The Complete EarTrumpet Windows 11 Guide

Step 1: Install EarTrumpet

1. Open the Microsoft Store and search for EarTrumpet, or run choco install eartrumpet in an elevated terminal, or grab the installer from the official GitHub releases page.
2. Complete the installer prompts as with any Windows app.
3. Launch EarTrumpet from the Start menu once installation finishes.

Step 2: Find the tray icon

After launch, EarTrumpet places a small icon in the system tray. Click it to open the flyout with sliders for every app currently playing audio, similar to the native Volume mixer at Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.

Step 3: Adjust per-app volume

Drag any app's slider in the flyout to change its volume instantly. Click the speaker icon next to a slider to mute that app without affecting others. See Windows 11 per-app volume for the equivalent built-in workflow.

Step 4: Switch an app's output device

Use the device dropdown under an app's slider, or drag the app onto a different device shown in the flyout, to route its audio elsewhere — for example, moving a call app to a headset.

Step 5: Use the right-click menu

• Playback devices — jump straight to device selection.
• Legacy volume mixer — opens the classic sndvol-style mixer.
• Sound settings — opens Settings > System > Sound for deeper configuration.

Step 6: Set a hotkey (optional)

EarTrumpet supports a hotkey to open its flyout instantly, an alternative to Win+Ctrl+V for the native mixer, letting you access per-app volume from anywhere without touching the mouse.

Comparing this to the native mixer

Everything EarTrumpet does mirrors capabilities already in the Windows 11 Volume mixer; the difference is convenience — the tray flyout opens faster than navigating through Settings. See EarTrumpet for Windows 11 for a feature overview.

Frequently asked questions

How do I open EarTrumpet on Windows 11?

Click its icon in the system tray, or use the hotkey if you've configured one.

Can I still use the native Volume mixer alongside EarTrumpet?

Yes, both can be used interchangeably since they control the same underlying Windows audio sessions.

What if EarTrumpet's icon isn't visible in the tray?

Check the hidden icons area (the small up-arrow) in the taskbar, or see the troubleshooting guides for EarTrumpet not opening.

Does EarTrumpet need to run at startup?

You can enable startup with Windows from its settings menu so the tray icon is always available after sign-in.

Can I mute an app from EarTrumpet without opening the Volume mixer?

Yes, click the mute icon next to that app's slider directly in the EarTrumpet flyout.

Does EarTrumpet support keyboard-only navigation?

Yes, the flyout is keyboard-accessible, so you can tab between sliders once it's open.