How to Use 2 Audio Outputs at the Same Time on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s say you want to play music through your speakers and headphones at the same time on your Windows 10 PC. You can do this by tweaking a few settings. It’s pretty straightforward and you won’t need any special software. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying audio from two sources simultaneously.

How to Use 2 Audio Outputs at the Same Time on Windows 10

In this tutorial, we will set up your Windows 10 PC to play audio through two different outputs at the same time. This can be useful for listening to music or audio on speakers while also using headphones.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel

First, open the Control Panel on your computer.

You can do this by typing "Control Panel" in the search bar next to the Start menu and clicking on it when it appears.

Step 2: Go to Sound Settings

Second, navigate to the Sound settings within the Control Panel.

In the Control Panel, find and click on "Hardware and Sound," then click on "Sound."

Step 3: Enable Stereo Mix

Third, enable the Stereo Mix option.

In the Sound settings, go to the "Recording" tab. Right-click in the empty space and select "Show Disabled Devices." Right-click on "Stereo Mix" and choose "Enable."

Step 4: Set Stereo Mix as Default Device

Fourth, set Stereo Mix as the default recording device.

Right-click on "Stereo Mix" again and select "Set as Default Device."

Step 5: Adjust Playback Settings

Fifth, adjust the playback settings to use both outputs.

Go to the "Playback" tab. Right-click on your primary audio device (e.g., speakers) and select "Properties." Click on the "Listen" tab, check the box that says "Listen to this device," and select your secondary audio device (e.g., headphones) from the drop-down menu.

Once you’ve done this, click "Apply" and then "OK" to save your settings. Now, your audio will play through both your speakers and headphones at the same time.

Tips for Using 2 Audio Outputs at the Same Time on Windows 10

• Make sure both audio devices are connected properly before you start.
• Keep your audio drivers up to date to avoid any issues.
• If you don’t see the Stereo Mix option, you may need to update your audio drivers or check your sound card’s settings.
• Remember to adjust the volume for both devices separately to your liking.
• Test the setup with different applications to ensure it’s working correctly.

FAQs

Will this method work on other versions of Windows?

This method is specifically for Windows 10, but similar steps can be followed for other versions with slight variations.

What if I don’t see the Stereo Mix option?

You might need to update your audio drivers or check if your sound card supports this feature.

Can I use more than two audio outputs at the same time?

Windows 10 natively supports two outputs. For more, you might need third-party software.

Do I need special software to do this?

No, you can do this with the built-in Windows 10 settings.

What if I experience audio lag?

Make sure your audio drivers are up to date. If the problem persists, you may need to troubleshoot your audio settings or check your hardware.

Summary

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Sound settings
3. Enable Stereo Mix
4. Set Stereo Mix as default device
5. Adjust playback settings

Conclusion

Using two audio outputs at the same time on Windows 10 can be pretty handy. Whether you’re sharing music with a friend or trying to multitask with different audio sources, this simple method has got you covered. Don’t forget to keep your drivers updated and adjust volume levels separately for the best experience. Give it a try, and you’ll see how easy it can be! If you run into any issues, our FAQ section should help you troubleshoot. For more tech tips and tricks, stay tuned!