A new improved audio mixer is coming to Windows 11 that allows users to make individual volume and audio output adjustments directly from the taskbar. The updated volume mixer was officially revealed as part of the new Preview build 25309 which is being rolled out to testers on the Windows 11 Insider Dev channel.
When released, the updated mixer will be located inside 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 (ie headphones, speakers, etc.), as well as adjust the volume of individual apps and toggle spatial audio technologies like 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 was leaked last month after it was discovered inside an experimental indicator in a test build of Windows 11. It may also look familiar to anyone who has used EarTrumpet, a volume control app. third-party for Windows created almost Five years ago to “fill a number of gaps in the audio management experience in Windows 10.”
There is currently no news on the public release date for the Windows Volume Mixer. Microsoft says it’s not even available to all Insiders on the Dev Channel “yet,” allowing the company to monitor feedback before the feature becomes more widely available. Still: better late than never for Microsoft to catch up with third-party options.
