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Edge switching from default sound output device to specific device when changing system sound device

Anonymous
2025-05-25T19:51:30+00:00

I have the same issue described here:
Edge switching from default sound output device to specific device - Microsoft Community

That thread hasn't a solution, and it's locked (good job!).
So I'm here, asking again for a solution.
I'll copy-paste the original message, btw.
"Kind of a hard issue to describe in a single sentence for the subject. This issue is more of an annoyance than an actual issue, and is somewhat intermittent (almost always happens but sometimes doesn't, not sure why). I regularly switch between headphones (motherboard audio listed as speakers) and a surround sound system (hdmi audio) by using the task bar sound icon drop down list. Most of the time, edge will not switch sound output to the new default audio device. If I go into the "App volume and device preferences" section of advanced sound options after switching the system audio device through the taskbar, I can see that edge will have switched the output from using the default device to the specific device that it was originally using. Switching the output option back to default device will route the sound properly"

Microsoft Edge | Audio and video playback | Windows 10

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-05-27T17:26:17+00:00

    Good day!

    Welcome to Microsoft Community. Thank you for sharing your concern with us today and we hope that all is well. It sounds like Edge is not properly switching to the new default audio device when you change system sound settings. This issue has been reported by other users as well. Here are a few things you can try:

    1. Manually Set Edge to Use Default Audio Device
      • Open Settings > System > Sound.
      • Scroll down to Advanced sound options > App volume and device preferences.
      • Locate Microsoft Edge and ensure it is set to Default instead of a specific device.
    2. Restart Edge After Changing Audio Device
      • Close Edge completely and restart it after switching your audio device.
      • Some users have reported that Edge only recognizes the new default device after a restart.
    3. Disable Exclusive Mode for Audio Devices
      • Open Sound Settings > Manage sound devices.
      • Select your default audio device and go to Properties.
      • Under Advanced, uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.

    Regards,

    Fritz-Bald

    Microsoft Community

    Moderator

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-05-29T17:20:13+00:00

    Hi Alessandro Patriarca

    We have noticed that you have not responded to our last message in your Community post. We would like to know whether the issue you have raised with us is still ongoing. If yes, please reply to our thread and continue our conversation.

    We await your response.

    Regards,

    Fritz-Bald

    Microsoft Community

    Moderator

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-05-29T17:53:38+00:00

    Hello,

    thanks for your support. Ill try the suggested things and Ill let you know if the problem occours again (it's a random-occurring issue so I have to check for a while).

    Thanks,
    Alessandro

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-05-30T01:26:13+00:00

    Edit of my previous response: that thing's just appened again.

    Just to give you some context, here’s what I see when the issue occurs (see screenshot below).
    When that happens, I click the "Reset/Restore" button (I’m not sure about the exact English label—it’s "Reimposta" in Italian), and Edge then starts using the default audio device.
    However, after a few changes—like when I plug in my headphones, which replace the speakers as the default device—Edge switches back to a specific device again.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-06-02T13:48:02+00:00

    Hi Alessandro Patriarca

    Thank you for the update. Since the issue reoccurred, I suggest you perform Windows in-place repair. This will reinstall Windows without losing any files and apps of the PC. Follow the steps on the link below:

    How to perform an In-place Upgrade with Windows 10 Step-by-Step Guide - Microsoft Community

    Regards,

    Fritz-Bald

    Microsoft Community

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