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Yes—you can play music and a game at the same time on your computer. On Windows, start Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, a browser tab, or a local music file, launch the game, then balance both apps with Windows’ Volume mixer. The steps below focus on Windows 11, with a Windows 10 note where the menus differ.
The quickest way to play music while gaming
- Open your music source: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music in a browser, VLC, Windows Media Player, or another player.
- Start the playlist, album, or file.
- Minimize the music app and launch your game.
- Open the game’s audio settings and lower its Music volume if you want sound effects and dialogue to remain prominent.
The music service does not need to be built into the game. Windows normally mixes audio from separate desktop apps through the selected headphones, speakers, monitor, or other playback device.
If playback stops, the most common causes are a muted app, a changed output device, a game-specific audio setting, or an audio-service problem—not a requirement that the game and music app be integrated.
How to balance game and music volume in Windows
Windows 11
- Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar.
- Select Open volume mixer. You can also go to Start > Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.
- Under Apps, find the game and your music app or browser.
- Move each app’s volume slider independently.
- Make sure neither app is muted.
- Check the output device assigned to each app.
Windows can give an individual app a different playback device from the system default. This is useful when, for example, you want game audio in headphones and music through speakers. App-specific volume and output settings can override the ordinary system volume, so check them whenever one source appears silent. Microsoft’s app-audio troubleshooting guide documents these controls.
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Windows 10
Right-click the taskbar speaker icon and choose Open Volume mixer, then adjust the separate application sliders and verify the default playback device in Windows sound settings. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so its menus and troubleshooting support should not be assumed to match Windows 11.
Keep game audio without competing with the music
Use the game’s individual audio controls instead of turning down the entire game. A good starting point is to lower or disable only Music, while leaving these at useful levels:
- Sound effects: footsteps, weapons, environmental cues, and alerts.
- Dialogue: story and character speech.
- Voice chat: teammates and other players.
- Notifications: menus and important status messages.
Settings vary by game. Common labels include Master volume, Music, Sound effects, Dialogue, Voice chat, Output device, Dynamic range, and Audio focus. Avoid a universal percentage recommendation: the right balance depends on the game mix, headphones, music, and your hearing.
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For competitive games, keep music quieter so gameplay cues remain clear. If you use Discord, Xbox party chat, Steam voice chat, or in-game chat, check that app in Volume mixer too and keep conversation above background music. Some chat apps offer attenuation, but the exact control depends on the app and version.
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On supported Windows gaming setups, Xbox Game Bar can provide in-game controls for Spotify and audio levels:
- Install the Spotify Windows app and sign in.
- Start playing music.
- Launch the game.
- Press Windows key + G.
- Open the Spotify widget if it is available.
- Use the available play, pause, skip, playlist, or volume controls.
Microsoft has documented Spotify controls in Game Bar, and its current Windows PC gaming information continues to list Game Bar music controls. This does not mean the overlay will appear over every game. Exclusive full-screen modes, some renderers, anti-cheat systems, and individual game configurations can affect compatibility. Older Microsoft documentation specifically noted limitations with some OpenGL and Vulkan games in exclusive full-screen mode.
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If Game Bar does not open, adjust Volume mixer before launching the game, use your keyboard’s media keys, briefly Alt-Tab to the music app, or try borderless windowed mode if the game supports it. Media keys commonly provide play/pause, previous-track, next-track, and volume controls, but behavior varies by keyboard, headset, player, and foreground application.
Apple Music can play through its official Windows app or a browser, but Spotify is the specifically documented Game Bar integration in the supplied Microsoft material. Apple Music does not need Game Bar to work.
What to do if the music stops
- Confirm playback: switch to the music app and verify that the track is still playing.
- Check Volume mixer: make sure the music app or browser is not muted and its slider is raised.
- Check the output device: confirm the app and game are routed to the intended headphones, speakers, or monitor.
- Check the game: inspect its master, music, output-device, and audio-focus settings.
- Restart the affected app: close and reopen the music player or game after changing output devices.
- Restart Windows audio services: press Windows key + R, enter
services.msc, and restart Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder. - Update the audio driver: if the problem continues, use Windows Update or the audio-device manufacturer’s current driver.
Microsoft’s broader Windows audio guide also covers device status, troubleshooting, and driver-related problems.
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Use the symptom to narrow the cause
- Music works but game audio does not: inspect the game’s Volume mixer slider, output device, and in-game audio settings.
- Game audio works but music does not: inspect the music app’s slider, mute state, and output assignment.
- Neither works: select the correct Windows playback device, check whether it is disabled or disconnected, and run Windows audio troubleshooting.
Can music come through speakers while game audio uses headphones?
Usually, Windows 11 can attempt this through per-app output assignment:
- Open Start > Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.
- Find the game and music app under Apps.
- Choose the desired output device for each app.
- Test both sources and restart an app if it does not recognize the change.
This is separate-device routing, not two sources mixed into one headset. Some games select their output only when they launch, and Bluetooth hardware can introduce latency or switch to a lower-quality hands-free mode when its microphone is active. Results therefore depend on the game, applications, drivers, and hardware.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing a music source
| Source | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Game Bar controls and existing Spotify users | Free listening may include ads and restrictions; Premium is not required simply to use Windows audio mixing. |
| Apple Music | People with Apple libraries or an existing subscription | Use the Windows app or browser; do not assume it has the same Game Bar integration as Spotify. |
| YouTube Music or another browser service | Anyone who does not want to install an app | Tabs can be closed or paused, and other browser tabs may make unwanted sounds. |
| Local files in VLC or another player | Offline, subscription-free listening | You need legally obtained files, and media-key support varies by player. |
Streaming prices and introductory offers vary by country and change over time. A paid plan is not necessary for the basic setup, and local files may be the better choice if you already own your music.
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Important notes for streaming and recording
If you stream or record gameplay, your music may be included in the broadcast or recording. That can create copyright or platform-policy issues. Check the current rules for the service and platform you use, and consider whether your recording setup captures desktop audio separately from game audio.
What about Mac?
On macOS, open the music app or browser, start playback, and then launch the game. The basic simultaneous-playback idea is the same, but per-app volume and output routing are less prominently exposed in the standard macOS interface than in Windows. The Windows Volume mixer and Xbox Game Bar instructions above do not apply to Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use YouTube while playing a PC game?
Yes. Start YouTube or YouTube Music in a browser before launching the game. If playback stops or becomes silent, check the browser’s app volume and output device in Windows Volume mixer.
Do I need Spotify Premium to play music while gaming?
No. Background playback and Windows’ per-app audio controls are separate from Spotify’s subscription status. Free listening may include ads or playback restrictions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhy did my music stop when I opened the game?
Check whether the music app is muted, whether Windows switched to a monitor or Bluetooth device, and whether the game changed the default output. Then restart the affected app and inspect Windows audio services if necessary.
Will the music be included in my game recording or stream?
It may be. Desktop-audio capture can include music, so check your recording software and the current copyright or platform rules before broadcasting it.
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