FIXED: Can’t Switch Between Headphones and Speakers Automatically on Windows 11

Although switching between speakers and headphones is simple with Windows 11, some users have recently complained that they can’t switch between headphones and speakers automatically. This can be frustrating, particularly if you constantly swap between several audio devices.

There are several reasons why you might be having this problem, some common causes include outdated Windows OS, damaged hardware, outdated sound drivers, or interference from a third-party application. Regardless of the cause of this error, this post will offer methods to resolve the issue.

Before utilizing our more comprehensive solutions, we recommend trying out the quick fixes below.

• Ensure that your Windows OS is up to date. An outdated device could bring about various problems, including headphones not switching automatically to the speaker and vice versa.
• Ensure that your audio devices are properly connected to your PC. You can also reboot your device, then plug in your audio device and check if it works now.
• Verify that the audio devices work properly. To do this, you can plug it into another device and see if it works properly.

If the steps above do not work, go ahead with the solutions below.

1. Troubleshoot your Audio device

When users can’t switch between headphones and speakers automatically, troubleshooting your audio device can assist in fixing difficulties by locating and resolving issues with your audio hardware or drivers. Follow the steps below to do this.

1. Hold Windows + I simultaneously to open the Settings app.
2. Choose System on the left tab, then select Troubleshoot on the right.
   
3. Select Other troubleshooters.
   
4. Next, look for Audio, and click the Run button on the right side of it.
   
5. Once the process is complete, check to see if you can automatically switch between headphones and speakers.

2. Make the audio device a default device

Setting the audio device as the default means that Windows 11 will always know which audio device to use as the primary audio output device, which can assist in troubleshooting issues when users are unable to switch between headphones and speakers automatically. Windows 11 will automatically switch to the audio device that is plugged in if you have set it as the default device. Follow the steps below to do this.

1. Hold Windows + I simultaneously to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to System on the left tab, then pick Sound on the right.
   
3. Next, choose the More sound settings option.
   
4. Navigate to the Playback tab, look for your headphones, right-click on it, choose the Set as Default Device option, and click OK.
   
5. After doing this, check to see if the problem has been resolved.

3. Troubleshoot your hardware

When users are unable to automatically switch between headphones and speakers, troubleshooting your hardware can assist in fixing faults by locating and addressing any underlying problems with the audio devices or the computer itself. Use the steps below to troubleshoot your hardware device.

1. Press Windows + R simultaneously to open the Run dialogue, input msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the text field, and hit OK.
   
2. Next, click on the Advanced link.
   
3. Tick the check box for the Apply repairs automatically option, then click Next.
   
4. Allow the troubleshooter to look for the problematic device. If the displayed device is not the required one, click on the I don’t see my device listed option.
   
5. Next, click the Apply this fix option.
   
6. After doing this, reboot your PC and check if the error has been fixed.

4. Update your sound drivers

Updating your sound drivers can replace corrupted or outdated drivers with the most recent version, which can assist in fixing issues when users are unable to switch between headphones and speakers automatically. Update your sound drivers by following the steps below.

1. Bring up the Run dialogue by pressing Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, then hit Enter. This will launch the Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager, look for the Sound, video, and game controllers option, then expand it.
3. Next, right-click on the required sound driver, then choose the Update driver option.
   
4. Now, click on the Search automatically for drivers option.
   
5. If an update is found, go ahead with steps to download and install it.

5. Reinstall your sound drivers

Windows will automatically download and install the most recent drivers for your audio device when you reinstall your sound drivers. This can assist in resolving any issues you may be having with your audio equipment, such as issues with automatic device switching.

1. Bring up the Run dialogue by pressing Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, then hit Enter. This will launch the Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager, look for the Sound, video, and game controllers option, then expand it.
3. Right-click on the required sound driver, and choose Uninstall device.
   
4. After uninstalling the device, navigate to your PC website. For example, go to the HP website if you are using this model.
5. Once you reinstall the device, Install it on your device by right-clicking on the file and choosing Properties.
   
6. Next, navigate to the Compatibility tab, tick the checkbox for Run this program in Compatibility mode for, choose your OS from the drop-down menu, then click Apply and OK.
   
7. Double-click on the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the device.
8. Once you are done, reboot your PC, and check if the error has been fixed.

Wrapping things up

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to effectively troubleshoot your PC when you can’t switch between headphones and speakers automatically. If you have further questions regarding this topic, reach out to us via the comment section below. To learn more about how to improve your PC audio quality, check out the linked article.