Hey all, obviously a new member here and I have a few different Windows "annoyances" that I have never found an answer for on the internet (or struggled to word the query in such a way as to find an answer). I don't want to be a leach so will contribute where I can, though I'm hardly a power user so not sure I will have much to offer. But I also know forum moderators get twitchy when new members post a lot, so please be assured I am not here to spam or anything. So my query; I use a PS5 controller on my PC occasionally for Steam games. I prefer to use a USB cable as to keep changing the Bluetooth between the PS5 and PC is an annoyance (as is charging). Every time I plug the controller in, it changes my mic from my Logitech to the controller, and my speakers from my soundcard to the controller. Is there a way to make Windows recognize the device every time and stop it from changing my settings?
Solution Overview
Here's a solution to ensure your PS5 controller doesn't change your default audio devices every time you plug it in:
Steps to Stop PS5 Controller from Changing Default Audio Devices
- Set Default Audio Devices Manually:
- Windows Sound Settings:
- Go to Settings > System > Sound.
- Scroll down to the Advanced sound options section.
- Make sure your preferred microphone and speakers are set as defaults. [*Control Panel:
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Hardware and Sound > Sound.
- Under the Playback tab, select your preferred speakers, then click Set Default.
- Under the Recording tab, select your preferred microphone, then click Set Default. [*Disable the Controller's Audio Device:
- Open Device Manager:
- Press
Windows Key + X and select Device Manager. [*Locate the PS5 controller:
- Look under Sound, video, and game controllers to find the PS5 controller's audio interface. [*Disable the audio device:
- Right-click on the PS5 controller's audio device and select Disable device. This should prevent Windows from switching to it when it's connected. [*Use Software Solutions:
- Default Audio Device:
- Use third-party software like https://audioswit.ch/er to automatically switch back to your preferred audio devices when the controller is connected. [*Setup profiles that automatically reset the audio devices to your preferences. [*Editing Group Policies (For Advanced Users):
- Apply Group Policy settings to maintain audio device order:
- Press
Windows Key + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > Device Installation Restrictions.
- Enable policies to prevent automatic setup of new audio devices.
Detailed Steps
Set Default Audio Devices Manually
Sound Settings: [
Navigate to Settings > System > Sound. [Scroll to
Advanced sound options and make sure your preferred microphone and speakers are set as default.
Control Panel: [
Open Control Panel. [Go to
Hardware and Sound > Sound. [
Playback tab: select your preferred speakers and click Set Default. [Recording tab: select your preferred microphone and click
Set Default.
Disable the Controller’s Audio Device in Device Manager
[
Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager. [Under
Sound, video, and game controllers, find the PS5 controller’s audio interface. [*Right-click on the PS5 controller’s audio device and select
Disable device.
Use Software Solutions
Default Audio Device Software: [
Download and install https://audioswit.ch/er. [Configure it to automatically switch back to your preferred audio devices when the PS5 controller is connected.
Editing Group Policy
Group Policy Editor: [
Press Windows Key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. [Navigate to
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > Device Installation Restrictions.
- Enable the appropriate policies to restrict Windows from treating the PS5 controller’s audio output as the default.
Conclusion
By manually setting your default audio devices, disabling the controller’s audio device in Device Manager, or using third-party software, you can maintain your preferred audio setup when connecting your PS5 controller. If you feel confident, modifying Group Policy settings can provide an advanced level of control over device installation behaviors. Feel free to ask if you need additional help with any of these steps or have other Windows-related queries!
