How to add speakers

For Windows 11, adding and removing speakers is managed through audio devices and drivers.

To remove or disable speakers (for example, monitor speakers that are not needed):

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings.
2. Under Output, select the device to remove from use.
3. To disable it so it no longer appears as an active option:
   • Open Device Manager (press Windows key + X → Device Manager).
   • Expand Sound, video and game controllers or Audio inputs and outputs.
   • Right-click the unwanted speaker or audio device and select Disable device.
4. If the device reappears after restart, ensure it remains disabled in Device Manager. Once properly disabled, it should stay disabled across restarts, as described in the referenced scenario.

To add or use new speakers:

1. Physically connect the new speakers:
   • For wired speakers: plug the 3.5 mm audio jack into the PC’s headphone/speaker port, or connect via USB if they are USB speakers.
   • For Bluetooth speakers: put the speaker in pairing mode, then go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device and pair it.
2. Install or update drivers if required:
   • Open Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers.
   • Right-click the new audio device and choose Update driver → Search automatically.
   • If the manufacturer provides a driver, install it from their support site.
3. Set the new speakers as the default output device:
   • Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settings.
   • Under Output, choose the new speakers as the default device.
4. If Windows reports no audio device is installed or the new speakers do not appear:
   • In Device Manager, confirm that an audio device is listed and has no warning icon.
   • If missing or faulty, download and install the correct audio driver from the PC or motherboard manufacturer.
   • Run the Playing Audio troubleshooter from Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Playing Audio.

If audio devices suddenly disappear or stop working after adding/removing speakers, reinstalling the audio driver in Device Manager can restore them.

References:

• How to get Win 11 to permanently recognise a sound output source (or not recognise one permanently) - Microsoft Q&A
• I have no sound on an new LG Gram laptop - Microsoft Q&A
• My audio inputs and outputs suddenly disappeared, how do i fix this? - Microsoft Q&A
• How to fix this. no audio device is installed - Microsoft Q&A
• I don't see an audio input device - Microsoft Q&A