Well what I really hate are devices that run spicifically to that device.
My brother used to use a set of good headsets.
These were for his speech.
Sound switched to the sets when in use.
Sound didn't switch to anything else unless that set was in and running and then you could switch to something else.
I once had to do some work on his system, and luckily the set was there so I could use it to switch to the internal card again.
I always keep a usb card with me and a set of cheap headphones so I get sounds so I can switch back.
Hdmi anything especially if it doesn't have speakers on it like a screen is a real problem.
Windows aint smart enough to check if that is the case so when hdmi is plugged it assumes another output.
I could see how that would work if my stereo had an hdmi output but really that would be it.
To be honest, I have had a interesting conversation with people I fix computers with.
Them, I noticed things took a long time and my data seems to be off the system.
Me, the system was broken.
Them, what happened?
Me, there was no sound so I couldn't get access to it.
Them, so?
Me, well I needed to reformat so I could use windows, please make sure you use the default sound card next time.
Sometimes this was broken or speakers were broken but still gets me angry.
I am seriously thinking that in the future I will keep a cheap shitty card in all the places I work so if I need it then I can use it at least.
They don't cost much for an emergency card, a pair of really crappy piece o shit headphones cost 5 or so dollars.
And a cheap 7.1 soundcard from atguys cost me 10 bucks.
Technically windows is supposed to change default devices automatically but its always chosing the first device plugged into it.
And for some reason, the hdmi or your usb soundcard take priority to the other cards.
I personally would like windows to never change to any other card even if default was plugged in.
Either that or have nvda always use the default internal card all the time.
Its also a pitty that most windows programs including some games don't start on cards that actually work, or are in the wrong place.