You plug in a monitor, boot up your Windows 11 PC, and suddenly your audio sounds like it is coming through a tin can. The problem is usually simple: Windows 11 has switched your sound output to your monitor’s built-in speakers. To disable monitor speakers in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings , open the Playback tab, right-click your monitor audio device, and select Disable . Then right-click your preferred speakers, headset, or headphones and select Set as Default Device .
This guide explains how to turn off monitor speakers in Windows 11, change your default audio output, stop audio from switching back after updates, and manage sound in multi-monitor setups.
Quick answer: how to turn off monitor speakers in Windows 11 To turn off monitor speakers in Windows 11:
Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar. Select Sound settings . Scroll down and select More sound settings . Open the Playback tab. Right-click your monitor audio device. Select Disable . Right-click your preferred headset, speakers, or headphones. Select Set as Default Device . This stops Windows 11 from sending sound to your monitor while keeping the monitor’s video connection working normally.
Why Windows 11 uses your monitor speakers Windows 11 may use your monitor speakers because HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C can carry both video and audio. When you connect a monitor through one of these cables, Windows may detect the display as an available audio output device.
That is why your monitor can appear in the Windows 11 sound settings list even if you never planned to use it for audio. Depending on your setup, the device may show up under the monitor brand, model number, GPU audio driver, or display connection name.
This can become annoying because Windows 11 may switch to the most recently connected audio device. After you plug in a new monitor, restart your PC, update drivers, or wake the computer from sleep, sound may start playing through the monitor instead of your headset or desktop speakers.
Why you should disable monitor speakers Monitor speakers are useful in a pinch, but they are rarely the best option for everyday audio. Disabling them can make your Windows 11 audio setup simpler, more reliable, and better sounding.
1. Poor sound quality Most monitor speakers use small, low-powered drivers. They usually do not have enough space to produce full bass, clear mids, or strong volume.
This is why music may sound thin, voices may sound hollow, and games may feel less immersive. If your PC audio suddenly sounds flat or tinny, Windows 11 may be using your monitor instead of your real speakers.
2. Low volume during meetings Built-in monitor speakers can be too quiet for video calls, online classes, and remote meetings. Voices may be hard to hear, especially if there is background noise in the room.
A headset, desktop speaker system, soundbar, or USB audio device usually provides clearer voice output and better volume control.
3. Audio confusion with multiple monitors If you use two or more monitors, each display may appear as a separate audio output in Windows 11. This can cause sound to jump between monitors or play from the wrong side of your desk.
Disabling unused monitor audio devices helps Windows 11 stick to the speakers or headset you actually want to use.
4. Random audio switching after updates Windows updates, graphics driver updates, and monitor reconnects can sometimes reset audio preferences. If monitor speakers remain enabled, Windows 11 may choose them again later.
Disabling the monitor audio device reduces the chance of this happening.
How to disable monitor speakers in Windows 11 sound settings
This is the easiest way to stop Windows 11 from sending sound to your monitor.
Step 1: Open sound settings Right-click the speaker icon on the right side of the Windows 11 taskbar.
Select Sound settings .
You can also open it manually by going to:
Start > Settings > System > Sound
Step 2: Open more sound settings In the Sound settings page, scroll down.
Select More sound settings .
This opens the classic Windows sound control panel, where you can see the full list of playback devices.
Step 3: Find your monitor audio device In the Playback tab, look for your monitor audio device.
It may appear as:
Your monitor brand name Your monitor model number HDMI audio DisplayPort audio Digital audio NVIDIA High Definition Audio AMD High Definition Audio Intel Display Audio If you do not see your monitor, right-click inside the device list and select Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices .
Step 4: Disable the monitor speakers
Right-click the monitor audio device.
Select Disable .
The device should gray out. Windows 11 will no longer use it as an audio output.
Step 5: Set your preferred audio device as default Right-click your preferred audio device.
This could be:
Headphones Gaming headset Desktop speakers USB speakers Bluetooth earbuds External DAC Soundbar Select Set as Default Device .
You can also select Set as Default Communication Device if you want calls, meetings, and voice chat to use a specific headset or speaker.
How to change the default audio output in Windows 11
You do not always need to disable monitor speakers completely. If you sometimes use them, you can simply switch your default audio output in Windows 11.
1. Use the taskbar audio menu This is the fastest way to change where your sound comes from.
Click the speaker icon on the right side of the Windows 11 taskbar. Click the arrow or output selector next to the volume slider. Choose the device you want to use, such as your headphones, headset, desktop speakers, or monitor. Windows 11 should start playing sound through the selected device right away.
2. Use the Windows 11 settings menu You can also change your audio output from Settings.
Open Settings . Go to System > Sound . Under Output , select the device you want to use. This is useful if Windows 11 switches audio to your monitor after a restart, update, or display reconnect.
3. Stop Windows 11 from using a specific output device
If you want to stop sound from coming through your monitor speakers, you can block that device from playing audio.
Open Settings . Go to System > Sound . Under Output , select your monitor audio device. Under General , find Audio . Select Don’t allow . This prevents Windows 11 and your apps from using that device for sound. It is a simple option if you want to stop audio from coming through your monitor without opening the older Sound Control Panel.
How to disable monitor audio in Device Manager
If Windows 11 keeps switching sound back to your monitor, use Device Manager. This is a stronger fix than disabling the device from the normal sound settings menu.
Step 1: Open Device Manager Right-click the Start button.
Select Device Manager .
Step 2: Open sound, video and game controllers Expand:
Sound, video and game controllers
Look for your monitor audio device or display audio driver.
It may appear as:
NVIDIA High Definition Audio AMD High Definition Audio Intel Display Audio High Definition Audio Device Your monitor or display audio name Step 3: Disable the device Right-click the monitor audio device.
Select Disable device .
Confirm the change.
This prevents Windows 11 from using that audio device until you manually enable it again.
How to turn off monitor speakers from the monitor menu Some monitors let you mute or disable built-in speakers through the monitor’s on-screen display menu. This is useful because the setting happens on the monitor itself, not inside Windows 11.
To check this:
Press the physical menu button or joystick on your monitor. Open the monitor’s on-screen display menu. Look for Audio , Sound , System , or Settings . Set the speaker volume to zero, mute the speakers, or disable audio output. This method is especially helpful if you connect the same monitor to multiple devices, such as a desktop PC, laptop, game console, or docking station.
Best method to disable monitor speakers in Windows 11 Method
Best for
How permanent it is
Windows 11 sound settings
Most users
Good, but may reset after major updates
Device Manager
Users who never want monitor audio
More permanent
Monitor OSD menu
Multi-device setups
Hardware-level setting
Default output selection
Users who switch audio devices often
Temporary and easy to change
For most people, the best first step is to disable the monitor speakers in More sound settings and set the preferred headset or speakers as the default device.
If Windows 11 keeps switching back to the monitor, disable the monitor audio device in Device Manager .
How to stop Windows 11 from switching audio back to your monitor Windows 11 may switch audio back to your monitor after a restart, driver update, graphics card update, sleep cycle, or major Windows update.
Here is how to reduce that problem.
1. Set your speakers as the default device Open More sound settings , go to the Playback tab, right-click your preferred device, and select Set as Default Device .
This tells Windows 11 which audio device should be used first.
2. Disable unused monitor audio devices If you never use your monitor speakers, disable them. This removes them from the active playback list and prevents accidental switching.
3. Check audio settings after major updates Large Windows 11 updates can sometimes reset device preferences. After a major update, check:
Settings > System > Sound
Make sure your preferred output device is still selected.
4. Disable display audio in Device Manager If the issue keeps happening, use Device Manager to disable the monitor audio device completely. This is the best fix for users who only want to use headphones, desktop speakers, or an external audio setup.
How to fix monitor audio problems in multi-monitor setups Multi-monitor setups can make Windows 11 audio routing more confusing. Each monitor connected through HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C may appear as a separate sound device.
This can lead to problems like:
Sound playing from the wrong monitor Audio switching after sleep mode Games using one output while browsers use another Meeting apps using a different speaker than the rest of the system Multiple monitor audio devices cluttering the output list 1. Disable all unused monitor speakers Open More sound settings and disable every monitor audio device you do not use.
Leave only your actual speakers, headset, or preferred audio device enabled.
2. Set one default output In the Playback tab, right-click your main audio device and select Set as Default Device .
This gives Windows 11 a clear audio priority.
3. Use volume mixer for app-specific audio Windows 11 lets you choose audio outputs for specific apps.
Go to:
Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer
From there, you can set a specific output for apps like:
Web browser Game launcher Music player Video editor Discord Zoom Microsoft Teams Streaming software This is useful if you want your game audio through speakers but voice chat through a headset.
Better alternatives to monitor speakers Disabling monitor speakers makes the most sense when you have a better audio device ready. Even budget-friendly audio gear usually sounds better than built-in monitor speakers.
Gaming headsets: A gaming headset is one of the easiest upgrades for Windows 11 users. It gives you clearer game audio, better voice chat, and a built-in microphone for calls or multiplayer games. USB and wireless headsets are especially simple because Windows 11 usually detects them automatically.Desktop speakers: Powered desktop speakers are a strong choice if you want better sound without wearing headphones. Even a basic 2.0 speaker setup can provide fuller audio, better volume, and more depth than most monitor speakers.Soundbars: A compact soundbar can sit under your monitor and provide stronger volume, clearer dialogue, and a cleaner desk setup. This can be a good option for small desks, shared spaces, or users who want better sound without adding multiple speakers.AV receivers and dedicated speakers: For the best sound quality, you can connect your Windows 11 PC to an AV receiver and use dedicated bookshelf, floor-standing, or surround sound speakers. This is a bigger setup than a headset or desktop speakers, but it can deliver much better audio for movies, games, music, and home theater use. For a full setup guide, read our article on how to connect an AV receiver to your PC.USB DACs and external audio devices: A USB DAC, audio interface, or external sound card can improve audio quality and bypass monitor audio completely. This is useful for users with higher-end headphones, powered speakers, microphones, or content creation setups.Bluetooth speakers and earbuds: Bluetooth speakers and earbuds are convenient for casual listening and are easy to switch to in Windows 11. However, wired or USB devices may still be better for gaming because they usually have lower latency.Upgrade your Windows 11 display and audio setup with Acer A better monitor can improve your whole Windows 11 setup, but built-in speakers should not be your only audio plan. If you are upgrading your desk, it is worth thinking about display quality, refresh rate, ports, ergonomics, and audio together.
Acer offers a wide range of monitors for gaming, work, school, and home entertainment. Many Acer monitors include easy on-screen display controls, so you can quickly adjust settings like input source, brightness, refresh behavior, and audio options when available.
For clearer sound, stronger voice chat, and a more immersive Windows 11 experience, consider pairing your monitor with a dedicated headset instead of relying on built-in monitor speakers. Acer headsets and audio accessories are designed for gaming, calls, streaming, and everyday listening, giving you a cleaner setup and better sound quality from the start.
Explore Acer monitors and Acer headsets to build a Windows 11 setup that looks better, sounds better, and works the way you expect.
Frequently asked questions Why is Windows 11 using my monitor speakers?
Windows 11 may use your monitor speakers because HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C can carry audio as well as video. When you connect a monitor, Windows may detect it as a new audio output and switch sound to it automatically.
How do I disable monitor speakers in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings . In the Playback tab, right-click your monitor audio device and select Disable . Then right-click your preferred speakers or headset and select Set as Default Device .
Will disabling monitor speakers affect HDMI or DisplayPort video?
No. Disabling monitor speakers only stops Windows 11 from sending audio to the monitor. Your HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C video connection will still work normally.
Why does Windows 11 keep switching audio to my monitor?
Windows 11 may switch audio to your monitor after a restart, sleep cycle, driver update, monitor reconnect, or major Windows update. To fix this, set your preferred speakers as the default device and disable the monitor audio device.
Why do my monitor speakers sound bad?
Most monitor speakers are small and low-powered. They usually have weak bass, limited volume, and thinner sound than headphones, desktop speakers, or soundbars.
What is the difference between disabling monitor speakers and changing the default output?
Changing the default output tells Windows 11 which device to use right now. Disabling monitor speakers prevents Windows 11 from using that monitor audio device at all.
Can I turn off monitor speakers without disabling the device in Windows 11?
Yes. Some monitors let you mute or disable speakers through the monitor’s on-screen display menu. You can also set the monitor volume to zero from the monitor controls.
How do I stop one app from using monitor speakers?
Open Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer . Find the app in the list and choose the correct output device. This lets you route a specific app to your headset, speakers, or another audio device.
Why does my monitor show up as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel audio?
Your monitor audio may appear under your graphics driver because HDMI and DisplayPort audio often pass through the GPU. For example, Windows 11 may list the device as NVIDIA High Definition Audio, AMD High Definition Audio, or Intel Display Audio.
Should I disable all monitor audio devices in a multi-monitor setup?
If you do not use monitor speakers, yes. Disabling unused monitor audio devices keeps Windows 11 from switching sound between displays and makes your audio output list easier to manage.
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