Many computer users often plug their headphones or earphones into their computers, especially while attending an online meeting, watching movies, or listening to their favorite music.
Users who connect headphones/earphones often switch between headphones/earphones and speakers. While Windows 11 automatically changes the sound output to the headphone/earphone when you connect one, and switches the sound output to speakers once you unplug the headphone/earphone, you might want to switch to speakers without unplugging the headphone or earphone to avoid plugging and unplugging the headphone/earphone multiple times a day.
Luckily, you can use the speakers without unplugging the headphones or earphones. Yes, Windows 11 offers easy options to switch between sound output devices. In short, you do not need to unplug the headphone from your Windows 11 device in order to begin using the PC’s speakers.
Method 1 of 4
Switch to speakers without unplugging headphones/earphones in Windows 11
NOTE: You can use this method to switch between connected sound output devices. For instance, switch between built-in speakers and headphones and vice versa.
Step 1: With your headphone/earphone connected to your Windows 11 device, right-click the volume icon on the taskbar (system tray) and then click the Sound settings option. This will open the Settings > System > Sound page.
NOTE: Ensure you right-click the volume icon, not the battery or network icon.
Step 2: Here, in the Output section, click Choose where to play sound to view all connected sound output devices.
Step 3: Select the Speakers option to begin using the speakers. You may play a video or music to confirm that the sound is now playing through the speakers.
If and when you want to switch to the connected headphone/earphone, please click the Headphones/Earphones option on the same page.
Method 2 of 4
Another way to switch to speakers without unplugging the headphone/earphone in Windows 11
Step 1: Right-click the volume icon in the taskbar system tray area and then click Open volume mixer.
Step 2: In the resulting Settings app page, select your speaker’s entry from the drop-down next to the “Output device” option to change the sound output device from the headphone/earphone to speakers.
Method 3 of 4
Switch from headphones to speakers without unplugging the headphones from a Windows 11 PC
Step 1: Click the volume/battery/network icon on the taskbar to open the Quick Settings pane.
Step 2: Click the select a sound output icon (refer to the image below) and then select speakers from the list to switch to speakers without unplugging your headphones.
Method 4 of 4
Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch from headphones to speakers without unplugging headphones in Windows 11
Step 1: Use Windows logo + Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut to open the Sound output pane.
Step 2: Use the up and down arrow keys to select your speakers and then hit the Enter key.
Our how to reinstall the sound/audio driver in Windows 11 guide might also interest you.
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