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Audio

Send One App's Sound to a Different Output Device

Windows 11 routes each app to its own output - game on the headphones, voice chat on the speakers - without virtual cables or extra software.

by@guidox updated:10/30/26 time:5 min level:Beginner tested on:Windows 11 24H2 works on:Windows 11 22H2+, Windows 11 23H2, Windows 11 24H2
TL;DR

Open **Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer** and set the **output device per app**. Windows remembers the choice for that app until the device disappears.

Before you start

Requirements

  • Windows 11 22H2 or newer
  • Two output devices connected at the same time
  • The app must have played audio once
Step by step

Instructions

01

Connect both outputs

Plug in the headphones and check that both devices appear under **Settings > System > Sound > All sound devices**. A device Windows does not list cannot be selected per app.

02

Let the app play once

The mixer only lists apps that have produced audio since the last boot. Start the game or the chat client and leave it running.

03

Set the output per app

In **Volume mixer** each app row has its own output dropdown. Change it while the app is playing so you hear the switch immediately.

Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer > <app> > Output device
tipThe change survives a restart - as long as the same device is connected with the same name.
04

Choose the default deliberately

Under **System > Sound > Output** pick the device that should get everything else. Do the same for the input device, otherwise the wrong microphone follows you into calls.

05

Separate calls from media

Apps that use the Windows communication role ignore the mixer. Set the **Default communication device** in the classic sound panel so Discord and Teams follow it.

mmsys.cpl > Playback > Default Communication Device
⚠ warningA chat app with its own device setting overrides Windows entirely - check the app first.
06

Verify after a reboot

Reboot and start both apps. The routing should come back on its own; if one app resets, it manages its own audio device.

Troubleshooting

Common issues

The app is missing from the mixer

It has not played any audio since boot. Start playback, then reopen the mixer.

Routing resets after reconnect

USB devices get a new identity when they move ports. Keep the device on the same port, or use a fixed 3.5 mm output.

The app is silent on the new device

It opened the device in exclusive mode or has its own output setting. Check the app's audio options.

Volume mixer is greyed out

An older Windows build or a managed work PC. The classic sound panel cannot route per app, so a virtual audio cable is the only fallback there.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Do I need Voicemeeter for this?

No, for simple one-app routing the built-in mixer is enough. Voicemeeter is for mixing several sources into one stream.

Does it work for browsers?

Yes, but only per browser window if the browser exposes it - Chrome and Edge usually appear as one entry.

How to undo this

Set every app in the volume mixer back to **Default** and choose your normal output device under System > Sound > Output.

Changelog · 1 entry
  1. 2026-10-30
    First version
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