Have you ever wanted to play audio through two different devices at the same time—like speakers and headphones—on your Windows 11 PC? By default, Windows sends sound to just one output device. But with a few settings adjustments and tools, you can enjoy dual audio output for music, gaming, or work.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to use two audio outputs in Windows 11 step by step, explore different methods, and cover troubleshooting tips so you can get the most out of your sound setup.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in “play to two devices” option, but you can enable it using Stereo Mix or third-party software.
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You can output audio to headphones + speakers, speakers + Bluetooth, or multiple sound cards.
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Methods include Stereo Mix, App Volume Device Preferences, Audio Router, and Voicemeeter.
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Some methods may introduce slight audio delays between outputs.
Why Use Two Audio Outputs in Windows 11?
Dual audio output can be useful in many situations:
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🎧 Gaming + Streaming — Send game sounds to headphones while sending music or chat to speakers.
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🎶 Entertainment — Play the same music on both speakers and Bluetooth headphones.
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👨💻 Productivity — Split audio between work apps and personal apps.
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🏠 Sharing — Let someone else listen with headphones while you keep using speakers.
Method 1: Use Stereo Mix (Built-in Option)
Windows includes a hidden feature called Stereo Mix that lets you duplicate audio to two devices.
Steps:
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Enable Stereo Mix:
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Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar → Sounds.
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Go to the Recording tab.
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Right-click inside → choose Show Disabled Devices.
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Right-click Stereo Mix → Enable.
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Set Stereo Mix to Play Through Secondary Device:
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Right-click Stereo Mix → Properties.
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Go to the Listen tab.
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Check Listen to this device.
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From the dropdown, select your second audio output device (e.g., headphones).
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Click Apply → OK.
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✅ Now audio will play through both devices simultaneously.
Method 2: Use App Volume and Device Preferences
Windows 11 allows you to assign different apps to different outputs. While not true duplication, it lets you split audio.
Steps:
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Open Settings (Windows + I).
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Go to System > Sound.
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Scroll down → click Advanced sound options (App volume and device preferences).
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From here, assign different apps to different output devices.
💡 Example: Route Spotify to speakers and a game to headphones.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Software (Audio Router, CheVolume, Voicemeeter)
If you need more control, third-party apps can help:
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Audio Router — Free tool for duplicating or redirecting app audio.
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Voicemeeter Banana — Advanced mixer that lets you play audio on multiple outputs.
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CheVolume — Paid app for routing audio per application.
Example with Voicemeeter:
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Install Voicemeeter Banana.
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Set it as your default playback device in Windows.
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Inside Voicemeeter, choose two output devices (A1 & A2).
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Route audio through both.
This gives you professional-grade control over audio routing.
Method 4: Use Bluetooth + Wired Output
You can combine a Bluetooth device with wired speakers or headphones.
Steps:
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Connect your Bluetooth headphones via Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
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Keep your wired speakers plugged in.
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Use Stereo Mix or Voicemeeter to duplicate audio between them.
⚠️ Note: Bluetooth may have a slight delay compared to wired audio.
Method 5: Use a Virtual Audio Cable
Advanced users can use Virtual Audio Cable (VAC) software:
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Install VAC.
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Set VAC as the default playback device.
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Use its control panel to send audio to multiple real devices.
This method is more technical but very flexible.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stereo Mix | Easy | Beginners | Built-in, may not work on all PCs |
| App Volume Preferences | Easy | Splitting apps | Doesn’t duplicate audio |
| Audio Router / Voicemeeter | Medium | Gamers, streamers | Most control, supports multiple outputs |
| Bluetooth + Wired | Easy | Casual users | May have sync issues |
| Virtual Audio Cable | Hard | Power users | Maximum flexibility |
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t Dual Audio Working?
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❌ Stereo Mix not available — Update your audio drivers and re-check hidden devices.
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❌ Delay between devices — Common when mixing Bluetooth with wired; use wired-only for perfect sync.
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❌ No sound from second device — Re-check Listen to this device setting.
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❌ Conflicts with apps — Some apps may override Windows audio routing.
Best Practices for Dual Audio Output
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Use wired devices for the best sync.
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Keep your audio drivers updated.
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For streaming/gaming, use Voicemeeter for pro-level mixing.
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If you only need app-specific routing, stick with App Volume Preferences.
Conclusion
While Windows 11 doesn’t natively allow simultaneous audio playback on two devices, you can achieve it with Stereo Mix, third-party tools, or app-specific settings.
If you just want basic duplication, Stereo Mix is quick and easy. For gamers, streamers, or advanced setups, Voicemeeter Banana or Virtual Audio Cable provide more control.
With the right method, you can enjoy music, games, or work audio across multiple outputs at the same time.
❓ FAQs About Using Two Audio Outputs in Windows 11
1. Can I play audio on both speakers and headphones at once in Windows 11?
Yes, using Stereo Mix or third-party tools like Voicemeeter.
2. Why does Bluetooth audio lag behind speakers?
Bluetooth introduces latency—use wired devices for perfect sync.
3. Is there a built-in “dual output” option in Windows 11?
No, but Stereo Mix acts as a workaround.
4. Can I assign apps to different audio devices?
Yes, using App Volume and Device Preferences in Settings.
5. What’s the best free tool for managing multiple outputs?
Audio Router or Voicemeeter Banana are popular choices.