Is there an option to when change "Default Sound Device" that will also automatically change "Default Comms Device"?

[BryanChung]

Windows 11: Is there an option to when change "Default Sound Device" that will also automatically change "Default Communication Device"?

[Steven P. Administrators]

I'm not sure what you mean to achieve here?

On my Windows 10 machine I have my Realtek Digital Output set as default, everything else in "Playback" is disabled (or disconnected) when I turn on my bluetooth Audio Technica ATH-SR50BT headphones, my PC automatically switches to them for sound and communication. I use them for Google Meet, so I only want to have to turn them on for my PC to switch over, when I power them off, the PC automatically switches back to the Realtek Digital Output.

[Nick H. Supervisor]

  On 09/05/2024 at 09:31, Steven P. said:

I'm not sure what you mean to achieve here?

On my Windows 10 machine I have my Realtek Digital Output set as default, everything else in "Playback" is disabled (or disconnected) when I turn on my bluetooth Audio Technica ATH-SR50BT headphones, my PC automatically switches to them for sound and communication. I use them for Google Meet, so I only want to have to turn them on for my PC to switch over, when I power them off, the PC automatically switches back to the Realtek Digital Output.

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Yeah, and it's the same functionality in Windows 11. But I assume it only works like that if the devices (headphones + mic) are the same device.

I guess an example for the context of the question would be: If I turn on my headphones, is there a way that Windows can automatically switch the communication device to be my external microphone rather than the in-built one?

I'm just guessing, but that would be a reason for the question. As to if it is possible, I don't it's possible automatically. But if you click on the sound icon in your taskbar you can switch between input/output devices with just a couple of clicks. I've also seen suggestions online about creating a powershell script that you could run when you need to switch devices (link).

[Steven P. Administrators]

Thanks Nick. In that case then they can right click on the volume icon, select Sound settings, then in the Settings window that opens scroll to the bottom and click on "More sound settings" > switch to the Recording tab, and with more than one Communication device enabled they can then select "Set as default communication device".

And once again I have found a setting that takes multiple steps to get to in Windows 11, when in Windows 10 you can get there by simply right clicking the volume icon and selecting "Sounds" 🙄

[BryanChung]

Ok thanks for replies.

Because app like Discord on Windows, using Communication Device as their default output. So when I on my game, I'll switch my default Sound Device to my headset, and therefore, I also want my Communication Device to switch to my headset and not stay as my speakers. Not sure if I explained it well enough to understand.

[Steven P. Administrators]

  On 09/05/2024 at 10:20, BryanChung said:

Ok thanks for replies.

Because app like Discord on Windows, using Communication Device as their default output. So when I on my game, I'll switch my default Sound Device to my headset, and therefore, I also want my Communication Device to switch to my headset and not stay as my speakers. Not sure if I explained it well enough to understand.

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Both devices have to be "On" to be able to set a default communication device. It should remember it after that!