How to rename audio devices on Windows 11

Here are the steps to rename the speakers, headphones, and microphones connected to your computer.

Windows 11 change audio device name
Windows 11 change audio device name

On Windows 11, the system assigns a generic name when connecting a new input or output device. Usually, this is not a problem when you only have a set of speakers or one microphone, but it can sometimes get confusing if you have multiple devices.

If you use multiple audio devices (such as speakers, headphones, and microphones) connected to your computer, you can change their names to make them easier to identify when you need to switch inputs or outputs from the Settings app or Taskbar Quick Settings flyout.

This guide will teach you the steps to assign a more identifiable name for sound devices on Windows 11.

Change speakers name on Windows 11

To rename sound devices (such as speakers and headphones) 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” section, select the speakers (or headphones) to rename.

    Open sound devices settings

  5. Click the Rename button.

  6. Confirm a short and descriptive name for the audio device.

    Rename output devices

  7. Click the Rename button.

Once you complete the steps, the new name will apply, and it’ll be easier to identify when switching outputs from the Taskbar.

Change microphone name on Windows 11

To rename a microphone on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click the Sound tab.

  4. Under the “Input” section, select the microphone to rename.

    Open input device settings

  5. Click the Rename button.

  6. Confirm a short and descriptive name for the microphone.

    Rename input device

  7. Click the Rename button.

After you complete the steps, the new name will be reflected on the device.

You may need to repeat the steps to rename other sound devices connected to Windows 11.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].