How to Change Chrome’s Audio Output Device on Windows

Before you start

Chrome uses the default audio output device selected in Windows unless a site requests audio through the browser and you override the output for that tab or site. This procedure runs locally on your computer and does not require an online service. Make sure the speaker, headset, monitor speaker, or other output device you want to use is connected and recognized by Windows before opening the browser settings.

Step-by-step instructions

Chrome does not include one global menu that changes the sound output for every tab. The most direct way is to switch the Windows default output device, which affects Chrome and other applications. If you need Chrome to use a different device while Windows stays on the current default, you can change the output for an individual tab when media is playing.

Change the output for one Chrome tab

• Open Chrome and play audio from the site where you want to change the sound, such as a video call, music site, or web player.
• Select the media control icon at the right end of the address bar. If the icon is not visible, the tab may not currently be treated as a media session.
• In the media control panel, choose the output device you want from the list of available devices.
• If the device list does not show the expected speaker or headset, connect it and then reopen the media control panel.

Set the Windows default output device

When Chrome does not show a device selector for the site, or when you want all browser audio to follow the same device, change the Windows default output device. On Windows 11, open Settings, select System, and then select Sound. On Windows 10, open Settings, select System, and then select Sound. In Output, choose the device you want Chrome and other apps to use.

Adjust device properties

Device properties such as format and sample rate are managed by Windows or the device driver rather than by Chrome. If the output sounds distorted or has excessive background noise, check the device properties in Windows Sound settings and the input level for any microphone you are also using. Keep in mind that input and output devices are separate: changing the speaker output does not automatically change the microphone input.

Check the output

Play audio in the same Chrome tab and confirm that sound comes from the intended device. If you changed only the tab output, other tabs may still use the Windows default device. If you changed the Windows default device, start a new audio session or reload the tab so Chrome picks up the new output. Check that Chrome has not been muted at the site level: select the tab and look for a mute indicator in the tab or in the site’s playback controls.

Common problems and next steps

If a site does not offer an output device option, the browser may not have exposed the media session for that content. Close extra media tabs or reload the page and try the media control icon again. If Chrome cannot see a connected device, confirm that the device is enabled in Windows Sound settings and that the correct output device is selected there. A browser restart or device reconnect may be needed after installing or updating audio drivers.

For sites that need a microphone or camera, also check site permissions in Chrome. Some video-calling sites let you select a separate input device and output device from the call controls. Browser settings control permissions such as microphone or camera access, while audio routing is primarily controlled by the device selection described above and by any operating-system permissions required for the connected hardware.