How to Use 2 Audio Outputs at the Same Time on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wanted to play music on both your headphones and speakers simultaneously, or share audio with a friend while still listening privately? Windows 10 doesn’t make it obvious, but it is possible to use two audio outputs at the same time with a few simple tweaks.

In this beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to use 2 audio outputs at the same time on Windows 10 — including built-in tools, third-party apps, and troubleshooting tips.

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🎧 Why Use Two Audio Outputs Simultaneously?

Using multiple audio outputs can be useful in many scenarios:

• Share music with a friend while still using your headphones.

• Stream audio to multiple devices for parties or events.

• Mix audio for content creation or live streaming.

• Use speakers for background sound while keeping headphones for private listening.

Now, let’s explore how to set this up.

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🛠️ Method 1: Enable “Stereo Mix” to Use Two Audio Outputs

Windows 10 has a hidden feature called Stereo Mix that allows audio duplication.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open Sound Settings

1. Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar.

2. Select Sounds → Recording tab.

Step 2: Enable Stereo Mix

1. Right-click in the Recording tab → Select Show Disabled Devices.

2. Find Stereo Mix → Right-click → Enable.

3. Right-click Stereo Mix → Properties → Listen tab.

Step 3: Choose Second Output Device

1. Check Listen to this device.

2. Under Playback through this device, choose your second audio device (e.g., headphones or speakers).

3. Click Apply → OK.

Step 4: Test Audio

Play any sound — you should hear audio coming from both devices at the same time.

💡 Tip: Not all sound drivers support Stereo Mix. If it doesn’t appear, update your audio drivers or use a third-party app.

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🎛️ Method 2: Use Windows 10 “App Volume and Device Preferences”

Windows 10 allows you to assign different apps to different audio outputs. While this doesn’t duplicate all system sounds, it works for apps individually.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → System → Sound.

2. Scroll down → Click App volume and device preferences.

3. For each app (e.g., Spotify, YouTube browser), select:

   • Output → Choose the audio device for that app.

4. Play audio in multiple apps to use different outputs simultaneously.

⚠️ Limitation: This method works on a per-app basis, not for all system sounds.

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🖥️ Method 3: Use Third-Party Software

If you want full control over multiple audio outputs, several apps can help:

1. Voicemeeter Banana (Free + Advanced)

• Advanced audio mixer for Windows.

• Allows multiple audio outputs, routing, and real-time control.

Setup Steps:

1. Download from VB-Audio Website.

2. Install and restart your PC.

3. Open Voicemeeter → Assign Hardware Out A1 and A2 to your devices (headphones, speakers).

4. Set Voicemeeter as your default playback device.

5. Play audio — it will output to both devices simultaneously.

2. Audio Router (Free, Simple)

• Lets you route audio from individual apps to multiple outputs.

• Ideal for beginners who don’t need full mixing features.

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⚡ Method 4: Use Bluetooth + Wired Output Together

If you have a Bluetooth speaker and wired headphones, you can often combine them:

1. Connect your Bluetooth device and wired device.

2. Enable Stereo Mix (Method 1).

3. Set wired output as default → choose Bluetooth in Stereo Mix “Listen to this device.”

⚠️ Latency Warning: Audio may be slightly out of sync due to Bluetooth delay.

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🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

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🧠 Pro Tips for Multiple Audio Outputs

• Test before events: Play audio to make sure both outputs are working.

• Use wired for critical audio: Bluetooth may lag.

• Keep your drivers updated: Outdated drivers can disable Stereo Mix.

• Label devices clearly: Helps when selecting outputs in apps.

• Combine methods: Stereo Mix + App preferences for maximum flexibility.

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🏁 Conclusion: Enjoy Audio Everywhere

Using two audio outputs at the same time on Windows 10 may seem tricky, but with Stereo Mix, per-app output settings, or third-party tools, it’s very achievable.

Whether you want to share music, record tutorials, or play audio in multiple rooms, these methods cover both beginners and advanced users.

🎧 Quick Tip: For simple duplication, try Stereo Mix. For professional routing and mixing, Voicemeeter Banana is your best bet.

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❓ FAQs: Using Two Audio Outputs on Windows 10

1. Can Windows 10 natively play audio on two devices at the same time?
Yes, using Stereo Mix or App volume and device preferences.

2. Why don’t I see Stereo Mix?
It may be disabled — right-click in the Recording tab and select Show Disabled Devices.

3. Can I mix Bluetooth and wired devices?
Yes, but expect a slight delay on the Bluetooth device.

4. Is Voicemeeter free?
Yes, Voicemeeter Banana is free to download, though donations are appreciated.

5. Can all apps output to two devices simultaneously?
Not natively — some apps may require routing through Stereo Mix or third-party software.

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🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

🎯 Final Tip: Start with Stereo Mix to quickly duplicate audio, then explore Voicemeeter for advanced setups and live mixing.