Adjusting volume for apps on Windows 11 is one of those simple tricks that makes a huge difference in day-to-day use. Instead of raising or lowering the master volume every time a noisy app interrupts a video call or music session, Windows 11 lets users control each app’s audio level independently. Here is exactly how to do it.
What Is the Volume Mixer in Windows 11
The Volume Mixer is a built-in Windows 11 feature that shows every app currently producing sound. Each app gets its own volume slider, completely separate from the system volume. Think of it like a sound mixing board where every channel can be turned up or down without affecting the others.
This is especially useful when a browser is blasting ads while trying to keep a video call at a comfortable level, or when a game is too loud compared to background music.
How to Adjust Volume for Apps on Windows 11
Method 1: Using the Quick Settings Panel
Step 1: Click the speaker icon in the taskbar system tray at the bottom-right corner of the screen. A quick settings panel will appear showing the main volume slider.
Step 2: Look for the small arrow icon placed directly in front of the speaker icon on the volume slider row, then click it.
Step 3: A ‘Sound output’ panel will slide open showing spatial audio options and the Volume Mixer section below.
Step 4: Scroll down within that panel to reach the Volume Mixer, where each active app appears with its own individual volume slider.
Step 5: Click and drag the slider next to the app to the left to lower the volume or to the right to raise it. Changes take effect instantly.
Watch this: Adjusting Volume for Apps on Windows 11 Easily Using the Quick Settings Panel
Method 2: Using the Volume Mixer via Right-Click
Step 1: Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar system tray at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Click ‘Open volume mixer’ from the small menu that appears.
Step 3: The Volume Mixer panel will open, showing all active audio apps with individual volume sliders.
Step 4: Click and drag the slider next to the app to the left to lower the volume or to the right to raise it. Changes take effect instantly.
Step 5: Repeat for any other apps that need adjustment.
Pro-Tip: If an app does not appear in the Volume Mixer, it means that app is not currently producing any audio. Start playing something in that app first, then reopen the mixer — it will show up right away.
How to Mute a Specific App Without Closing It
Step 1: Open the Volume Mixer using either method above.
Step 2: Find the app to be muted in the list.
Step 3: Click the small speaker icon directly beside the app’s slider.
Step 4: The icon will show a muted symbol, and that app’s audio will be completely silenced while everything else continues normally.
Step 5: Click the same speaker icon again to unmute it.
This works best when jumping between tasks quickly — muting a browser tab’s auto-playing video without hunting through tabs to pause it manually.
How to Access More Volume Settings From the Quick Settings Panel
Step 1: Open the Volume Mixer by clicking the speaker icon in the taskbar, then clicking the arrow icon next to the volume slider.
Step 2: Click ‘More volume settings’ at the bottom of the panel.
Step 3: This opens the full Sound settings page where additional controls like spatial audio, mono audio, and per-app output device assignment are available.
Pro-Tip: The ‘More volume settings’ link at the bottom of the quick panel is the fastest way to reach advanced audio controls without navigating through multiple settings menus manually.
Adjusting App Volume Using the Old Classic Volume Mixer
Some users prefer the classic Volume Mixer look from older Windows versions. It is still accessible on Windows 11 through a quick workaround.
Step 1: Press Windows + R on the keyboard to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type ‘sndvol’ and press Enter.
Step 3: The classic Volume Mixer window will open, showing sliders for each active audio application.
Step 4: Drag the sliders up or down to adjust each app independently.
For more helpful guides like this, check out the full collection of step-by-step guides covering audio, software, and system tips.
Tips and Recommendations for Managing App Audio on Windows 11
Knowing how to open the Volume Mixer is one thing — knowing how to use it smartly is another. These practical tips help get the most out of Windows 11’s per-app audio controls, whether the setup is a home office, a gaming rig, or just a regular laptop used for entertainment.
Set App Volumes Before a Call or Meeting
One of the most common frustrations during video calls is background noise bleeding in from other apps. A music player, a browser tab, or even a game running in the background can distract both the speaker and the people on the other end. The smart move is to open the Volume Mixer a minute before any call and bring down non-essential apps to around 20 to 30 percent — or mute them entirely. This becomes second nature with practice, and it takes less than 30 seconds once the habit is built.
Use Different Output Devices to Create a Better Listening Experience
Many people do not realize that Windows 11 supports per-app audio routing, meaning it is entirely possible to send a movie playing in a browser to a TV or soundbar while keeping notification sounds and voice chats on a headset. Accessing ‘More volume settings’ from the quick panel leads directly to those per-app output controls — no third-party software required. Most people find that once this is set up correctly, there is rarely a need to manually switch audio devices again.
Treat the Volume Mixer Like a Routine Check
Audio settings have a tendency to drift over time. An update can reset preferences, a new app might default to full volume, or a previously muted app could quietly unmute itself after a restart. Checking the Volume Mixer occasionally — especially after a Windows update — keeps everything in order. Think of it the same way as checking a car’s mirrors before driving. It only takes a moment but prevents a lot of avoidable noise surprises.
Lower Browser Volume for a Cleaner Audio Balance
Browsers are often the loudest culprits in any audio setup. Auto-playing ads, videos, and notifications can spike at full volume without warning. Rather than relying on browser extensions or tab-level controls, setting the browser to around 60 to 70 percent in the Volume Mixer provides a reliable baseline. If a specific video needs more volume, the system volume can be bumped up temporarily. This approach gives much more predictable control than chasing volume on a tab-by-tab basis.
Keep Gaming Audio at a Separate Level from Communication Apps
For anyone who games while talking to teammates or friends on a voice app like Discord, balancing in-game audio against voice chat volume is a constant challenge. The best approach is to set the game volume to a comfortable level in the Volume Mixer and then separately fine-tune the communication app. Most experienced gamers keep in-game sound somewhere between 50 and 70 percent while keeping voice chat closer to 80 to 90 percent. This way, game sounds enhance the experience without drowning out the conversation.
Avoid Maxing Out Individual App Volume Sliders
Pushing a single app’s slider all the way to 100 percent in the Volume Mixer while the system volume is also at maximum can cause audio distortion, especially on built-in laptop speakers. A better approach is to keep app-level volume at around 80 to 85 percent and use the master volume control to bring overall output up when more loudness is needed. This keeps the audio cleaner and reduces the risk of that harsh crackling sound that comes from overdriven audio.
Use the Classic Mixer for Quick Multitasking Adjustments
The classic Volume Mixer accessed via the Run dialog is actually faster for quick mid-task adjustments than navigating through any settings panel. It floats as a small window that can be positioned anywhere on the screen without covering whatever else is on screen. This works best during activities like watching a movie while occasionally switching to a browser or chat app — the mixer stays visible and accessible at all times.
Pair Volume Settings with Windows Focus Assist
Windows 11 has a Focus Assist feature that suppresses notifications during work or gaming sessions. Combining Focus Assist with custom Volume Mixer settings is a powerful combo. When Focus Assist is on, notification sounds are already reduced — but manually lowering the corresponding apps in the Volume Mixer adds an extra layer of control. The result is a much quieter, more distraction-free environment without completely cutting off audio from productive apps like music players or video tools.
Remember That Volume Mixer Settings Are Not Always Permanent
This is something many users discover the hard way. The Volume Mixer remembers per-app settings as long as the app is used regularly, but some apps reset their own audio levels on startup or after updates. If a specific volume balance is consistently needed for an app, it is worth double-checking the slider each time that app is opened for the first time in a session — at least until a reliable pattern is confirmed. Apps like media players and communication tools tend to be the most consistent, while browsers and games are more likely to change behavior after updates.
Take Advantage of Windows 11’s Sound Settings for Advanced Control
Beyond the Volume Mixer, the full Sound settings page accessible via ‘More volume settings’ in the quick panel offers additional controls like spatial audio, mono audio toggle, and per-device volume calibration. These options complement the per-app volume controls and are worth exploring for anyone looking to fine-tune their entire audio experience. Spatial audio, in particular, can transform how music and games sound through headphones — and it works alongside custom app volume levels without any conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you adjust the volume for a specific app on Windows 11?
Click the speaker icon in the taskbar, then click the small arrow icon next to the volume slider and scroll down to the Volume Mixer. Alternatively, right-click the speaker icon and select ‘Open volume mixer.’ Either way, each active app will have its own slider that can be adjusted independently.
Why is an app not showing up in the Volume Mixer?
An app only appears in the Volume Mixer when it is actively playing audio. Start playing sound in that app first, then check the Volume Mixer again and it will appear with its own slider.
Can different apps use different audio output devices on Windows 11?
Yes. Clicking ‘More volume settings’ from the quick settings panel opens the full Sound page where each listed app has an ‘Output device’ dropdown to assign a specific speaker, headset, or audio device individually.
Does changing app volume in the mixer affect the system volume?
No. Adjusting an individual app’s slider in the Volume Mixer only changes that app’s audio level. The master system volume and all other apps remain unaffected.
How do you mute one app without muting everything on Windows 11?
Open the Volume Mixer using either method, find the app to mute, and click the small speaker icon beside its slider. This mutes only that app while leaving all other audio running normally.
Is there a faster way to open the Volume Mixer on Windows 11?
Right-clicking the speaker icon in the taskbar and selecting ‘Open volume mixer’ is the fastest single-action method. For in-panel access, clicking the speaker icon and then the arrow icon next to the volume slider also reaches the Volume Mixer in just two clicks.