How To Set a Default Sound Device on Windows 7

If you like to play video games or listen to music on your Windows PC, you may want to be able to change your default sound device.If you want to run through the speakers when the family is at home, you have to wear headphones.Windows makes it easy to switch back and forth.

Step 1: A sound device can be plugged in.

Make sure that your sound device is plugged in.If you are plugging in a sound device for the first time, you need to make sure the proper drivers are installed before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Go to the sound device menu.

This should open a small box in the lower left-hand corner of your screen if you press and hold the Windows key.You can type or copy inside the field.In a new window, this should open the Sound Devices page.

Step 3: Determine the device to use.

There should be at least one option listed in the new window.If you don't see your device in this list, you need to make sure it has the correct drivers installed.There is an icon on the left-hand side of the large white box.The device should be described in 3 different lines to the right.The top line is for the device type.The device brand name will be under it.If the device is currently set as the default sound device, the final description is important.Once you know which device you want to make the default, continue to the next step.

Step 4: You can choose a default device.

If you want the device to be the default, click on it.The context menu will be brought up.The default device should be the fourth option down on the list.The device you choose will have a green circle with a white checkmark in the middle.This is the sound device you use.Click the button on the bottom of the window to set the device as default.

Step 5: Check the feature.

If you are using a wired headset, you might need to plug it back in.Plug the device into a different port if it doesn't work.If you are using a 3.5mm jack, you will want to make sure that there is no dust in the port and that it is pushed all the way.It is a good idea to keep your ports clean with a compressed air can.

Step 6: Listen for the sound of a connection.

If you connect a device to a Windows device for the first time, you should hear a sound when the device is plugged in.If you hear the sound, you should be able to download the device drivers.You will need to look up your device online to find the drivers if it does not do this.Your connected device could have a disc with its drivers on it.Instructions for how to download connected devices can be found in the box or manual.

Step 7: Check the connection.

Users will simply pair their device with their PC and think that's all they need.If the PC has built-in speakers, you will have multiple devices listed in your sound settings.After you pair your device to the PC, you need to use the Sound Device menu to choose your default sound device.

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