Playback Issues, Mac vs. Protools

[Christo_Bach33]

When I turn on the computer, I can open, say, Spotify, and I can select my HD Native Thunderbolt as my playback speakers for my iMac, and I can hear through my system/monitors.

When I launch protools, my HD Native Thunderbolt disappears from the list of playback options for the iMac itself, HOWEVER, I do see it/can select it as the Protools playback engine, but obviously, because the computer can't select it itself, I get no playback/sound when working in protools.

If I close protools, it re-appears as an option for the playback for the iMac itself, and if I want, I can open spotify and play music like before, and hear it through the system.

I should also note, just to troubleshoot, I opened with garage band and everything works as it should I hear everything through garageband, no issues.

I've uninstalled and reinstalled everything. My HD Native Thunderbolt Firmware is current, my protools is current, my iOS is current and compatible. I've unplugged and replugged everything.