How to Disable SPDIF

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S/PDIF streams can output audio to digital sound systems.

Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format, or S/PDIF, is a type of audio connection that uses a special jack. On computer systems, the S/PDIF connection is typically used to output audio streams to digital sound systems, such as a home theater speaker system or a digital audio receiver and is found on sound cards and newer motherboards with on-board audio. Users who prefer to use an analog sound connection or another audio interface can disable S/PDIF output completely.

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Step 1

Click on the "Start" menu button, click on "Control Panel," click on "Hardware and Sound" and then click on "Sound." The "Sound" control panel will appear.

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Step 2

Select the "Playback" tab if it isn't already selected.

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Step 3

Right-click on the S/PDIF icon (it may appear as "Realtek Digital Output," "S/PDIF Output" or "S/PDIF," depending on your sound card or motherboard) and select "Disable" from the contextual menu.

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Step 4

Click "OK" to apply the changes and close the Sound control panel.

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