Have you ever wanted to play audio on two monitors at the same time in Windows 11? Maybe you’ve got one monitor with built-in speakers and another connected via HDMI, and you’d love to split the audio between them. By default, Windows only plays sound through one output device at a time. But with a few settings tweaks and the right tools, you can split audio between two monitors and even enjoy dual playback.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods to split audio, explain different approaches (built-in and third-party), and give you troubleshooting tips so you can enjoy a smooth experience.
Why Would You Want to Split Audio Between Two Monitors?
Before diving in, let’s explore some scenarios where splitting audio makes sense:
-
Watching a Movie Together – Play sound on both monitors so everyone can hear clearly.
-
Gaming + Streaming Setup – Direct in-game audio to one monitor and background music to another.
-
Work Productivity – Keep video call audio on one screen and system notifications on another.
-
Entertainment – Use one monitor for YouTube or Netflix, the other for music.
In short, it’s all about convenience and flexibility.
Can Windows 11 Natively Split Audio?
Here’s the catch: Windows 11 does not natively support outputting the same audio stream to multiple devices at the same time. It lets you choose one default device.
But don’t worry — with some tricks like the Stereo Mix method, or third-party tools like Voicemeeter, you can make it happen.
Method 1: Split Audio Using Stereo Mix
Windows comes with a hidden feature called Stereo Mix, which lets you duplicate audio output.
Step 1: Enable Stereo Mix
-
Right-click the sound icon on the taskbar.
-
Select Sounds (or “Sound settings” > “More sound settings”).
-
Go to the Recording tab.
-
Right-click in the empty space and choose Show Disabled Devices.
-
Find Stereo Mix, right-click, and select Enable.
Step 2: Configure Stereo Mix
-
Right-click Stereo Mix and choose Properties.
-
Under the Listen tab, check Listen to this device.
-
Select your second monitor’s speakers as the playback device.
Step 3: Set Primary Audio
-
Keep your first monitor as the default playback device.
-
Now sound should play on both monitors simultaneously.
✅ This method is great for basic dual audio output.
Method 2: Split Audio Using Sound Settings
If you want different apps to play audio on different monitors, Windows 11 has a feature called App Volume and Device Preferences.
Steps
-
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
-
Go to System > Sound > Advanced sound options.
-
Select App volume and device preferences.
-
You’ll see a list of apps currently playing sound.
-
For each app, choose a different output device (Monitor 1 or Monitor 2).
👉 Example: Play Spotify on Monitor 1 while Zoom audio goes through Monitor 2.
Method 3: Use Voicemeeter (Free Third-Party Tool)
For advanced setups, Voicemeeter is a fantastic free tool. It allows audio routing, mixing, and duplicating across multiple devices.
Step 1: Download and Install Voicemeeter
-
Get it from the official website: VB-Audio Voicemeeter.
Step 2: Set Up Voicemeeter
-
Open Voicemeeter.
-
Set your first monitor as Hardware Out A1.
-
Set your second monitor as Hardware Out A2.
-
Set Voicemeeter as your default playback device in Windows.
Step 3: Test Dual Audio
-
Now all sound will play through both monitors simultaneously.
💡 Bonus: You can adjust volume levels separately for each monitor.
Method 4: Use Audio Repeaters (Virtual Audio Cable)
Another option is to use Virtual Audio Cable (VAC) with an Audio Repeater.
-
Download and install Virtual Audio Cable.
-
Create a virtual audio line.
-
Use Audio Repeater to send sound to both monitors.
This method is more technical but very powerful for complex setups.
Method 5: Use External Audio Hardware
If you’re into hardware solutions:
-
A dual-output audio splitter or HDMI audio extractor can send sound to multiple monitors at once.
-
Great if you want zero latency and don’t want to rely on software.
How to Split Different Sounds Between Two Monitors
Sometimes, you don’t want the same sound duplicated — you want different sounds on each monitor.
-
Use App Volume and Device Preferences to route apps individually.
-
Example:
-
Monitor 1 → Games.
-
Monitor 2 → Music/Discord/Streaming.
-
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem 1: No Sound on Second Monitor
-
Check if your second monitor has built-in speakers.
-
Ensure HDMI or DisplayPort is carrying both video and audio.
Problem 2: Stereo Mix Not Showing
-
Update your audio drivers.
-
Right-click in the Recording tab and enable Show Disabled Devices.
Problem 3: Audio Delay Between Monitors
-
Some setups cause a slight lag.
-
Fix: Use Voicemeeter or an audio splitter for better sync.
Tips for the Best Experience
-
Use wired connections (HDMI/DisplayPort) instead of Bluetooth to reduce lag.
-
Balance volumes separately if one monitor is louder.
-
Consider headphones + monitor split for mixed usage.
Pros and Cons of Splitting Audio Between Two Monitors
Pros
-
More flexibility in managing sound.
-
Great for gaming, work, and entertainment.
-
Makes sharing content easier.
Cons
-
Not always smooth — may require third-party apps.
-
Can cause audio delay.
-
Some monitors may not support audio output.
Conclusion
Splitting audio between two monitors in Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as we’d like, but it’s definitely possible. From using Stereo Mix for simple duplication, to App Volume Settings for routing different apps, or Voicemeeter for advanced control, you’ve got plenty of options.
If you’re after simplicity, go with Stereo Mix. If you want power and flexibility, try Voicemeeter. And if you prefer a plug-and-play solution, external splitters or audio hardware can get the job done.
FAQs
1. Can I play different audio on each monitor in Windows 11?
Yes! Use App Volume and Device Preferences to send different apps to different monitors.
2. Why doesn’t Windows 11 let me use two audio outputs by default?
By design, Windows routes audio to one default playback device at a time. Extra steps or tools are needed for multiple outputs.
3. Does splitting audio cause lag?
It depends. Software solutions like Stereo Mix may introduce delay, while hardware splitters usually offer zero latency.
4. Can I use headphones and monitor speakers at the same time?
Yes, by using Stereo Mix or Voicemeeter, you can output to both headphones and monitors simultaneously.
5. Do both monitors need built-in speakers?
Not necessarily. You can connect external speakers to one monitor or use an HDMI audio extractor if your monitor doesn’t have built-in audio.