EarTrumpet for Windows 10
Windows 10 includes a basic per-app volume screen called App volume and device preferences, tucked inside Settings > System > Sound. It works, but it's a full Settings page you have to open and scroll through every time. EarTrumpet gives Windows 10 users the same control from a single click on the tray icon.
This page covers installing and using EarTrumpet specifically on Windows 10, and how it complements the tools already built into the OS.
Windows 10's built-in per-app volume
To find it natively, go to Settings > System > Sound, then scroll down to "App volume and device preferences." There you can adjust volume and pick an output device for each app individually, but only within that Settings window, and there's no tray shortcut or hotkey to reach it faster.
EarTrumpet reproduces this same functionality but keeps it one click away in the tray, with sliders that update live as apps start and stop making sound.
Installing EarTrumpet on Windows 10
- Open the Microsoft Store (or visit apps.microsoft.com) and search "EarTrumpet"
- Click Install and wait for the download to complete
- Look for the EarTrumpet icon in the system tray, near the clock
- Click it once to open the per-app volume flyout
- Right-click the icon for shortcuts to Playback devices, the legacy mixer, and Sound settings
Alternative install methods on Windows 10
Windows 10 users who prefer scripted installs can use Chocolatey with choco install eartrumpet, or download a release directly from GitHub. See EarTrumpet download for the full comparison of methods.
Common Windows 10-specific questions
Because Windows 10 lacks the newer "Volume mixer" panel introduced in Windows 11, some users assume EarTrumpet is required to get any per-app control at all. That's not quite right — Windows 10's App volume and device preferences page already provides it — but EarTrumpet is meaningfully faster to reach and easier to use day to day.
If EarTrumpet isn't behaving correctly specifically on Windows 10, check EarTrumpet Windows 10 not working for targeted fixes.
Theme and accessibility on Windows 10
EarTrumpet follows whichever light or dark theme you've set under Settings > Personalization > Colors on Windows 10, and its sliders and menus are fully keyboard-navigable, matching Windows 10's own accessibility expectations.
Moving to Windows 11 later
If you eventually upgrade to Windows 11, EarTrumpet carries over the same behavior with no reconfiguration needed. See EarTrumpet on Windows 11 for what's different about that upgrade path.
Frequently asked questions
Does EarTrumpet work on Windows 10?
Yes, EarTrumpet supports recent Windows 10 builds and behaves the same as it does on Windows 11.
Do I need EarTrumpet if I have Windows 10?
No, Windows 10 already has App volume and device preferences under Settings > System > Sound, but EarTrumpet makes that same control faster to access.
Where is per-app volume control in Windows 10 without EarTrumpet?
Settings > System > Sound > App volume and device preferences.
Does EarTrumpet on Windows 10 need a reboot to install?
No, installation via the Microsoft Store, Chocolatey, or GitHub does not require a restart.
Install EarTrumpet from the download page and it'll work the same way described here on your Windows 10 PC.