Discord is a popular communication app used by millions for gaming and chatting. Sometimes, Windows 11 users face an issue where Discord keeps asking to switch the audio device. This can be frustrating and interrupt your conversations.
Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to fix with a few simple adjustments. In this guide, we will walk you through clear and basic steps to resolve the audio device switching error on Windows 11.
We will also cover some quick checks and provide alternative solutions if the basic fixes don’t work. Let’s get started so you can enjoy seamless audio on Discord again.
Follow each step carefully, and you should have the issue resolved in no time.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your audio devices (headphones, speakers, microphone) are properly connected to your PC.
- Check if your Windows 11 is up to date by going to Settings > Windows Update.
- Restart Discord and your PC before trying these steps to rule out temporary glitches.
- Ensure that no other app is using the microphone or audio device exclusively.
Step 1: Set Your Default Audio Device in Windows
Discord relies on Windows to know which audio device to use. If Windows has the wrong default device, Discord will keep asking you to switch.
- Right-click the Speaker icon in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.
- Select Sound settings.
- Under the Output section, click the dropdown menu and select the device you want Discord to use (such as your headphones or speakers).
- Scroll down to the Input section and select your preferred microphone device.
- Close the settings window and restart Discord.
Why this matters: Discord picks up whatever device Windows is set to use by default. If this is incorrect, Discord will prompt you constantly to switch.
Step 2: Check Discord’s Audio Settings
After setting the default device in Windows, you should also verify Discord’s internal audio settings.
- Open Discord and click the Gear icon near your username to open User Settings.
- From the left menu, click Voice & Video.
- Under Input Device, select the microphone you want to use.
- Under Output Device, select your preferred speakers or headphones.
- Scroll down and test your microphone using the Let’s Check feature.
Tip: Avoid setting devices to Default in Discord if you have multiple audio devices. Explicitly choosing devices can prevent switching prompts.
Step 3: Disable Exclusive Mode in Windows Sound Settings
Sometimes, other apps take exclusive control of your audio devices, causing Discord to ask you to switch devices repeatedly.
- Right-click the Speaker icon and select Sound settings.
- Under Advanced, click More sound settings to open the classic Sound window.
- Go to the Playback tab, select your output device, and click Properties.
- Go to the Advanced tab.
- Uncheck the box that says Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Repeat these steps for the Recording tab for your microphone.
- Restart Discord.
Why do this? Disabling exclusive mode prevents apps from hijacking your audio device, which often triggers Discord to ask for device changes.
Step 4: Update Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause conflicts with Discord.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
- Right-click your audio device (such as Realtek or Intel Audio) and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Follow the prompts to install any updates.
- Restart your PC after updating.
Alternative: Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website to download the latest audio drivers if Windows doesn’t find them automatically.
Step 5: Reset Discord Voice Settings
If the problem persists, resetting Discord’s voice settings can help.
- Open Discord and go to User Settings > Voice & Video.
- Scroll down and click the Reset Voice Settings button.
- Confirm by clicking Okay.
- Restart Discord and reconfigure your input/output devices as explained in Step 2.
This resets any misconfigured options that might cause audio device conflicts.
Alternative Method: Use the Discord Web Version
If you continue experiencing issues with the Discord desktop app, try using the Discord web app in your browser. It does not rely on local audio drivers as heavily and can bypass device switching errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Discord keep asking me to switch audio devices?
This usually happens when Discord detects a different active audio device than the one selected. It can be caused by Windows changing the default device, driver conflicts, or exclusive mode settings.
Can I use multiple audio devices at the same time on Discord?
No, Discord only supports one input and one output device at a time. Switching between devices will trigger prompts.
Does updating Windows 11 help fix this issue?
Yes, keeping Windows updated ensures better device compatibility and can fix bugs affecting audio.
Is it safe to disable exclusive mode for audio devices?
Yes, disabling exclusive mode prevents other apps from taking full control of your audio device and is generally safe for daily use.
What if my microphone isn’t detected at all?
Make sure your microphone is properly connected, not muted, and enabled in Windows sound settings. Also, check Discord permissions under Windows privacy settings.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and Discord still asks you to switch audio devices, consider the following options:
- Reinstall Discord: Uninstall Discord completely, then download and install the latest version from the official site.
- Check for Windows updates: Sometimes major Windows updates fix underlying audio issues.
- Contact Discord Support: Visit Discord Support for personalized help.
- Try a Different Audio Device: Use another headset or microphone to determine if your hardware is causing the problem.
Conclusion
Discord’s audio device switching error on Windows 11 is a common yet fixable issue. By setting the correct default audio devices in Windows and Discord, disabling exclusive mode, updating drivers, and resetting voice settings, you can usually solve the problem quickly.
Remember to start with simple checks and progress to advanced solutions if needed. If all else fails, reinstalling Discord or using the web version can be practical alternatives.
Following these steps will help you enjoy uninterrupted voice chats on Discord without annoying audio prompts.