Headset: Why doesn’t Windows auto-switch input devices when my Corsair headset is off?

Issue with Automatic Switching of CORSAIR Audio Devices

If your CORSAIR Audio Headset does not automatically switch to another device when the currently selected device is turned off, don't worry; this is a common occurrence with wireless headsets. When you turn off the headset, Windows does not prompt to switch to a different audio output device.

This occurs because of how Windows handles audio device connections. When a wireless headset is turned off, its dongle remains connected. As a result, Windows continues to recognize the dongle as the active audio output and does not switch to another available device. Windows typically requires the current device to be fully disconnected (dongle unplugged or connection manually removed) before switching to another audio device.

To manually switch to another audio device when a wireless headset is turned off:

1. Access Sound Settings:

   • Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray.
   • Select “Open Sound settings.”

2. Select Playback Device:

   • In the Sound settings window, under “Output,” click the dropdown menu.
   • Select the desired audio output device.

3. Alternatively, Use the Control Panel:

   • Open the Control Panel.
   • Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” > “Sound.”
   • In the Playback tab, right-click the desired device and select “Set as Default Device.”

This issue is due to how Windows manages audio device connections, especially with wireless headsets and their dongles. While manually switching audio devices may be slightly inconvenient, it is a straightforward and quick solution.