Easy way to switch default sound output device

Question

I want an easier way to change my default sound device from my sound card to my usb headset.

Currently it takes a very precise right click, a left click, another right click, and two more left clicks.

Ideally i could just have it swap with a shortcut key. (it was a little easier in XP but not by much.)

A software solution is preferred, but I am open to suggestions that use hardware.

I am running Windows 7 currently.

Answer 1

This app should work for Windows 7:

http://coastalrocket.blogspot.com/2009/12/switching-audio-devices-in-windows-7.html

Answer 2

One Click Solution

Download your corresponding .exe which is compiled with AutoIt.
Place a shortcut on your desktop and assign a keyboard combination to your shortcut

Downloads

• Toggle between first and second sound device
• Toggle between first and third sound device
• Toggle between second and third sound device

---

Create your own toggle .exe

If none of the above files work for you, you have to edit the code and compile it on your own.
Don't be scared. Its very easy!

1. Copy & paste the code below in a new text file

   Run("c:\windows\system32\control.exe mmsys.cpl")
   WinWaitActive("Sound")
   WinSetOnTop ("Sound","Sound", 1 )
   send("{DOWN}")
   if ControlCommand("Sound", "", 1002, 'IsEnabled') Then
       ControlClick("Sound", "Set Default", 1002)
       $message = "Speakers"
   else
       send("{DOWN}")
       ControlClick("Sound", "Set Default", 1002)
       $message = "Headset"
   EndIf
   WinClose("Sound")
   TrayTip("", $message, 5)
   Sleep(2000)

2. edit line 4 e.g. {DOWN 3} means toggle between your third device and ...
3. edit line 8 e.g. {DOWN 2} your fifth device (cause 3+2=5)
4. replace "Speakers" and "Headset" with your correspondig device name or something similar
   This text will be shown in a tray balloon tip for 5 seconds
5. save the text file as toggle-sound.au3
6. Download the .zip file of AutoIt. The subfolder Aut2Exe will contain the compiler

7. convert your .au3 script whit Aut2exe.exe. Don't forget to choose a nice icon!

   Note: On a localized Windows (German, Spanish, French),
   you have to replace "Set Default" twice with your localized button text.

   

Here you can read more about all used commands.