How to set default speakers and mic per app on Windows 10

You can set per application sound output and input devices, and in this guide, you'll learn the steps to complete the task on Windows 10.

Windows 10 per app output and input defaults
Windows 10 per app output and input defaults

On Windows 10, if you have multiple output and input devices, you can decide which one each app should use by default. For instance, you can set an app to use the built-in microphone in a webcam and another to use the standalone microphone. Or you can set a particular app to output sound on the main speakers, and another through the headphones.

Whatever the reason it might be, Windows 10 allows you to change the default output and input settings from the Advanced sound options page.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to change default speakers and microphone settings per application on Windows 10.

How to change default output device per app on Windows 10

To change the default speakers for an application, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click on Sound.

  4. Under the “Advanced sound options” section, click the App volume and device preferences option.

    App volume device preferences
    App volume device preferences
  5. Under the “App Volume” section, select the app you want to set the new default output device.

    Per app sound output default
    Per app sound output default
    Quick note: The app should be running to make it available in the list.
  6. Use the top drop-down menu and select the default speakers (output device).

Once you complete the steps, the app will output sound from the speakers you specified in the settings page.

How to set default input device per app on Windows 10

To change the default microphone for an application, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click on Sound.

  4. Under the “Advanced sound options” section, click the App volume and device preferences option.

    App volume device preferences
    App volume device preferences
  5. Under the “App Volume” section, select the app you want to set the new default output device.

  6. Use the bottom drop-down menu and select the default microphone (input device).

    Per app sound input default
    Per app sound input default

After you complete the steps, the app will access the microphone you assigned manually.

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 15 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 21 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].