Managing audio levels for different applications is essential for a personalized experience in Windows 11. Adjusting volumes individually ensures that you can hear what's important without unnecessary noise from other apps.
The Volume Mixer in Windows 11 allows you to control the sound levels for each application separately. Although the interface has evolved, accessing the Volume Mixer remains straightforward.
Accessing the volume mixer from the taskbar
Step 1: Locate the Audio icon on the far right of the taskbar and right-click on it.
Step 2: In the context menu that appears, click on Volume Mixer.
This will open the Volume Mixer settings, where you can adjust the volume for each open application. Simply move the sliders to the desired levels for each app.
If you wish, you can also access the Volume Mixer through the Settings app, but the method above is quicker and requires fewer steps.
Adding classic volume mixer to the taskbar
For those who prefer the traditional Volume Mixer, it's possible to pin it directly to your taskbar for easy access.
Step 1: Click on the Search icon in the taskbar or press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type sndvol.exe into the search bar or Run dialog box, then press Enter.
The classic Volume Mixer will open, displaying separate volume controls for each application.
Step 3: On the taskbar, right-click the Volume Mixer icon and select Pin to taskbar to keep it accessible.
Now, the classic Volume Mixer is just a click away on your taskbar. Note that it will appear alongside other pinned apps rather than in the system tray.
Exploring the new audio settings menu
Windows 11 introduces a redesigned system tray where the sound, battery, and Wi-Fi icons are combined.
Clicking on these icons brings up a unified menu with quick settings for Wi-Fi, sound, and more. You can access the audio output device selection by clicking the arrow next to the volume slider.
However, this menu doesn't provide direct access to the Volume Mixer. To adjust individual application volumes from here, you'd need to navigate to the sound settings, which involves additional clicks.
By using the methods outlined above, you can reach the Volume Mixer more efficiently and save time.
With these techniques, adjusting individual application volumes in Windows 11 becomes a simple task. Whether you prefer the new interface or the classic mixer, you have options to suit your workflow.
