windows outputs

Question

On my Windows laptop, every time I plug in an external monitor via HDMI, the sound output automatically switches to the monitor instead of staying on my Bluetooth speaker. I have to manually change the default audio device each time. Has anyone found a way to stop Windows from auto-switching audio outputs when connecting a monitor?

Answer 1

Dear benny park, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I understand how inconvenient it can be when Windows switches the audio output to the HDMI monitor every time you connect it, especially when you want to keep using your Bluetooth speaker.  Below are some checks and workarounds you can try to help prevent the auto switching behavior. Before trying the steps below, you may also want to review the response from the Independent Advisor in this thread. Their guidance is well aligned with how Windows handles HDMI audio devices and default output switching, and it’s a practical approach that is worth trying. 

1. Set your Bluetooth speaker as the Default output 

• Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar > Sound settings. 
• Under Output, select your Bluetooth speaker. 
• Then open the classic sound panel, press Win + R > type mmsys.cpl > Enter 
• On the Playback tab: 
  • Right-click your Bluetooth speaker > choose Set as Default Device 
  • Also choose Set as Default Communication Device (if available) 

2. Disable the HDMI audio endpoint 

If you never use the monitor/TV speakers for sound, you can disable the HDMI audio device so Windows will not switch to it. 

• Disable from Sound (Playback) 
  • Press Win + R > type mmsys.cpl > Enter 
  • Playback tab > find an item such as: Digital Audio (HDMI), [Monitor Name], NVIDIA/Intel/AMD Display Audio, etc. 
  • Right-click it > Disable 
  • Click OK and reconnect HDMI to test. 
• Disable from Device Manager 
  • Right-click Start > Device Manager 
  • Expand Sound, video and game controllers (and also check Audio inputs and outputs) 
  • Look for entries like: Intel Display Audio, NVIDIA High Definition Audio, AMD High Definition Audio 
  • Right-click the HDMI-related audio device > Disable device 
  • Reconnect HDMI and verify if the Bluetooth speaker remains the default. 

3. Check per-app output 

• Go to Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer 
• Confirm your key apps (browser, Teams, etc.) are set to use the Bluetooth speaker, not the HDMI device. 

I hope the steps above help stop Windows from switching your audio output to the HDMI monitor and let your Bluetooth speaker stay selected automatically. Wishing you a smooth experience keeping your preferred sound device in Windows without needing to change it manually each time. 

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Answer 2

Hello! Thank you for the detailed information. Please completely disable the HDMI audio device instead.

Right-click the volume icon in the taskbar - Sound settings.

Click Manage sound devices.

Under Output devices, find the monitor’s HDMI audio and Disable it.

**OR :

**Device Manager - Sound, video and game controllers and disable whatever HDMI audio adapter shows up (e.g., “NVIDIA High Definition Audio”).

Also, if you have a spare DP port, and you external display has one, you can use that too to completely eliminate this issue.