View source for Changing the default playback device

This document instructs users on how to change the default sound output device for Windows. That's important as Zoom has it's own Video and Audio settings that can differ from the Windows default. 

== The Easy Way ==
#Click the '''Sound Icon''' in the System Tray.
#:[[File:System_Tray.png|alt=Image of the Windows system tray with the sound icon highlighted.]]
#A Pop-up will slide out of System Tray with a Volume slider and the current Playback Device name.
#:[[File:System_Tray_Sound.png|alt=Image of the Windows system tray with the sound and volume popup displayed.]]
#Click the '''Right Arrow''' to see a list of all available Playback Devices.
#:[[File:System_Tray_Devices.png|alt=Image of the Windows system tray with all available playback devices displayed.]]
#Choose the device you wish to use. Most computers should be set to "Speakers (RealTek(R) Audio)".

== The Longer Way ==
#Open '''Settings'''
#:[[File:Settings_LiveTile.png|alt=Image of the Windows Settings Live Tile in the Start Menu.]]
#Click '''System'''
#:[[File:Settings_System.png|alt=Image of the Windows Settings Live Tile in the Start Menu.]]
#Select '''Sound''' from the left side menu.
#Use the '''Choose your output device''' and '''Choose your input device''' dropdowns to select your speakers and microphone.
#:[[File:Settings_Sound_Devices.png|alt=Image of the Windows Settings Live Tile in the Start Menu.]]
#:Output Device = sound out a.k.a. speakers, headphones, etc.; Input Device = sound in a.k.a. a microphone.

== Changing the Default ==
The above instructions both cover changing your Audio devices "on the fly". Windows will leave whatever you choose as the current playback device, but if you want to be sure it chooses a specific device no matter what you can set that device as the '''Default Playback Device'''.

#Go to '''Settings'''
#:[[File:Settings_LiveTile.png|alt=Image of the Windows Settings Live Tile in the Start Menu.]]
#Click '''System'''
#:[[File:Settings_System.png|alt=Image of the Windows Settings Live Tile in the Start Menu.]]
#Choose '''Sound''' from the right hand menu.
#Under the Advanced section pick '''More Sound Settings'''.
#:[[File:Settings_Sound_SCPLink.png|alt=Image of the Windows Settings Live Tile in the Start Menu.]]
#Under the '''Playback''' tab the current '''Default''' will have a green checkmark and will say "Default Device" under it's name. If the current '''Default''' is the device you wanted then you are done. If not move to the next step.
#:[[File:Sound_Control_Panel.png|alt=Image of the Windows Settings Live Tile in the Start Menu.]]
#Select the device you want as the '''Default'''.
#Click the '''"Set Default"''' button.
#:[[File:Sound_Control_Panel_Highlighted.png|alt=Image of the Windows Settings Live Tile in the Start Menu.]]



[[category: procedures]]