Hey there! As an RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) supplier, I've gotten a bunch of questions lately about using RDP with a different audio output device. It's a pretty common issue, especially for those who want to stream audio from a remote desktop to a specific speaker system or headset. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the steps to make it happen.
Why Use a Different Audio Output Device with RDP?
Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why you might want to use a different audio output device with RDP. There are a few reasons:
- Better sound quality: Maybe you have a high - end speaker system or headset that you want to use to get the best audio experience from your remote desktop.
- Separation of audio: You might want to keep the audio from your local computer separate from the audio coming from the remote desktop. For example, if you're on a video call on your local machine and also streaming music from the remote desktop, you can direct the music to a different speaker.
- Accessibility: Some users may have specific audio devices that are more accessible or comfortable for them to use, like a hearing aid - compatible headset.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- An RDP client: You need an RDP client installed on your local computer. If you're using Windows, the built - in Remote Desktop Connection client works great. For Mac and Linux, there are also third - party RDP clients available.
- The right audio device: You should have the audio output device you want to use connected to your local computer and properly configured. This could be a pair of headphones, external speakers, or a soundbar.
- Permissions: You need to have the necessary permissions to access the remote desktop and make changes to the audio settings.
Step 1: Configure Audio Redirection in the RDP Client
The first step is to configure audio redirection in your RDP client. Here's how you do it:
- Open your RDP client. If you're using the Windows Remote Desktop Connection, you can find it by searching for "Remote Desktop Connection" in the Start menu.
- Enter the details of the remote desktop you want to connect to, such as the computer name or IP address.
- Click on the "Options" button to expand the connection settings.
- Go to the "Local Resources" tab.
- Under the "Remote audio" section, click on the "Settings" button.
- In the "Remote audio playback" dropdown menu, select "Bring to this computer". This tells the RDP client to redirect the audio from the remote desktop to your local computer.
- Click "OK" to save the settings.
Step 2: Select the Audio Output Device on Your Local Computer
Once you've configured audio redirection in the RDP client, you need to select the audio output device on your local computer. Here's how:
- Connect to the remote desktop using the RDP client.
- On your local computer, right - click on the volume icon in the taskbar and select "Open Sound settings".
- Under the "Output" section, click on the dropdown menu and select the audio output device you want to use. For example, if you want to use a pair of external speakers, select them from the list.
Step 3: Test the Audio
After you've selected the audio output device, it's time to test the audio. Here's how:
- On the remote desktop, open an audio - playing application, such as a music player or a video streaming service.
- Play some audio and check if you can hear it coming from the selected audio output device on your local computer. If you can't hear anything, double - check the audio settings in both the RDP client and on your local computer.
Troubleshooting
If you're having trouble getting the audio to work, here are some common issues and solutions:
- No audio at all: Make sure that audio redirection is enabled in the RDP client and that the audio output device on your local computer is properly configured. You can also try restarting the RDP client and the remote desktop.
- Poor audio quality: This could be due to a slow network connection. Try closing other applications that are using the network or moving closer to your Wi - Fi router. You can also try reducing the audio quality settings on the remote desktop.
- Audio is coming from the wrong device: Double - check the audio output device selection on your local computer. You may need to go back to the Sound settings and select the correct device.
Advanced Tips
Here are some advanced tips for using RDP with a different audio output device:
- Use a virtual audio cable: If you want to split the audio between different devices or applications, you can use a virtual audio cable. This allows you to create a virtual audio device that can be used as an input or output for other applications.
- Configure audio settings on the remote desktop: In some cases, you may need to configure the audio settings on the remote desktop as well. For example, you may need to set the correct audio output device in the operating system's sound settings.
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Conclusion
Using RDP with a different audio output device is not as complicated as it may seem. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily redirect the audio from a remote desktop to a specific audio output device on your local computer. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you get the most out of your RDP experience.


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References
- Microsoft Support: Remote Desktop Connection documentation
- Third - party RDP client documentation




