System Change Audio Format of Sound Device in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to change the sample rate and bit depth audio format of a sound device in Windows 11.

You can adjust the sample rate and bit depth for both audio output (speakers/headphones) and input (microphones) for sound quality.

Sample rate is the Hz frequency of how many times per second an analog signal is measured during the analog-to-digital conversion process. A higher sample rate captures more audio detail, particularly at higher frequencies, but increases file size and CPU usage.

Bit depth determines the resolution of each sample, affecting the dynamic range and noise floor of the recording. Bit depth impacts how precisely the amplitude of a signal is measured. Higher bit depths offer more dynamic range and less distortion.

Unsupported or incorrect audio formats may reduce sound quality or play/record at low volume.

References:








1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Sound on the right side. (see screenshot below)



3 Click/tap on All sound devices. (see screenshot below)



4 Click/tap on an output or input sound device you want to change the sample rate and bit depth format. (see screenshot below)


5 Under Output settings or Input settings, select the sample rate and bit depth for the quality you want in the Format drop menu. (see screenshots below step 6)

If this is an output sound device (speakers/headphones), then you can click/tap on the Test button to hear an example sound played using the selected sample rate and bit depth. You will have to test a microphone afterwards.

6 You can close Settings when finished.





1 Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Sound icon.

2 Perform the following actions: (see screenshots below)

1. Click/tap on the Playback (output) or Recording (input) tab for the type of device you want to change the sample rate and bit depth format.
2. Select the sound device you want to change the sample rate and bit depth format.
3. Click/tap on the Properties button.

3 Perform the following actions: (see screenshots below)

1. Click/tap on the Advanced tab.
2. Select the sample rate and bit depth for the quality you want in the Default format drop menu.
   

   If this is an output sound device (speakers/headphones), then you can click/tap on the Test button to hear an example sound played using the selected sample rate and bit depth. You will have to test a microphone afterwards.

3. Click/tap on OK to apply.

4 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshots below)



That's it,
Shawn Brink