs and Laptops offer multiple audio output ports. While you cannot configure them directly from Windows, you can use Voicemeeter to choose where you want each sound to go. It’s like directing the sound to different speakers, headphones, or recording software.
- Download and install Voicemeeter from the official website.
- Locate multiple inputs and outputs representing your connected audio devices.
- Select the desired audio source for each Input, e.g., Stereo Input 1 or Stereo Input 2
- Choose the desired output devices for each Hardware Out.
- Go to the Playback tab and select Voicemeeter Out as the default playback device.
You can also adjust individual volume levels and apply effects for each output.
Conclusion:
While Windows doesn’t directly support multiple audio outputs, these methods provide workarounds. Stereo Mix offers a basic solution, while Voicemeeter provides advanced control and flexibility. Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
Which method is better, Stereo Mix or Voicemeeter?
It depends on your needs. While Stereo Mix is easy to set up, there is no separate volume control for each device, and it has limited functionality. On the contrary, Voicemeeter offers advanced features, separate volume control, and powerful mixing options but has a learning curve.
Read: Bluetooth Speaker Volume Control not working in Windowsolume Control.
Does my sound card need to support multiple audio outputs for this to work?
No, the methods discussed here do not directly depend on your sound card’s capabilities. They work by using software to control audio routing. However, having a sound card with multiple physical outputs will enable you to connect more devices for simultaneous playback.
