PC - switching between computer speakers and external speakers (sound card, icon, Windows)

[ansky]

I have a PC (Windows 8.1) and occasionally I listen to audio through the computer's built in speakers, but other times I listen to the audio through external stereo speakers connected to the computer's audio out jack.

The issue I have is whenever I want to listen to the built in speakers, I have to remove the audio cable to the external speakers to the get the internal speakers to work. Is there any kind of software that allows you to switch between the 2 without constantly having to move the cable in and out?

[jaypee]

If you use Windows Media Player, you can choose which external speakers to use.
(Organize>Options>Devices>Speakers>Properties)

[Skunk Workz]

In Win7 (assume it's the same in 8), I can right click on the volume icon, select "playback devices", and then switch between different audio devices (HDMI or rear speakers in my case).

[ansky]

Originally Posted by Skunk Workz

In Win7 (assume it's the same in 8), I can right click on the volume icon, select "playback devices", and then switch between different audio devices (HDMI or rear speakers in my case).

Thanks. I tried that but in my case it just says "Speakers". It doesn't differentiate between built in speakers and speakers plugged into the audio-out jack. Maybe it's a limitation in my sound card.

[Ace_TX]

click volume icon

click mixer

select device from "device" drop down menu

[NHDave]

If it's set up the way I think it is, you have no choice. The speaker jack includes a physical mechanism to disable the internal speakers when you plug in an external set, you can't do what you're asking.