EarTrumpet on Windows
EarTrumpet is built specifically for Windows and works by hooking into the same audio session APIs that Windows itself uses to track per-app volume. That's why it can show a slider for every app currently playing sound without needing that app's cooperation or any special plugin.
This page covers how EarTrumpet integrates with Windows generally, which builds it supports, and how it compares with the tools Windows already provides.
How EarTrumpet integrates with Windows audio
Windows already maintains a separate volume level and mute state for each app's audio session internally — this is what powers the Store's built-in per-app volume controls. EarTrumpet simply surfaces that existing data in a more accessible tray flyout, plus adds convenient device-switching on top.
Because it relies on standard, documented Windows audio APIs rather than low-level driver hooks, it doesn't conflict with your sound card drivers, audio enhancement software, or Bluetooth headset drivers.
Supported Windows versions
EarTrumpet supports recent builds of both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It follows your system's light or dark theme automatically, and its behavior is consistent across both operating systems, though the built-in Windows mixer it complements looks different on each.
For version-specific notes, see EarTrumpet on Windows 10 and EarTrumpet on Windows 11.
Fluent design and accessibility
- Modern Fluent UI that matches the rest of Windows
- Automatically follows system light/dark theme
- Fully keyboard-accessible sliders and menus
- Optional hotkey to open the flyout without touching the mouse
How it relates to Windows' own audio settings
Right-clicking the EarTrumpet tray icon gives quick shortcuts to Playback devices, the legacy volume mixer (sndvol.exe), and Windows Sound settings — so you're never more than one click from the native tools even while using EarTrumpet as your everyday mixer.
For a deeper look at how Windows' own audio stack is organized, see the Windows audio hub, which covers the built-in volume mixer, sound settings, and per-app controls independent of any third-party app.
Installing on Windows
Installation is the same regardless of Windows version: via the Microsoft Store, Chocolatey, or GitHub Releases. See EarTrumpet download for the full breakdown, or EarTrumpet installation for a step-by-step guide including what to check after setup.
No drivers, no reboot
Because EarTrumpet works entirely through standard Windows APIs, there's nothing to reboot for and no risk of it interfering with your existing sound driver stack. If you ever uninstall it, Windows' native per-app volume controls remain exactly as they were.
Frequently asked questions
Does EarTrumpet work on all versions of Windows?
It supports recent builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11; very old or unsupported Windows versions aren't guaranteed to work.
Does EarTrumpet replace Windows' audio drivers?
No, it works on top of your existing audio drivers using standard Windows APIs, and doesn't touch driver-level settings.
Does EarTrumpet look different on Windows 10 vs Windows 11?
The app itself looks and behaves consistently on both, though Windows' own native mixer differs in appearance between the two.
Can I still use Windows' built-in volume mixer after installing EarTrumpet?
Yes, EarTrumpet adds shortcuts to the legacy mixer and Sound settings rather than replacing them.
See how EarTrumpet handles your specific Windows version on the Windows 10 or Windows 11 pages.