Connecting your USB DAC to Windows 11 *See show notes (click on show...more)

Connecting your USB DAC to Windows 11 (eleven)

For Windows you will likely need to install a USB driver for your particular DAC. Check with the manufacturer and follow whatever installation process they suggest. Also make sure to download the correct and newest driver for your DAC.

Now, make sure the computer is turned OFF. This step may be unnecessary, but it may also minimize additional complications during the install process.

Plug your DAC into a vacant USB port you don't intend to use for other devices (any USB port will do)

Now, make sure the DAC is turned ON if there is a power switch. It might also power up on it's own from the USB port when the computer is on.

Now, turn on the computer!

You may now notice additional indicator lights on your DAC are illuminated. It may also indicate only power or nothing at all, this of course depends on your particular DAC.

Next, access Sound Settings in Windows 11 (3 options):

1) From the Task Bar you will notice a speaker icon on the far right. Right-click the icon and then left-click “Sound Settings'. Continue after the 2nd and 3rd option!

2) Proceed to the start menu and in the search bar type in “sound”. It will suggest “Sound Settings" so navigate to there. Continue after the 3rd option!

3) Proceed to the start menu and in the search bar type “control”. It will suggest "Control Panel" so navigate there. Now in the upper right corner you will notice "View by:" If you are in the "Category" menu look for "Hardware and Sound" menu and click on it. From there, you should see the "Sound" menu and click on that. If you are viewing the Control Panel by 'Icons" then look for the "Sound" icon and click on that. Either way you can make similar adjustments as you would in Windows 11.

You now will notice a right column that indicates “Output” and hopefully listed below that you should see your DAC. Make sure to select your DAC if it's not already selected.

Next you will notice an arrow to the right of your listed DAC. Click on that and now you should be in the “Properties” column and navigate to “Output Settings” and click on “Test”. You should now hear audio if ALL your audio components are plugged in correctly and turned on.

To the right of the “Test” button your have a format button. By default it should have automatically made the appropriate selection. If not, you may have to adjust it according to your DAC's capability.

Reboot the computer and double check to make sure everything is still working as before. Sometimes settings are not saved properly and you may have to repeat the process!

IMPORTANT, LOOK HERE: There is one other area that is critical to playing audio files! Depending on what media player you choose, you will likely need to adjust settings within the player to be able to hear your DAC. If you don't know what to adjust, then go online to your media player website for answers. You can also "Google" and search with key words regarding your particular problem!

An example for help from VLC media player!

At this point if everything is working you should not have to make any further adjustments to your DAC.

SEE ADDITIONAL WAYS TO IMPROVE COMPUTER AUDIO FROM MY OLDER VIDEO (link just below)

Connecting your USB DAC to Windows 10 and 7
See show notes (click on show...more)

AND MORE HELP BELOW!

How to Use a DAC With a PC

A beginner's guide to DACs

How to Update USB Audio Driver on Windows 11, 10, 7

USB audio device not playing

6 Ways to Switch Sound Output Device in Windows 11

Optimising your PC for Audio on Windows 11

How to get perfect sound from your DAC: Windows edition

How to Improve Audio and Sound Quality on a Windows 11 PC

Maximize Sound Quality on Windows 11 Systems Using These Tricks & Tweaks

[ArsenicShooter]

The best way to get bit perfect sound for me on my system is to use the exclusive mode on wasapi (Asio doesn’t support 32/384 of my dac)