Want to play the same sound through headphones and speakers at the same time? Or send audio to a Bluetooth headset and a set of desktop speakers simultaneously? Windows 11 doesn’t make this obvious, but it’s totally possible — with a few different approaches depending on your needs and comfort level. In this guide I’ll walk you through five proven methods (software and hardware), give you step-by-step instructions, explain the pros and cons, and share troubleshooting tips so you can pick the one that fits you best.
Let’s duplicate your audio like a pro.
What you’ll learn in this guide
Native Windows trick (Stereo Mix) to duplicate audio.
How to send different apps to different outputs (useful alternative).
The robust (recommended) software solution using Voicemeeter.
Quick hardware options (splitter or mixer).
Troubleshooting and latency fixes so both outputs sound right.
Quick overview — can Windows 11 natively output to two devices?
Short answer: Not directly, for every scenario.
Windows lets apps choose outputs and offers a built-in recording-to-playback workaround (Stereo Mix) that duplicates sound. For reliable, flexible routing — especially with Bluetooth involved — a virtual audio mixer like Voicemeeter or a small physical mixer is usually the best choice.
Think of Windows as a train station: some trains (apps) have dedicated tracks, but if you want one engine (audio) to go down two tracks simultaneously, you might need a siding (Stereo Mix) or a switchboard (Voicemeeter).
Method 1 — Use Stereo Mix (built into many PCs)
This is a quick, built-in option that often duplicates your “what-you-hear” to another playback device.
Prerequisites
Stereo Mix must be available in your audio drivers (common on Realtek).
Admin access helps but isn’t always required.
Step-by-step: enable Stereo Mix and listen to it
Step A — Open More Sound Settings
Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar → choose Sound settings.
Scroll to Related settings and click More sound settings (this opens the classic Sound control panel).
Step B — Enable Stereo Mix
Go to the Recording tab.
Right-click in the window and choose Show Disabled Devices.
If Stereo Mix appears, right-click it → Enable.
Step C — Route Stereo Mix to the second device
Right-click Stereo Mix → Properties → open the Listen tab.
Check Listen to this device and select the playback device you want from the dropdown (e.g., “Speakers (Realtek…)”).
Click Apply → OK. Keep your normal playback device set as the default if you want both.
Notes & limitations
Stereo Mix captures the system sound and re-plays it — it works, but can add a tiny delay.
On many laptops the option is missing because drivers don’t include it. If so, try updating Realtek drivers or use a software solution.
Method 2 — App routing: send different apps to different outputs
If you don’t need the same audio duplicated but want multiple apps on different devices (e.g., music on speakers, game audio on headphones), Windows 11 makes that easy.
When to use this
You want app A on device 1 and app B on device 2 — not the same audio mirrored.
Steps
Open Settings → System → Sound.
Scroll down to Advanced → click Volume mixer (or App volume and device preferences).
Play audio from the app you want to route (so it appears in the mixer).
In the dropdown for that app, choose the desired Output device.
This is great for multitasking but won’t mirror the same track to both devices.
Method 3 — Use Voicemeeter (recommended for flexibility)
If you want professional, reliable multi-output routing, Voicemeeter (Banana or standard) + virtual audio cables is the go-to solution.
What is Voicemeeter?
Voicemeeter is a free (donationware) virtual audio mixer that lets you route audio between apps and multiple hardware outputs. It’s powerful — think of it as a small digital mixing desk.
Install & configure Voicemeeter — step by step
Step 1 — Download and install
Download Voicemeeter (or Voicemeeter Banana for more I/O) and VB-Cable from VB-Audio (search “Voicemeeter VB-Audio” — install both).
Install as administrator and restart your PC when prompted.
Step 2 — Set Voicemeeter as Windows default
Go to Settings > System > Sound → set Output to Voicemeeter Input (the virtual device).
Step 3 — Configure hardware outputs
Open the Voicemeeter app.
In the top-right Hardware Out section choose A1 (e.g., your speakers), A2 (e.g., headphones or Bluetooth device). Use the driver type (WDM/KS/MME) that works best for each device.
Step 4 — Route audio
Ensure the virtual input channel has the A1 and A2 buttons toggled (this sends the stream to both outputs).
Adjust volume and EQ as needed. Voicemeeter lets you add both outputs simultaneously and fine-tune latency compensation.
Step 5 — (Optional) Assign apps
Some apps allow selecting an output device directly. Otherwise, keep the system default as Voicemeeter and all desktop audio will go through it.
Tips for Bluetooth output
Bluetooth adds latency; you may hear echo if one device is much slower. Try selecting driver modes in Voicemeeter (WDM vs MME) and enable “Delay compensation” if needed.
Method 4 — OBS (or audio recording apps) for monitoring to a second device
If you already use OBS, you can use it as a quick audio duplicator:
Steps
Install OBS and add Desktop Audio or Audio Output Capture sources.
In Settings > Audio, set Monitoring Device to the second output.
In Advanced Audio Properties, set the desktop audio source to Monitor and Output.
OBS will play audio to both the default output and the monitoring device. This is handy for streaming setups or one-off duplication.
Method 5 — Hardware option: splitters and mixers
Sometimes the simplest way is physical.
3.5mm Y-splitter
Cheap and easy: plug your PC’s headphone jack into a 3.5mm Y-splitter, then attach two sets of headphones/speakers. Works best for passive, line-level signals.
Small audio mixer or powered splitter
For quality and volume control, a small mixer (or powered splitter) is ideal. Useful for professionals or DJs — less latency, better control.
Common problems & fixes
Audio out of sync (delay/echo)
Bluetooth tends to lag. Fixes: use wired devices, pick the lowest latency driver in Voicemeeter, or accept a small delay and use it only for monitoring.
Stereo Mix missing
Update your audio drivers (Realtek), enable Show Disabled Devices, or use Voicemeeter if Stereo Mix is unavailable.
One device shows no sound
Check default device selection and volume mixer. In Voicemeeter, ensure the output buttons (A1/A2) are enabled for the channel.
Crackling / clicks
Mismatched sample rates cause artifacts. Go to Sound Control Panel → Playback → Properties → Advanced and set both devices to the same sample rate (e.g., 48000 Hz).
Best practices & tips
Prefer wired outputs when you need perfect sync.
Keep sample rates consistent across devices.
Use Voicemeeter for permanent, flexible routing.
If using Bluetooth, pick devices that support low-latency codecs (aptX Low Latency, etc.) when possible.
Keep drivers updated and avoid two different driver stacks for the same device when possible.
Conclusion
Sending audio to two devices in Windows 11 is totally doable — you just need the right tool for the job. For a quick native trick, try Stereo Mix. If you want robust control, multi-app routing, and better handling of different hardware, use Voicemeeter. And if latency or reliability is critical, a simple hardware splitter or small mixer will get you there every time. Pick the method that suits your setup and comfort level — and don’t be surprised if you end up liking Voicemeeter so much you route everything through it.
FAQs
Q1: Can I mirror system audio to Bluetooth headphones and wired speakers at the same time?
Yes — but Bluetooth typically adds latency. Use Voicemeeter and choose proper driver modes, or accept a small delay. For perfect sync, use wired speakers or a hardware mixer.
Q2: Stereo Mix isn’t showing on my PC. What should I do?
Right-click in the Recording tab → Show Disabled Devices. If it’s still missing, update your audio driver (Realtek) or use Voicemeeter as an alternative.
Q3: Will using Voicemeeter affect sound quality?
Voicemeeter is high quality. If you notice artifacts, check sample rates and driver types (WDM/KS/MME) — matching rates usually fixes it.
Q4: I want music and game audio on different devices — which method is best?
Use App volume and device preferences in Windows Settings to route each app to a different output. It’s simple and built into Windows.
Q5: Is a hardware splitter better than software routing?
Hardware splitters are unbeatable for zero latency and simplicity — great for two wired listeners. Software routing is more flexible (multiple outputs, mixing, per-app control) but can introduce latency if Bluetooth is involved. Choose based on your priorities.