A new enhanced audio mixer is coming to Windows 11 that allows users to make individual volume and audio output adjustments right from the taskbar. The updated volume mixer was officially unveiled as part of the new one Example of build 25309 which is rolling out to testers in the Windows 11 Insider Dev channel.
When released, the updated mixer will reside in the Quick Settings panel on the Windows taskbar, which can be accessed by clicking the volume icon. Microsoft has also added a new Windows keyboard shortcut (Win + Ctrl + V) to open the mixer directly. The mixer allows users to quickly switch between audio outputs (i.e. headphones, speakers, etc.), as well as adjust the volume of individual apps and switch between spatial audio technologies such as Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the new volume mixer. Prior to Microsoft’s official announcement, the feature leaked last month after it was discovered in an experimental flag of a Windows 11 test build. It may also sound familiar to anyone who’s used EarTrumpet – a third-party volume control app for Windows that’s almost made five years ago to “fill some gaps in the audio management experience on Windows 10.”
There is currently no word on a public release date for the Windows Volume Mixer. Microsoft says it’s not even available to all Insiders in the Dev Channel “yet”, allowing the company to monitor feedback before making it more widely available. Still: better late than never for Microsoft to catch up with third-party options.
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