Can't output to two devices now on Windows 7?

[Xirix]

I'm using an Asus P7P55D-E LX Motherboard, I've recently switched to Windows 7 from XP. When I was on XP I was outputting sound through my motherboard's Optical Cable to a surround sound system, but I also had a pair of headphones connected into the headphone jack of the motherboard, both received sound at the same time.

It would seem I can't do this, at least not with the default settings of Windows 7? What gives? I can only set one default, I can't seem to make sound come out of both... this is very inconvenient.

 

[fireberd]

Windows will only allow one default audio playback device, as you have found out. I've heard there are some (pay for) software that will get around this but I've never seen or used it.

 

[DavidE]

Give this a try (it works for me).

On the Sound/Recording tab select Stereo Mix and click Properties.
On the Stereo Mix Properties/Listen tab select your 2nd device in the Playback through this device dropdown list.
You can see on my 3rd screen print sound is being played on 2 devices at the same time.