Share via

How can I get Windows 11 to automatically swich to my headphones for audio?

Beatrix 0 Reputation points
2025-10-26T10:12:02.4+00:00

On Windows 10 my laptop would automatically switch audio to my headphones when I plugged them in, now on Windows 11 it requires me to click a pop up notification. I want to know how I can have this on Windows 11, as it is becoming quite the frustrating inconvience that if my headphones slip out while I'm on a call with someone or playing a game it gets in the way rather than behaving exactly like it used to.

I'm using an Acer Travelmate P214 if that matters but its clearly a software issue since this wasn't a problem two weeks ago when I was on Windows 10.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. IGYQ 14,825 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-26T12:49:09.23+00:00

    Hi!

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

    You are correct, this is a Windows 11 / Realtek driver behavior change, not a hardware issue.

    You can check a specific setting for realtek or audio processing.

    • Press Start → type “Realtek” → open Realtek Audio Console (or “DTS Audio Processing,” “MaxxAudio,” or similar).
    • Go to the Device advanced settings (often a gear in the upper-right corner).
    • Look for:
      • “Enable auto popup dialog when device is plugged in”
      • “Automatically switch playback device when headphone is plugged in”
    • Turn that option ON.
    • Reboot your PC, plug in your headset, and test.

    Let me know once done so I can assist you further.

    Note: There would be cases that this setting cannot be found (notify me since that is a special case if settings is not found)

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.