Windows

How to Rename Audio Devices on Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Oct 15, 2021 Updated Jul 11, 2026 3 min read

How to Use Sticky Notes in Windows 11

You can rename audio devices on Windows 11 to easily identify your speakers, headphones, or microphones.

Renaming customizes the technical names Windows assigns, like “Realtek(R) Audio,” to user-friendly labels such as “Gaming Headset” for better clarity.

Windows 11 simplifies renaming audio devices. Users can assign custom names to audio inputs and outputs through the Settings app. This change appears immediately in the volume control and within application settings, helping users easily select the correct device for calls or gaming.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Settings, go to System, then Sound. Click the arrow next to the device you want to rename, click the Rename button, type your new name, and click Rename. This applies to both output and input devices.

How to rename audio devices on 🪟 Windows 11

You can easily rename audio devices on Windows 11 right in the Settings app. This makes it simple to tell your speakers, headphones, or other sound gear apart. Just open Settings, go to System, then Sound, and find the device you want to rename.

Open your Settings app. Press Windows key + I on your keyboard or click Start and select Settings.
windows 11 start settings
In the menu on the left, click System. Then, click on Sound on the right side of your screen.
Windows Sound tile in Windows Settings app
Look under the Output section to see your connected speakers or headphones. Click the arrow next to the device you want to change.
rename sound device on windows 11
Look for the device name and click the Rename button.
Type in your preferred name and click Rename to save your changes.
windows 11 rename audio device

You can follow these same steps for your microphones or other recording gear found under the Input section. Your changes will take effect right away.

Advanced: Registry-level renaming

If your audio device names keep resetting on Windows 11, you might need to rename them using the Registry Editor. This is an advanced method, and mistakes can cause problems, so be very careful if you choose this path. You’ll need to open the Registry Editor and find specific entries for your audio devices.

If a device name keeps resetting, you may need to edit the registry directly. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to:

🗝️Registry

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\MMDevices\Audio\Render

Inside these folders, you will find keys representing your hardware. You can modify the DeviceDesc string to force a name change. This is useful for persistent naming issues where the standard settings app fails to save your preferences.

Troubleshooting persistent device names

Sometimes Windows 11 resets your audio device name after a driver update. This happens because the driver overwrites the registry entry. To fix this, ensure your drivers are up to date via Device Manager. If the issue persists, try disabling and re-enabling the device in the Sound Control Panel.

Windows 11 sound settings showing renamed speakers and headphones — windows sound device name names

Summary

Renaming audio devices on Windows 11 helps you organize your sound setup, avoid sending audio to the wrong place, and makes setup easier with quick, clear labels.

Can I rename Bluetooth audio devices?

Yes, you can rename Bluetooth audio devices. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices. Find your audio device, click the three dots, and select Rename. This changes how the device appears across your entire Windows 11 system, ensuring consistency when you connect your wireless headphones or speakers.