You want Discord through your headset. Chrome through your speakers. Spotify through whatever you feel like today. And you want Windows to remember this automatically — without you going back into Sound Settings every single time you open an app.
The good news: this is possible. The frustrating news: Windows alone can't do it reliably. This guide explains why, and shows you the cleanest way to set it up using AudioBind's App Rules feature.
WHAT WINDOWS CAN (AND CAN'T) DO NATIVELY
Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in per-app audio setting at Settings → System → Sound → App volume and device preferences. Here's what that actually gives you:
| Feature | Windows Native | AudioBind App Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Set a different output per app | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Persists after app closes and reopens | ✗ Inconsistent | ✓ Always |
| Works when a new audio device is plugged in | ✗ Often resets | ✓ Re-applies rule |
| Automatic — no action needed from you | ✗ Manual only | ✓ Fully automatic |
| Works alongside monitor-based rules | ✗ Not supported | ✓ Yes |
The Windows native system is a good starting point, but it's not persistent. It's common to set Discord to your headset in the Sound panel, close Discord, reopen it hours later, and find it's back on speakers. AudioBind's App Rules don't have this problem — they're applied actively every time an app produces audio.
HOW AUDIOBIND APP RULES WORK
AudioBind monitors running processes. When a process you've defined a rule for starts producing audio, AudioBind immediately routes its output to the device you specified. This happens every time, automatically, with no delays you'd notice.
App Rules work independently of — and in combination with — Monitor Rules. If you've set Monitor 2 → Speakers, but you've also set a rule that Discord always uses the Headset, Discord will use the Headset no matter which monitor it's on. The App Rule takes priority.
HOW TO SET IT UP
DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL AUDIOBIND
Get it from the Microsoft Store. Takes 30 seconds to install. It starts automatically and lives in your system tray from this point on.
OPEN THE SETTINGS PANEL
Right-click the AudioBind icon in your system tray (bottom-right near the clock). Select Settings or open the panel. Navigate to the App Rules tab.
ADD A RULE
Click Add Rule. You'll be able to browse running processes or type an application name (e.g., Discord, Chrome, Spotify). Select the audio output device from your connected devices list.
SAVE AND TEST
Save the rule. Close and reopen the app you just configured. AudioBind will immediately switch its audio output to the device you specified. You're done — permanently.
COMMON APP RULES TO START WITH
Discord → Headset: Discord is the classic case. You want voice chat in your ears, not blasting from your desk. Pin it to your headset so it never accidentally ends up on speakers.
Game launchers (Steam, Epic, Battle.net) → Headset: If you launch games through these clients, the games themselves inherit audio from the launcher context. Pinning the launcher to your headset ensures your games start on the right device.
Spotify → Speakers: Background music should come from your environment, not your ears. Pin Spotify to your desk speakers so it never interrupts your gaming audio on the headset.
Video conferencing (Teams, Zoom) → Headset with mic: For work calls, you want the audio and mic coming from the same device. Pin your video call app to your headset to avoid echo and pickup issues.
⚡ Quick tip: You can combine App Rules with Monitor Rules. Set general monitor routing first, then use App Rules to override specific apps that should always go to a particular device regardless of screen position.
DOES THIS WORK WHEN I PLUG IN A NEW DEVICE?
Yes. If you unplug your headset and plug it back in, or connect a new Bluetooth speaker, AudioBind detects the change and re-applies your rules to the correct devices. Your setup survives device reconnections without any manual intervention.
SET IT ONCE.
NEVER TOUCH IT AGAIN.
AudioBind App Rules lock your apps to the right audio devices, permanently and automatically.
DOWNLOAD ON MICROSOFT STORE