Adjusting volume for apps on Windows 11 is a built-in feature that lets each app run at its own independent audio level — no third-party tools required. Whether the goal is silencing a noisy browser tab, balancing game audio against voice chat, or routing specific apps to different output devices, Windows 11 handles all of it natively.
This guide covers every method for adjusting app volume and configuring per-app audio device settings on Windows 11, including how to adjust speaker volume separately, how individual app volume control works, and how the same steps apply on Windows 10. All methods have been verified for Windows 11 24H2 and apply to all Windows 11 versions released through 2026.
Why Use Individual App Volume Control in Windows 11
- Avoid interruptions – Lower noisy apps like browsers or games without affecting your video call or music
- Balance audio sources – Set each app to its own comfortable level so nothing overpowers another
- Mute without closing – Silence a specific app instantly without hunting for a pause button
- Better meeting prep – Quickly reduce background app audio before a call starts
- Gaming + voice chat – Keep game sounds and communication apps at separate, ideal levels
- Route audio to different devices – Send a movie to your TV while keeping notifications on your headset
- No third-party tools needed – It is all built into Windows 11, free and always available
How to Adjust Volume for Apps on Windows 11
| Method | Steps to Open | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Settings Panel | Click speaker icon → arrow icon | Fast access without leaving the desktop |
| Right-Click Speaker Icon | Right-click speaker → Open volume mixer | Fastest single-action method |
| Settings App | Windows + I → System → Sound → Volume mixer | Volume + device routing in one screen |
| Classic Mixer (sndvol) | Windows + R → sndvol → Enter | Floating window during multitasking |
Method 1: Using the Quick Settings Panel
Step 1: Click the speaker icon in the taskbar system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen). The quick settings panel opens with the main volume slider.
Step 2: Click the small arrow icon next to the speaker icon on the volume slider row.
Step 3: A Sound output panel slides open. It shows spatial audio options and the Volume Mixer section below.
Step 4: Scroll down to the Volume Mixer. Each active app appears here with its own volume slider.
Step 5: Drag the slider left to lower the volume or right to raise it. Changes apply instantly.
Method 2: Using the Volume Mixer via Right-Click
Step 1: Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar system tray (bottom-right corner).
Step 2: Click Open volume mixer from the menu that appears.
Step 3: The Volume Mixer opens. All active audio apps appear with individual sliders.
Step 4: Drag a slider left to lower or right to raise that app’s volume. Changes apply instantly.
Step 5: Repeat for any other apps that need adjustment.
Pro-Tip: If an app is missing from the Volume Mixer, it is not currently producing audio. Start playing something in that app first, then reopen the mixer — it will appear right away.
Method 3: Using the Settings App
This method opens a more detailed Volume Mixer from Windows Settings — useful for managing both volume levels and output device assignments for each app in one place.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click System in the left sidebar, then select Sound.
Step 3: Scroll down and click Volume mixer under the Advanced section.
Step 4: All apps currently producing audio appear with individual sliders. Drag any slider to adjust that app’s volume independently.
Step 5: Each app also shows an output device dropdown. Use it to route specific apps to different speakers or headsets without changing the system default.
Pro-Tip: This is the only built-in screen in Windows 11 where volume control and per-app output device assignment appear together. It is the most complete view for managing all app audio in one spot.
Method 4: Using the Classic Volume Mixer (sndvol)
The classic Volume Mixer from older Windows versions is still fully accessible on Windows 11. It works well for quick mid-task adjustments without opening any settings panel.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type sndvol and press Enter.
Step 3: The classic Volume Mixer opens with vertical sliders for each active audio app.
Step 4: Drag the sliders up or down to adjust each app independently.
The classic mixer floats as a small window that can be moved anywhere on screen. It stays visible while switching between apps — ideal for quick adjustments without reopening any settings panel.
Configuring App Volume and Device Settings in Windows 11
Beyond adjusting volume sliders, Windows 11 lets you configure the output and input device for each app individually. One app can play through a TV soundbar while another routes to headphones — all at the same time.
Step 1: Right-click the volume icon in the taskbar and select Open volume mixer.
Step 2: Adjust each app’s volume by moving the sliders next to it.
Step 3: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Step 4: Go to System, then select Sound.
Step 5: Click Volume mixer under the Advanced section.
Step 6: Use the Output device or Input device dropdown next to each app to assign a specific audio device.
Step 7: Changes apply immediately — no save button needed.
Pro-Tip: This is the only built-in screen in Windows 11 where volume levels and per-app device routing appear together. Configure both here instead of switching between menus.
How to Mute a Specific App Without Closing It
Step 1: Open the Volume Mixer using any method above.
Step 2: Find the app to mute in the list.
Step 3: Click the small speaker icon beside the app’s slider.
Step 4: The icon shows a muted symbol. That app’s audio is completely silenced while everything else continues normally.
Step 5: Click the same speaker icon again to unmute.
This works best for silencing a browser tab’s auto-playing video without hunting through tabs for the pause button.
How to Access More Volume Settings From the Quick Settings Panel
Step 1: Click the speaker icon in the taskbar, then click the arrow icon next to the volume slider.
Step 2: Click More volume settings at the bottom of the panel.
Step 3: The full Sound settings page opens. Additional controls like spatial audio, mono audio, and per-app output device assignment are all available here.
Pro-Tip: The More volume settings link is the fastest route to advanced audio controls — no need to dig through multiple settings menus manually.
What Is the Volume Mixer in Windows 11
The Volume Mixer is a built-in Windows 11 feature that displays every app currently producing sound. Each app gets its own dedicated volume slider — completely separate from the system volume. Think of it like a sound mixing board where every channel can go up or down without affecting the others.
One important detail: app volume levels in Windows 11 are tied to a specific output device. If the active output switches from speakers to headphones, the mixer may show different levels or appear empty. Always confirm the correct output device is selected before adjusting any app sliders.
No administrator rights are required to use the Volume Mixer. Standard user accounts can adjust per-app volume freely. The only exception is on managed or corporate systems where group policy may restrict access to audio settings.
Tips and Recommendations for Managing App Audio on Windows 11
Knowing how to open the Volume Mixer is one thing — using it efficiently 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 a laptop used for streaming and calls.
Set App Volumes Before a Call or Meeting
A music player, browser tab, or game running in the background can distract everyone on a call. Open the Volume Mixer a minute before any call. Bring down non-essential apps to around 20 to 30 percent — or mute them entirely. With practice, this routine takes less than 30 seconds.
Use Different Output Devices for a Better Listening Experience
Windows 11 supports per-app audio routing. Sending a movie to a TV or soundbar while keeping notifications on a headset is entirely possible at the same time. Open the Volume Mixer via Settings to access those per-app output controls. No third-party software needed — configure it once and manual device switching becomes unnecessary.
Treat the Volume Mixer Like a Routine Check
Audio settings drift over time. Updates can reset preferences, and new apps often default to full volume. A previously muted app might also quietly unmute after a restart. Checking the Volume Mixer occasionally — especially after a Windows update — keeps everything in order.
Lower Browser Volume for a Cleaner Audio Balance
Browsers are among the loudest culprits in any audio setup. Auto-playing ads, videos, and notifications can spike without warning. Set the browser to 60 to 70 percent in the Volume Mixer as a reliable baseline. Bump up system volume temporarily when a specific video needs more. This delivers far more predictable control overall.
Keep Gaming Audio Separate from Communication Apps
Balancing in-game audio against voice chat is a constant challenge. Set the game volume in the Volume Mixer, then fine-tune the communication app separately. Most gamers keep in-game sound between 50 and 70 percent and voice chat closer to 80 to 90 percent. That separation lets game audio shine without drowning out conversation.
Avoid Maxing Out Individual App Volume Sliders
Pushing a single app’s slider to 100 percent while system volume is also maxed can distort audio. Built-in laptop speakers are especially prone to this. Keep app-level volume around 80 to 85 percent, then use the master volume to raise overall output when needed. This keeps audio clean and eliminates harsh crackling from overdriven speakers.
Use the Classic Mixer for Quick Multitasking Adjustments
The classic Volume Mixer (opened via the Run dialog) is faster for quick mid-task adjustments than any settings panel. It floats as a small window, movable to any spot on screen — ideal when watching a movie while switching between a browser or chat app.
Stop Windows from Auto-Lowering App Volume During Calls
Windows has a built-in setting that automatically reduces other app volumes when it detects a voice or video call. If app volumes keep dropping unexpectedly during calls, this is usually the cause. To turn it off: search Sound in the Start menu and open the Control Panel version. Go to the Communications tab and change the setting from Reduce the volume of other sounds by 80% to Do nothing. This stops all automatic audio adjustments.
Pair Volume Settings with Windows Focus Assist
Windows 11 includes a Focus Assist feature that suppresses notifications during work or gaming. Pairing it with custom Volume Mixer settings creates a powerful combination. When Focus Assist activates, Windows already quiets notification sounds. Manually lowering the corresponding apps in the Volume Mixer adds another layer of control — a quieter, distraction-free environment without cutting audio off entirely.
Check Audio Drivers If App Sliders Go Missing
If apps that are clearly playing audio do not appear in the Volume Mixer, a driver issue is often the cause. Generic or outdated drivers can prevent sliders from showing up. Check Device Manager to confirm the sound device is listed normally. Manufacturer-provided drivers typically behave more reliably than generic Windows defaults — especially after a major Windows update.
Volume Mixer Settings Are Not Always Permanent
Per-app settings stick as long as the app runs regularly — but some apps reset audio levels on startup or after updates. Double-check the slider each time an app launches if a consistent volume balance matters. Media players and communication tools hold their levels reliably. Browsers and games are more likely to shift after updates.
Explore Windows 11 Sound Settings for Advanced Control
Beyond the Volume Mixer, the full Sound settings page offers additional controls like spatial audio, mono audio toggle, and per-device volume calibration. Spatial audio in particular transforms how music and games sound through headphones — and it works alongside custom app volume levels without any conflict.
For more helpful guides like this, check out the full collection of step-by-step guides covering audio, software, and system tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I adjust the volume of a specific app on Windows 11?
Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Open volume mixer. Find the app and drag its slider left to lower or right to raise the volume. Only that app changes — everything else stays the same. Alternatively, press Windows + I, go to System, then Sound, then Volume mixer for the same controls.
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 reopen the mixer and it will show up. If it still does not appear, an outdated or generic audio driver may be the cause. Updating the sound driver in Device Manager usually resolves this.
Can different apps use different audio output devices on Windows 11?
Yes. Go to Settings → System → Sound → Volume mixer. Each listed app has an Output device dropdown for assigning a specific speaker, headset, or audio device individually. Changes apply immediately.
Does changing app volume in the mixer affect the system volume?
No. Adjusting an individual app’s slider 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, find the app, and click the small speaker icon beside its slider. This mutes only that app while leaving all other audio running normally. Click the same icon again to unmute.
Why does my app volume keep changing on its own in Windows 11?
Windows has a built-in communication setting that automatically reduces other app volumes when it detects a voice call. To disable it, search Sound in the Start menu and open the Control Panel version. Go to the Communications tab and change the setting to Do nothing.
Do Volume Mixer settings reset after restarting Windows 11?
Windows 11 generally remembers per-app volume levels between restarts, but not always. Browsers and games are more likely to reset after relaunching. Communication apps like Microsoft Teams or Zoom tend to hold their levels more reliably. Check the Volume Mixer after the first restart to confirm settings held.
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 keyboard users, press Windows + R, type sndvol, and press Enter to open the classic mixer instantly.
How do I set the input device for a specific app on Windows 11?
Go to Settings → System → Sound → Volume mixer. Each app listed shows an Input device dropdown. Select the preferred microphone or input source from that dropdown. The change applies immediately.
How do I reset all app volume levels to default in Windows 11?
Go to Settings → System → Sound → Volume mixer. Click the Reset button at the top of the page. This restores every per-app volume level and device assignment back to Windows defaults in one step. Note: the Reset button applies to all apps at once — there is no built-in way to reset a single app individually.
Is there a Volume Mixer app for Windows 11 with more features?
Yes. The free tool EarTrumpet goes further than the built-in mixer. It offers a cleaner interface, quick taskbar access, and additional controls the default mixer lacks. Download it from the Microsoft Store — it works as a complete drop-in replacement at no cost.
How do I adjust volume on Windows 10?
Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Open volume mixer. A vertical panel opens with a separate slider for each app currently producing audio. Drag any slider up to raise or down to lower its volume. Note: Windows 10 does not support per-app output device routing — that feature was introduced in Windows 11. For per-app device assignment on Windows 10, EarTrumpet from the Microsoft Store adds that capability for free.
How do I adjust the volume of my speakers on Windows 11?
Click the speaker icon in the taskbar and drag the large volume slider left or right to control the overall speaker output. This master slider affects all audio from the system at once. To control individual app levels on top of that, open the Volume Mixer separately — the two controls work independently.