Windows has often made managing multiple audio devices a hassle. Over the years, Microsoft has tried to improve the experience in a number of ways. In 2021, for example, the company simplified how Windows 10 works. Despite those efforts, it often seems like the operating system doesn’t make switching between audio outputs and managing sound levels as easy as it should be. For example, I wish the Windows 11 quick settings panel would let me adjust audio levels on a per-app basis.
Fortunately, Microsoft is finally getting ready to solve that little annoyance for Windows users. This week, the company detailed the latest and it just so happens to include a redesigned quick-settings volume mixer. The updated interface element not only lets you switch between audio devices, but you can also use it to enable spatial sound and adjust volume output on a per-app basis, two things you can’t do with the current design. Also, Microsoft has added a dedicated shortcut to make accessing the feature faster. Once you have access to the volume mixer, press the Windows, Ctrl, and V keys on your keyboard at the same time to open it.
“With this change, you can now tailor your audio experience with more control and fewer clicks to better manage your favorite apps,” Microsoft says of the redesigned interface. As the new volume mixer is reminiscent of the popular modification. There’s no word yet on when Microsoft plans to roll out the latest Windows Insider features to regular users, but hopefully it won’t be long before they reach the general public.
Microsoft
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