Question
I am using wireless headphones, a webcam with a built in microphone, Bluetooth ear buds, or another device. How can I adjust the sound settings for the computer I am using?
Answer
Windows 11 offers flexible audio parameters that enable you to have a comfortable experience listening to audio, attending a meeting, or recording a presentation. Whether you are a faculty member at YSU recording a lecture, student in the computer lab wishing to listen to your textbook audio, or a staff member creating a screencast of a process, Windows 11 can help!
Most devices are plug in and play. For example, generally when you plug in your headphones they automatically become available for sound. This may not always be the case or you may have multiple devices you wish to choose from. For example, if you're using a laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone but wish to use a wireless headset with a microphone. Or maybe you have high quality wireless headphones you wish to use instead of your built-in laptop speakers.
To access the sound properties in Windows 11, take the following steps:
1. After you login to the computer and see the desktop, right click on the speaker icon at the bottom right. Next, select Sound settings. Note: You can also adjust the input/output devices using the volume mixer, however, the Sound settings will allow for more adjustment including adding new devices.
2. At the Sound settings screen, you can take a number of actions. You can adjust the device used for input and/or output. You can also add or pair new devices. In this example, I am going to switch to another output device. I wish to use my Bluetooth headphones that I've recently paired with my computer. In the section you wish to adjust, select the drop down arrow in the area you wish to adjust. In this example, under Output, I will click the drop down to the right of Choose where to play sound. From the list of items, select the device you wish to use. I am going to change from by built-in laptop speakers to my headphones.
Note: Not all computers support Bluetooth.
After selecting the device, no further action is required. As seen on the screen, you can also make adjustments to the device volume and/or add new devices.
Here are some additional Microsoft Articles for Windows 11 sound that you may find helpful:
Windows 11 Bluetooth Pairing
Troubleshooting and additional sound settings in Windows 11
Make Windows easier to hear
If you have any questions, please reach out to IT Training at ITTraining@ysu.edu.