Exclusive mode / app capturing device

When a game, DAW, or chat app takes exclusive control, other programs go silent on the same headphones. Clear exclusive-mode checkboxes and switch apps to shared output.

First cut If one app (game, DAW, voice chat) works and everything else is silent — or the reverse — another program may have taken exclusive control of the headphones. Disable exclusive mode on that device before reinstalling Windows.

Step 1 — Recognize exclusive-mode symptoms

Sound works in one app only; system sounds and browser are mute on the same headphones.
Closing a game or DAW suddenly restores sound elsewhere.
Device meter moves only while that app is focused.

Step 2 — Disable exclusive mode on the headphones

Win+R → mmsys.cpl → Playback → select Headphones → Properties.
Open the Advanced tab.
Clear Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
Clear Give exclusive mode applications priority.
Apply → OK; restart the conflicting app (or reboot once).

Headphones Properties Advanced tab with exclusive mode checkboxes cleared and highlighted — Uncheck both exclusive-mode options when apps steal the device.

Step 3 — App-side WASAPI / exclusive settings

In DAWs and some players, switch output from exclusive WASAPI to shared / Windows Default.
Close overlays that open a second audio session (some recorders, overlays, virtual cables).
Recheck Volume Mixer and default output.

Spatial sound oddities
→ spatial audio

Driver still broken
→ drivers

Bluetooth endpoint
→ Bluetooth

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FAQ

Headphones connected but sound not working in every app

Exclusive mode or a stuck WASAPI session is a top cause. Disable exclusive control, close the grabbing app, then retest system sounds.

Is exclusive mode ever useful?

Yes for low-latency pro audio. Re-enable it only for that app after shared-mode testing succeeds.

I cannot find the Advanced tab

Use the classic Sound control panel (mmsys.cpl). Settings → Sound alone does not expose exclusive checkboxes on all builds.

Exclusive mode / app capturing device

Step 1 — Recognize exclusive-mode symptoms

Step 2 — Disable exclusive mode on the headphones

Step 3 — App-side WASAPI / exclusive settings

FAQ

Official / primary sources

Symptom map