How To Use Two Audio Outputs At The Same Time In Windows 10?

You can play audio through two independent audio devices at the same time in Windows 10. This can be very useful especially if you're working on something that isn't audio/sound related. For example, you can use one device to stream music and another to record your voice with a microphone while working on a photography project. You can also watch videos with captions and listen to some background music.

By default, Windows 10 plays audio using one connected output only by default. However, did you know that it is possible to have two audio outputs playing simultaneously?

If you want to learn how to do this, then you are on the right page. In this article, you will know the different methods on how to use 2 audio outputs at the same time in Windows 10.

Methods on How to Use 2 Audio Outputs in Windows 10?

Here are the different methods on how to use 2 audio outputs at the same time in Windows 10:

Enable the Stereo Mix

Windows 10 has a Stereo Mix feature. This will enable you to configure audio playback in two output devices. However, the Stereo Mix feature is not activated by default in Windows 10.

Here are the steps on how to enable it:

1. Go to the Start Menu.
2. Type Sound in the search bar and click on the top result named Sound.
3. Select Speakers found under the playback tab after opening Sound. Click on the Set Default option found on the lower right side of the menu.
   
4. Look for the Recording tab. You will find it in between the Playback and Sounds tab.
   
5. Right-click on any blank space in the menu. Select Show Disabled Devices from the options that will appear.
   
6. The Stereo Mix option is usually found on the recording tab, so navigate going there. Right-click on the Stereo mix, then click the Enabled option.
7. Right-click on the Stereo Mix again so that you can select the Set as Default Device configuration found on the context menu.
8. Select Properties under the context menu of Stereo Mix to open its properties window.
9. Click on the Listen tab under the Stereo Mix menu, then check the box for Listen to this device.
10. Click the second audio output device that you intend to use listed under the drop-down menu of Playback this device.
11. Select Apply, then click on the OK button for both the Sound Window and Stereo Mix Properties.
12. To enjoy the changes you made, restart your Windows 10 device. After that, your audio output will automatically play on the two devices you configured earlier.

In some cases, the Stereo Mix might not be seen under the Recording tab despite clicking on the Show Disabled Devices option. The main reason behind this probably because of the sound driver of your device.

Select Specific apps’ Output Devices

The latest Windows 10 updates have a new setting that allows users to customize playback devices for specific software. This will enable you to use two output devices simultaneously.

If you find that the method mentioned above is too long or complicated or the Stereo Mix option is unavailable, you can follow this method instead:

1. Rick-click on the speaker icon found on your taskbar, then click on Open Sound settings.
   
2. Select the App volume and device preference. You will see all of your open apps.
3. Go to Output next to the software that you need to pick a playback device.
4. From the drop-down menu, you can now select any of the connected playback devices.

Summary: How to use two audio outputs at the same time in Windows 10?

• Press Windows + R keys to open Run dialog box, and type mmsys.cpl.
• Once you are in the Sound dialog box, go to Playback tab and choose Speakers as default audio output device from the drop-down menu of Default Device.
• Click on Recording tab and select the recording device you want to use as default from the drop-down menu of Default Device.
• Right-click on the recording device that you want to use with another audio output device, and select Set as Default Device. Then right-click on it again and select Properties.
• In the Properties dialog, go to Advanced tab, check Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device option to allow it being used by multiple applications at once. 
• Click Apply > OK button to save changes.
• The next time you need to use two audio outputs at once, just start using the desired audio output devices via any application you like. For example, in a video chat tool, choose Speakers as the default playback device while using another recording device for Microphone input or Linein input devices.

Final Words

Without a doubt, audio output plays a significant role in using a Windows 10 device whether you are streaming movies, in a conference call or simply, listening to music for recreational purposes. The good thing is that Windows 10 has certain features that allow you to use multiple playback devices to enhance your audio experience.

The steps mentioned above are quick and simple. The second one, in particular, is the best choice if you want to use more than two playback devices at once.