Using two monitors can significantly improve your productivity, whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming content. But many users wonder if it’s possible to play sound from both monitors at the same time in Windows 11. By default, Windows sends audio to only one playback device, but there are ways to output sound to multiple devices simultaneously.

If you’re searching for how to get sound from both monitors in Windows 11, this comprehensive guide will explain the available methods, their limitations, and step-by-step instructions to help you configure your audio setup.

Can Windows 11 Play Sound Through Both Monitors?

Yes—but with some limitations.

By default, Windows 11 sends audio to one playback device at a time. If both monitors have built-in speakers and are connected separately (such as through HDMI or DisplayPort), you’ll typically need additional settings or software to play audio through both simultaneously.

Fortunately, Windows includes a feature called Stereo Mix that can duplicate audio to another output device, and there are also third-party applications that provide more advanced audio routing.

How Windows 11 Handles Multiple Audio Devices

Before changing settings, it’s helpful to understand how Windows manages audio.

Each monitor connected via:

• HDMI
• DisplayPort
• USB-C (with DisplayPort Alt Mode)

may appear as a separate playback device if it has built-in speakers.

Normally, Windows allows only one Default Audio Device, which receives all system sound.

Check Whether Both Monitors Have Speakers

Not every monitor includes built-in speakers.

Here’s how to check:

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click System.
4. Select Sound.
5. Under Output, look for both monitor names.

If only one monitor appears, the other monitor may not include speakers or may have audio disabled.

Method 1: Change the Default Audio Output

If you only want to switch audio between monitors:

Step 1

Open Settings.

Step 2

Click System.

Step 3

Select Sound.

Step 4

Under Output, choose the monitor you want.

Windows immediately sends audio to the selected monitor.

Method 2: Play Sound Through Both Monitors Using Stereo Mix

This is the easiest built-in method if your sound driver supports it.

Step 1: Open Sound Settings

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

mmsys.cpl

3. Press Enter.

Step 2: Enable Stereo Mix

1. Open the Recording tab.
2. Right-click an empty area.
3. Select Show Disabled Devices.
4. Find Stereo Mix.
5. Right-click it.
6. Select Enable.

Step 3: Configure Stereo Mix

1. Right-click Stereo Mix.
2. Select Properties.
3. Open the Listen tab.
4. Check:

Listen to this device

5. Under Playback through this device, choose your second monitor.

Now Windows duplicates audio to another playback device.

Method 3: Use Third-Party Audio Routing Software

If Stereo Mix isn’t available, dedicated audio software provides better control.

Popular options include:

• VoiceMeeter
• Audio Router
• Virtual Audio Cable

These tools allow one audio source to play through multiple outputs simultaneously.

Method 4: Use Monitor Audio Pass-Through

Some monitors include:

• Audio Out
• Headphone Jack
• Line-Out

You can connect external speakers to one monitor while using the second monitor’s built-in speakers, depending on your hardware.

Method 5: Connect External Speakers Instead

If synchronized sound is important, external speakers often provide the best experience.

You can connect:

• USB speakers
• Bluetooth speakers
• 3.5 mm speakers
• Soundbars

This avoids synchronization issues between monitors.

Why Stereo Mix May Not Appear

Many users cannot find Stereo Mix because:

• Audio drivers don’t support it.
• Drivers are outdated.
• Manufacturer disabled the feature.

Updating your audio driver often restores Stereo Mix.

How to Update Audio Drivers

Step 1

Press Windows + X.

Step 2

Open Device Manager.

Step 3

Expand Sound, video and game controllers.

Step 4

Right-click your sound device.

Step 5

Select Update driver.

Restart your PC afterward.

Troubleshooting Audio Problems

Only One Monitor Has Sound

Possible causes:

• Wrong default device
• Disabled monitor speakers
• Unsupported monitor

Verify both monitors appear under Sound settings.

Audio Is Out of Sync

This usually happens when using multiple playback devices.

Possible fixes:

• Lower system load.
• Use wired connections.
• Update drivers.
• Use professional audio software.

Monitor Doesn’t Appear in Output Devices

Check:

• HDMI cable
• DisplayPort cable
• Graphics driver
• Monitor audio settings

Reconnect the monitor if necessary.

Tips for Better Multi-Monitor Audio

For the best experience:

• Update Windows regularly.
• Install the latest graphics drivers.
• Use HDMI or DisplayPort with audio support.
• Keep monitor firmware updated.
• Use matching monitors when possible.

Common Audio Configurations

Advantages of Playing Audio Through Both Monitors

Using multiple audio outputs can be useful for:

• Gaming setups
• Presentations
• Video editing
• Streaming
• Home office environments

It also creates a wider stereo listening experience when monitors are placed apart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these issues:

• Expecting Windows to duplicate audio automatically.
• Forgetting to enable Stereo Mix.
• Using outdated audio drivers.
• Connecting monitors with cables that don’t carry audio.
• Assuming every monitor has built-in speakers.

Conclusion

Although Windows 11 only outputs audio to one device by default, you can still get sound from both monitors using several methods. The built-in Stereo Mix feature is the simplest option when supported, while third-party audio routing software offers more flexibility for advanced users.

If your monitors include speakers and your hardware supports multiple audio outputs, you can enjoy synchronized playback across both displays with just a few configuration changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Windows 11 play audio through two monitors at the same time?

Yes. You can use Stereo Mix or third-party audio routing software to duplicate audio to multiple devices.

2. Why does only one monitor play sound?

Windows uses one default playback device by default. You’ll need to configure additional settings to duplicate audio.

3. What if Stereo Mix isn’t available?

Update your audio drivers or use software like VoiceMeeter or Virtual Audio Cable.

4. Do all monitors have speakers?

No. Many monitors do not include built-in speakers, even if they support HDMI audio.

5. Will using two audio outputs affect sound quality?

Generally, no. However, some setups may experience slight audio delay depending on the hardware and software used.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Windows 11 normally outputs sound to only one playback device.
• Check whether both monitors have built-in speakers.
• Use Stereo Mix to duplicate audio if your sound driver supports it.
• Third-party audio routing software offers more advanced multi-output options.
• Keep your graphics and audio drivers updated for the best compatibility.
• Verify that your HDMI or DisplayPort connection supports audio.
• External speakers can provide a simpler and more reliable audio solution for dual-monitor setups.