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Windows puts several audio controls in different places. The full modern page is Settings > System > Sound, while the taskbar menu may open only the volume mixer or output selector. Windows 10 and Windows 11 also retain the older Sound Control Panel, which is useful for Playback, Recording, enhancements, formats, and disabled devices.
Use the method below that matches what you need.
Open Sound settings in Windows 11
From the Start menu
- Select Start.
- Select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Sound.
The Windows 11 Sound page includes controls for Output, Input, Volume mixer, device properties, and related audio settings.
With a keyboard shortcut
Press Windows + I to open Settings, then select System > Sound.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor quicker access to volume and output selection, press Windows + A to open Quick Settings. Select the arrow beside the volume slider to view available output devices. This is useful for switching between speakers, headphones, Bluetooth devices, and an HDMI or DisplayPort monitor, but it is not the complete Sound settings page.
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From the taskbar
- Select the Speakers or volume icon on the taskbar.
- Select the arrow to the right of the volume slider. Its tooltip is Select a sound output.
- To open mixer controls, select the settings icon beside the mixer controls. Its tooltip is More mixer settings.
This route opens the Windows 11 volume mixer rather than necessarily opening the main System > Sound page. Use the Start menu or ms-settings:sound when you need all sound settings.
Open Sound settings in Windows 10
From the Start menu
- Select Start.
- Select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Sound.
Under Choose your output device, select the speakers, headphones, monitor, USB audio device, or Bluetooth device you want Windows to use.
From the taskbar
For per-application volume controls, right-click the taskbar Volume icon and select Open Volume mixer.
For the older audio dialog:
- Right-click the Volume icon.
- Select Sounds.
- Use the Playback, Recording, Sounds, or Communications tab.
Windows 10 reached the end of Microsoft support on October 14, 2025. Existing PCs continue to work, but Microsoft no longer provides normal free security fixes, software updates, or technical support for Windows 10.
Open Sound settings with a command
The fastest method that works independently of the taskbar icon is the Run command:
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- Press Windows + R.
- Type
ms-settings:sound. - Press Enter.
Windows opens the modern Sound page directly.
| Command | Opens |
|---|---|
ms-settings:sound |
Main Sound settings |
ms-settings:apps-volume |
Volume mixer |
ms-settings:sound-devices |
Sound devices |
ms-settings:sound-defaultinputproperties |
Default microphone properties |
ms-settings:sound-defaultoutputproperties |
Default audio output properties |
To use one of these commands, press Windows + R, enter the command, and press Enter. Some individual Settings pages can vary by Windows version and edition.
Open the classic Sound Control Panel
Use the classic dialog when you need the traditional Playback and Recording tabs, default-device controls, enhancements, audio formats, or options for disabled and disconnected devices.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
mmsys.cpl. - Press Enter.
The classic Sound window opens in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. In Windows 11, you can also reach it through Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings. That link opens the classic dialog; it is not another modern Settings page.
The command control mmsys.cpl is sometimes suggested, but the shorter mmsys.cpl command is the more direct choice.
What to check after opening Sound settings
Select the correct output device
If your PC has built-in speakers, headphones, a monitor, USB audio, or Bluetooth audio connected, Windows may be sending sound to the wrong destination.
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- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select the device you want to use.
- Play audio again and check the device’s volume.
An HDMI or DisplayPort monitor may appear as an output even when it has no built-in speakers. Selecting it can make the computer appear silent.
Fix sound from only one application
If Windows system sounds work but a browser, game, media player, or communications app is silent, check its individual mixer settings:
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Select Volume mixer.
- Under Apps, find the affected application.
- Check its volume and its selected Output device.
An application can have its own output device and volume, overriding the system-wide selection.
Enable a disabled speaker or microphone
In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Sound. Under Advanced, select More sound settings, then choose Playback or Recording.
- Select the disabled speaker or microphone.
- Select Properties.
- Next to Device usage, select Use this device (enable).
- Select Apply, if shown, and then OK.
You can perform the same check in the classic window opened with mmsys.cpl.
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- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
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Check headphones and physical connections
Some computers automatically disable or stop using their speakers while headphones are plugged in. Disconnect the headphones while testing the speakers. Also check the physical volume control on external speakers, headset mute switches, and Bluetooth connection status.
If the sound icon is missing
The volume icon may be in the taskbar overflow area rather than visible beside the clock.
- Windows 10: select Show hidden icons, shown as an upward arrow near the notification area.
- Windows 11: check the system-tray or Quick Settings area, where network, volume, and battery controls are grouped.
You do not need the icon to open audio controls. Press Windows + R, enter ms-settings:sound, and press Enter, or use Start > Settings > System > Sound.
Why the “Open Sound settings” option may be missing
Older instructions often say to right-click the speaker icon and choose Open Sound settings. That label is not consistent across current Windows 10 and Windows 11 builds. Windows 10 may show Open Volume mixer and Sounds, while Windows 11 uses the output selector and More mixer settings.
The dependable path to the full modern page is Start > Settings > System > Sound. The dependable direct command is ms-settings:sound.
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Which Sound window should you use?
| Task | Best route |
|---|---|
| Change the main speakers or headphones | Settings > System > Sound |
| Switch output quickly | Taskbar volume icon and output arrow |
| Change one app’s volume or output | Volume mixer |
| Manage Playback and Recording tabs | mmsys.cpl |
| Open Sound without using the mouse | ms-settings:sound |
FAQ
What is the quickest way to open Sound settings in Windows?
Press Windows + R, type ms-settings:sound, and press Enter. You can also press Windows + I and select System > Sound.
How do I open the old Sound Control Panel?
Press Windows + R, type mmsys.cpl, and press Enter. This opens the window with the Playback and Recording tabs.
Why does the speaker icon open Volume mixer instead of Sound settings?
Windows versions and builds use different taskbar labels and routes. The taskbar shortcut may open the mixer or output selector. Use Start > Settings > System > Sound or run ms-settings:sound for the complete Sound page.
How do I change which device plays sound?
Open Settings > System > Sound, find Output, and select the intended speakers, headphones, monitor, USB audio device, or Bluetooth device.
Why is only one app silent?
Open Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer. Under Apps, check that application’s volume and Output device. An app can use a different device from the Windows default.
The Bottom Line
For the full modern controls, open Settings > System > Sound or run ms-settings:sound. Use mmsys.cpl when you specifically need the classic Playback and Recording tabs.
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