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

1. Click the Sound Icon in the System Tray.

   

2. A Pop-up will slide out of System Tray with a Volume slider and the current Playback Device name.

   

3. Click the Right Arrow to see a list of all available Playback Devices.

   

4. Choose the device you wish to use. Most computers should be set to "Speakers (RealTek(R) Audio)".

The Longer Way

1. Open Settings

   

2. Click System

   

3. Select Sound from the left side menu.
4. Use the Choose your output device and Choose your input device dropdowns to select your speakers and microphone.

   

   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.

1. Go to Settings

   

2. Click System

   

3. Choose Sound from the right hand menu.
4. Under the Advanced section pick More Sound Settings.

   

5. 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.

   

6. Select the device you want as the Default.
7. Click the "Set Default" button.