How to enable mono audio on Windows 11

Windows 11 mono audio.

Imagine you're enjoying your favorite song or a captivating video on your Windows 11 device, but due to using a single speaker or headphones, you notice certain sounds are missing. This happens because Windows 11 typically distributes audio across multiple channels, which can lead to incomplete sound on devices with a single audio peripheral.

However, if you happen to have a single listening peripheral, Windows 11 includes a feature to convert a stereo sound into a single channel (or mono audio) to help you hear everything from one speaker or headphone.

In this how-to guide, I'll walk you through the steps to enable and disable mono audio on your laptop or desktop computer.

How to enable mono audio on Windows 11

To configure mono audio on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Sound page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Turn on the Mono audio toggle switch under the "Output" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, the stereo sound coming out of the computer will be combined into a single channel to hear everything from a single speaker or headphone.

Enable mono audio from Accessibility

Alternatively, you can also enable mono audio from the Accessibility section with these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accessibility.
3. Click the Audio page on the right side under the "Audio" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Turn on the Mono audio toggle switch.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

After you complete the steps, the stereo sound will be converted into a single channel to help you hear everything.

How to disable mono audio on Windows 11

To disable mono audio to hear stereo sound on your computer, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Sound page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Turn off the Mono audio toggle switch under the "Output" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, the sound will be divided into its respective channels depending on your configuration.

Disable mono audio from Accessibility

To disable mono audio from the Accessibility settings, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accessibility.
3. Click the Audio page on the right side under the "Audio" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Turn off the Mono audio toggle switch.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

After you complete the steps, the stereo sound will be converted into a single channel to help you hear everything.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know