How to Change Audio Format of Sound Device in Windows 11

The audio format in Windows 11 sets the sample rate and bit depth your speakers or headphones use to play sound. Higher settings such as 24-bit, 48000 Hz capture more detail than standard CD quality, which is 16-bit, 44100 Hz.

You change this in the classic Sound control panel 🎛️, and it takes only a few clicks. The steps below work on Home and Pro alike, and you don’t need a restart.

1. Open Settings › System › Sound
2. Scroll down to the Advanced section and click More sound settings. The classic Sound window opens.
3. On the Playback tab, click the speakers or headphones you want to change. Use the one marked as the default device if you aren’t sure.
4. Click Properties, then open the Advanced tab.
5. Under Default Format, open the drop-down list and pick a sample rate and bit depth, for example 24 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality).
6. Click Test. You should hear a test tone through the device. If you hear nothing, or it crackles, choose a different format.
7. Click Apply, then OK.

If the Advanced tab is missing or the format list is short, the limit usually comes from the device or its driver. Some Bluetooth 🔷 headsets, for example, only offer the formats their profile supports. Updating the audio driver sometimes adds more choices.

Why change your audio format?

Adjusting the audio format can improve sound quality. It can also fix distortion, crackling, or volume that sounds wrong, which sometimes happens when the format doesn’t match what the device supports.

Higher settings capture more detail, but they use more processing power and can make no audible difference on basic speakers. If you only watch videos or take calls, 16-bit, 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz is plenty. Pick the higher options if you listen to high-resolution music or edit audio and your hardware supports them.

What happens when done?

The new format takes effect as soon as you apply it. If an app that was already playing sound still sounds wrong, close it and open it again so it picks up the new format.

To undo the change, go back to Properties › Advanced for the same device and choose your previous format, or the 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality) entry. Then click Apply.

If you hear problems with a particular app, check the same Advanced tab for the Exclusive Mode options. Some apps take full control of the device and ask for their own format.

References:

Fix low or quiet sound in Windows - Microsoft Support

Fix distorted or crackling audio in Windows  - Microsoft Support

Option One

Change Audio Format in Settings

You can change audio format settings directly through the Windows 11 Settings app to fix sound issues or improve audio quality for your speakers and headphones. Open Settings, go to System, and select Sound. From there, click All sound devices, choose your specific hardware, and pick a new sample rate and bit depth from the output settings menu.

1. Open Settings by pressing Win+I.
2. Click System on the left, then click Sound on the right.  Open Sound settings
3. Click All sound devices.  Open All sound devices settings
4. Select the speaker or microphone device you want to update.
5. Look for the Format drop-down menu under Output settings or Input settings. Choose the quality level you want.
6. If you are changing speakers, click the Test button to hear how it sounds. If you change a microphone, you should test it afterward to ensure it is working correctly.
7. Close the Settings window when you are finished.

Option Two

Change Audio Format in Control Panel

You can change audio format options using the classic Control Panel if you need advanced sample rate and bit depth controls that are missing from the modern settings menu. Open the Control Panel, click Sound, select your playback or recording device, and open its Properties window to find the advanced format settings.

1. Open the Control Panel and click the Sound icon.
2. Click the Playback tab for speakers or the Recording tab for microphones.
3. Select your device from the list and click Properties.
4. Click the Advanced tab.
5. Select your preferred quality from the Default format drop-down menu.
6. Click Test to check the sound quality if you are using speakers.
7. Click OK to apply your changes.
8. Click OK again to close the window.

Summary

Manually changing the sample rate and bit depth improves audio quality in Windows 11.