change playback device without restarting applications

markrodgers11

New Member
Messages
2
I recently upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 and the biggest problem I noticed was when listening to music, playing games, etc. If I change my default playback device while audio is running (from a game or itunes etc) the audio would not switch to the new default device. I never encountered this issue with Windows 7. I did some research and believe this is called stream routing. The only application I've noticed this still works properly for is Google Chrome.


Has anybody else encountered this issue and is there a known fix for it? I spoke with a friend whom also runs Windows 8.1 and he has the same issue.


I'm constantly switching between my USB headset and speakers when listening to music/playing games, depending on what is more comfortable. This would definitely be a buzzkill for Windows 8 if I had to restart all my applications that are using audio every time I switch my playback device...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Quad-Core i5 2320 @ 3.0GHz
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX980 Superclocked 4GB GDDR5 256bit
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO 250GB SSD
    Samsung 500GB 7200 RPM
    Seagate 4TB 5400 RPM
    PSU
    Cooler Master V850 - 850W - Fully Modular
    Case
    Corsair Obsidian Series 750D Full Tower
    Keyboard
    Razer BlackWidow
    Mouse
    Razer Deathadder
    Browser
    Google Chrome
It is a long known issue with both Windows and third party software. You just need to decide what you are going to use to listen to audio while logged in.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Well if I will be gaming I'll likely be using my headset.. until it gets uncomfortable and I decide to switch to my speakers.. haha. I know this wasn't an issue in Windows 7, idk what Microsoft did with Windows 8 but they had to have changed something to cause this.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Quad-Core i5 2320 @ 3.0GHz
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX980 Superclocked 4GB GDDR5 256bit
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO 250GB SSD
    Samsung 500GB 7200 RPM
    Seagate 4TB 5400 RPM
    PSU
    Cooler Master V850 - 850W - Fully Modular
    Case
    Corsair Obsidian Series 750D Full Tower
    Keyboard
    Razer BlackWidow
    Mouse
    Razer Deathadder
    Browser
    Google Chrome
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