Constant prompts in Windows 11 asking “Which device did you plug in?” can interrupt workflow and slow down device setup. This notification typically appears when connecting audio peripherals like headphones, speakers, or microphones, as Windows attempts to optimize settings for the detected device. Disabling these prompts streamlines device connection and eliminates unnecessary interruptions.

Disable Device Connection Prompt via Realtek Audio Console

Step 1: Open the Realtek Audio Console from the Start menu or by searching for it. This application manages audio device settings for systems with Realtek audio drivers.

Step 2: In the Realtek Audio Console, look for the section labeled “Device Advanced Settings” or a similar name. This section may appear on the main screen or within a sidebar menu, depending on your version.

Step 3: Locate the option that controls jack detection or device pop-up dialogs. Commonly, this is labeled as “Enable Jack Detection” or “Enable Pop-up Dialog When Device Is Plugged In.”

Step 4: Uncheck or disable this option. Disabling the pop-up dialog prevents Windows 11 from asking what device you connected every time you plug something into the audio jack.

Step 5: Close the Realtek Audio Console. The change takes effect immediately, and you should no longer receive prompts when connecting audio devices.

Turn Off Device Connection Notifications via Windows Settings

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Navigate to System > Notifications.

Step 3: Scroll down to the “Get notifications from these senders” section. Look for entries related to audio, such as “Realtek,” “HD Audio Background Process,” or your PC manufacturer’s audio utility.

Step 4: Toggle off notifications for the relevant audio device software. This action suppresses pop-ups and banners when new devices are detected.

Step 5: Test by plugging in an audio device. The notification should no longer appear, but your device will still function as expected.

Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section. Right-click your audio device (for example, Realtek Audio) and select Update driver.

Step 3: Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. An updated driver may remove or change the notification behavior.

Step 4: If updating does not resolve the issue, right-click the audio device again and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer to allow Windows to reinstall the default driver. This can reset notification preferences.

Alternative: Use Registry Editor to Suppress Device Prompts

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Accept the User Account Control prompt if it appears.

Step 2: Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Realtek\Audio\RtkNGUI64\General

Step 3: In the right pane, look for a value related to pop-up dialogs, such as JackPopup or EnablePopup. Double-click the entry and set its value to 0 to disable the prompt.

Step 4: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for changes to take effect. Always back up your registry before making changes, as incorrect edits can cause system issues.

Disabling the device prompt in Windows 11 means fewer interruptions and a quicker setup when connecting peripherals. If you ever want to restore the notifications, simply reverse the changes in your preferred method above.