If you just want to set your default sound playback device on Windows 10, you can do that directly from the sound icon in your notification area. Click the speaker icon, click the name of your current default sound device in the menu, and then click the device you want to use. This change affects all apps set to use the “Default” device.
Common Audio Outputs
Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio) -- Local Speakers
Speakers / Headphones -- Local Speakers/Headphone
HDMI -- External Screen (you may have audio volume controls on this device so will be able to control volume both on Windows and Screen)
No Sound
This maybe related to output been muted, to unmute do the following
If there is no speaker icon at notification (if there is - remove the cross sign by clicking it) go for long way:
Click start
Enter text from keyboard "Adjust system volume"
Click Best match - Adjust system volume/Control panel (with grey speaker icon before the text)
Remove red disabled/muted marks from under volume bars by clicking speaker icons
App Specific Output
Windows 10 now lets you choose which sound output and input devices individual apps use. For example, you could have one app play audio through your headphones and another app play it through your speakers.
To find these options in Windows 10, open the new Sound settings panel. You can either right-click the speaker icon in your notification area, and then select “Open Sound Settings” or navigate to Settings > System > Sound.
In the Sound settings, scroll down to the “Other Sound Options” section, and then click the “App Volume And Device Preferences” option.
At the top of the page, you can select your default output and input devices, as well as the system-wide master volume.
Below that, you’ll find options for configuring the volume level of each individual app, as well as the sound output and input devices that each app uses.
An app’s volume level is configured as a percentage of your master volume level. For example, if you set your master volume to 10 and Chrome to 100, Chrome will play at a volume level of 10. If you set your master volume to 10 and Chrome to 50, Chrome will play at a volume level of 5.
If an app doesn’t appear in the list, you’ll need to launch it first—and perhaps start playing or recording audio in it.
To the right of the volume slider for each app, click the “Output” or “Input” dropdowns to assign a different output or input device to the app. For example, you could have one app output sound to your headphones and other apps output sound to your speakers. Or you could use different recording devices for different applications.
You may have to close and reopen the application for your change to take effect. However, Windows will remember the volume level and sound devices you assign to individual apps and automatically apply your preferences whenever you launch the app.
