How to Access Windows 10 Legacy Sound Settings

On the recent updates, Windows 10 tries to ditch its legacy settings that originated from Windows 7. You probably notice that the Sound settings window now looks different than it was.

Despite its modern look, some users found it to be less comfortable and there are a lot of functions that seem to be missing, or presumably relocated which leads to confusion.

Luckily, the original Sound settings window is still there, but there’s more step to access it. Here’s how to open Windows 10 legacy Sound setting.

1. Right-click on the volume icon, then select Open Sound settings.

2. Scroll down, click on Sound Control Panel.

3. Now you should see the original Sound window like this.

You can also access the audio device Properties with the same kind of visualization.

While it still available up until the writing of this article, Microsoft aggressively tries to convert almost all elements into something that fits with Windows 10’s visual theme. Control Panel, for example, is slowly replaced by Windows Settings. So, don’t be surprised if the legacy Sound Settings disappear one day.

Alternative Ways to Access Legacy Sound Settings

While the steps outlined above are effective, there are additional methods to access the legacy Sound settings in Windows 10. These options can save time and provide flexibility depending on your workflow.

Using the Run Command

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type mmsys.cpl and hit Enter.
3. The classic Sound settings window will appear instantly.

This method is particularly useful for users who prefer keyboard shortcuts over navigating through menus.

Creating a Desktop Shortcut

If you frequently access the legacy Sound settings, creating a shortcut can streamline the process:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
2. In the location field, type C:\Windows\System32\mmsys.cpl.
3. Name the shortcut (e.g., “Sound Settings”) and click Finish.
4. Double-clicking this shortcut will open the legacy Sound settings directly.

Why Keep Legacy Sound Settings Handy?

The legacy Sound settings offer granular control over audio configurations, such as:

• Managing playback and recording devices.
• Adjusting advanced properties like bit depth and sample rate.
• Configuring system sounds for specific events.

These features are often more detailed than their modern counterparts, making them invaluable for advanced users or those troubleshooting audio issues.

FAQ

How do I stop Windows 10 from changing my default audio device?

To prevent Windows from automatically switching your default audio device:

1. Right-click the volume icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
2. Go to the Playback tab, right-click your preferred device, and select Set as Default Device.
3. Disable other devices by right-clicking them and selecting Disable.

Alternatively, third-party tools like SoundSwitch can lock your preferred device as default.

Can I still access Control Panel in Windows 10?

Yes, although Microsoft is gradually phasing it out. To open it:

1. Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Sound for legacy audio settings.

What should I do if my sound stops working after a Windows update?

1. Check for pending updates via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Roll back your audio driver in Device Manager under Sound, video, and game controllers.
3. If issues persist, restore your system to an earlier point using System Restore.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can effectively manage your audio setup while adapting to Windows 10’s evolving interface.