How to disable audio device on Windows 11

On Windows 11, if you have multiple audio devices you don’t use, for instance, speakers built into the monitor, headphones, headset, or hands-free audio peripherals, you can disable them to prevent them from appearing in the list of available devices.

When you disable an audio device on Windows 11, you are not disconnecting it from your computer. The device will continue to be available in case you need them again.

This guide will teach you the steps to disable (and re-enable) sound devices on Windows 11.

• Disable audio device on Windows 11
• Enable audio device on Windows 11

Disable audio device on Windows 11

To disable an audio peripheral on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Sound tab.

4. Under the “Output” or “Input” section, select the sound device to turn off.

   

5. Click the “Don’t allow” button to disable the audio device on Windows 11.

   

6. Click the “Don’t allow” button again.

Once you complete the steps, the device will no longer output sound on Windows 11, nor will it appear in the list of available devices you can switch from the Taskbar.

Enable audio device on Windows 11

To enable audio devices on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Sound tab.

4. Under the “Output” or “Input” section, select the device to enable.

   

5. Click the Allow button to enable the audio device.

   

After completing the steps, the speakers will appear in the list of available devices in the Taskbar. However, the option may only be available while the Settings app is open. If you close the app and return to the Sounds settings, you may not find the output device listed on the page. If this is the case, continue with the steps below.

Enable audio device from legacy Sound settings

If the audio device is missing in the Sounds settings, you may need to use the legacy settings to re-enable the hardware.

To enable the missing audio device, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Sound tab.

4. Under the “Advanced” section, click the “More sound settings” option.

   

5. Click the Playback tab.

6. Select the audio device.

7. Click the Properties button.

   

8. Choose the “Use this device (enable)” option from the “Device usage” setting.

   

9. Click the Apply button.

10. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the device will enable and appear again in the “Sound” settings.