BetterTrumpet

Guide / output routing

Route apps to different audio devices

Music on the speakers, a call in the headset, and a game exactly where you expect it. Routing should stay predictable.

BetterTrumpet can route an app to a chosen Windows output device, switch the default output, and save routing together with volume levels in reusable profiles. It also exposes routing commands for scripts and shortcuts.

Download View source

Choose an output for an app

Open BetterTrumpet from the system tray and use the app or device controls to choose where a session should play. Available outputs can include speakers, headphones, displays, USB interfaces, and virtual audio devices exposed by Windows.

The app must have an active or known audio session before Windows can associate it with an output. Start playback first if the app is not visible.

Switch the default device quickly

Right-click the BetterTrumpet tray icon to reach device selection without opening the full Windows Settings app. Changing the default output affects apps that follow the Windows default device.

Apps with an explicit route can continue using their assigned output, which is useful when a call should stay in a headset while everything else moves to speakers.

Save routing with your volumes

A BetterTrumpet profile can restore app levels and output devices together. That turns routing into a repeatable mode instead of a set of one-off Windows choices.

Use separate presets for work, games, streaming, speakers, or late-night headphones, then switch the complete setup in one move.

Automate it from the CLI

BetterTrumpet's named-pipe CLI returns JSON and can be used by scripts, launchers, and hotkeys while the app is running.

BetterTrumpet.exe --set-default "Headphones"BetterTrumpet.exe --set-device spotify.exe "Speakers"BetterTrumpet.exe --apply-profile "Night Mode"bt focus

Quick answers

Common questions

Can one Windows app use headphones while another uses speakers?

Yes, when Windows exposes both outputs and the apps have audio sessions. BetterTrumpet can assign an app to an output while other apps continue using another device or the Windows default.

Why does an app return to the default device?

Routes depend on how Windows and the app identify their audio sessions. App updates, renamed executables, removed devices, or a fresh session can affect a mapping. Saving and reapplying a BetterTrumpet profile gives you a quick recovery path.

Can I switch routing with a keyboard shortcut?

Yes. BetterTrumpet profiles and CLI commands can be called from scripts, launchers, or shortcut tools while BetterTrumpet is running.

Keep going