Windows – Sound always comes from Apple Thunderbolt Display even with headphones connected

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I have an issue using the Apple Thunderbolt Display. I have a Dell XPS laptop with Windows 8 where I connect to the display over Thunderbolt, but every time I try to listen to some music or video, the sound comes from the screen, not from my laptop, even if I plug headphones into the laptop. How can I solve this problem? I want to work using my laptop and the screen but I want to redirect the sound to my headphones. Is this possible?

Best Answer

In Windows, you can typically choose a different output-source using this approach:

For switching outputs, try this:
Right click on the speaker icon in the tray. Choose "playback devices". Select from the list of playback devices (speakers, hdmi, usb headset,) (the device you want) Choose "Set Default" Your audio output will instantly switch Source

For quick access to this, you can download this application.

Applicable to OS X users:
You should be able to see the earphones in the music menu. Hold down Alt while clicking the Audio-icon in the menubar. There you can switch between the different audio devices, like the external screen and the earphones.

This can also be done from System Prefrences -> Sound and the tab Output.

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