Have you ever had a problem in Windows where you have a few applications that use audio, for example a radio program and a communications tool, like Teams. And for some reason, your speakers work in one application and not the other?
This can be due to a few problems that we will outline in this article, from most likely to least likely the cause. Let's get started...
Cause 1: Exclusive Audio Control
There is a little known setting in the Windows Audio Configuration that allows applications to take exclusive control of audio inputs and outputs. This is the most common cause of audio related issues where one application takes control of a microphone or speaker and so when you go to use those devices in another application, they are non-functional. This setting can be disabled by following these simple steps:
- Click the Windows Icon
+ R
- In the "Run" box that pops up type "control mmsys.cpl sounds" and press the Enter key, like this:
- This opens the Sound Control Panel. On the "Playback" tab, highlight the device, e.g., your "Speakers" and click the "Properties" button:
- Click on the "Advanced" tab and make sure the check box next to "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" is Unchecked:
- Click the "OK" button to apply the settings.
- Next, click on the "Recording" tab and follow the same steps for the devices you wish to use.
- Finally, on the Communications tab, make sure that "Do nothing" is selected for communication activity:
- Click "OK" on the main sound control panel.
- Once you've disabled the exclusive mode it's a good idea to Restart Your Computer so that any application that has already gained exclusive control
After restarting, make sure you test to ensure audio is working in all the applications that you need to use your audio devices in.