How to Use 2 Audio Outputs at the Same Time on Windows 10 [Tested]

Find out how to set the Windows output sound to 2 devices

3 min. read

Updated on May 20, 2024

updated on May 20, 2024

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You can configure Windows 10 to play sound from two connected playback devices simultaneously.

For instance, you can use two USB headphones at once on Windows as long as you properly configure both devices. Here’s how:

How do I use 2 audio outputs at once on Windows 10?

Right-click the Speakers icon on the system tray and select Sounds.
Select the Playback tab shown in the snapshot directly below.
Then select your primary speakers audio playback device and click Set as default. That will be one of the two playback devices that play the audio.
Select the Recording tab shown directly below.
Right-click a blank space on the Recording tab and select the Show Disabled Devices option. Then you will usually see Stereo Mix on the Recording tab.
Right-click Stereo Mix and select the Enable option.
Then right-click Stereo Mix to select the Set as Default Device option on its context menu.
Click Properties on Stereo Mix’s context menu to open the Stereo Mix Properties window.
Select the Listen tab on the Stereo Mix window.
Then click the Listen to this device checkbox.
Select the second playback device listed on the Playback this device drop-down menu.
Click the Apply and OK buttons on both the Stereo Mix Properties and Sound window.
Restart your desktop or laptop. Thereafter, Windows will play audio at the same time from your primary audio device and the one you selected on the Playback this device drop-down menu.

Setting the default device on your computer can help easily switch between headphones and speakers, read this guide to learn more about it.

To select audio output for specific software, right-click the Speakers icon and select Open Sound settings.
Then click App volume and devices preferences to open the options shown in the image directly below.
The Settings lists all your open apps. Click the Output drop-down menu adjacent to the software you need to select a playback device for.
Then, you can select a connected playback device from the drop-down menu. Note that Windows will save the chosen output audio device to play audio when you open the software you selected it for.

There are various ways to use 2 audio outputs at the same time on Windows 10. You can rely on the built-in settings or use third-party tools.

Check out the recommendation above and pick the option that best suits your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask below.