The Windows App Volume Mixer
The app volume mixer is the specific part of Windows that lists running applications with their own volume sliders, as opposed to the single master volume slider in the flyout.
This page covers where to find it by version and what it can and can't do.
Windows 11 app volume mixer
Found at Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer, or via Win+Ctrl+V. It lists each app with a slider and an output-device dropdown, and includes shortcuts to the legacy mixer and Sound settings.
Windows 10 app volume mixer
Found at Settings > System > Sound > App volume and device preferences. It's functionally similar but with a simpler layout and no direct link to spatial sound settings.
What it can't do
- It won't boost an app's volume above its own internal maximum
- It doesn't apply equalization or audio effects
- It only lists apps that have recently produced sound
Opening the app volume mixer step by step
- Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray
- Choose "Open Volume mixer" from the menu
- On Windows 11, this opens Settings directly to the Volume mixer page; on Windows 10, it opens the classic popup
- Drag each listed app's slider to raise or lower its level independently
How it relates to the sound mixer and volume control
The app volume mixer is one piece of a larger set of tools: the Windows sound mixer page covers the classic sndvol popup alongside this modern version, while Windows volume control explains the master-level slider that sits above everything the app volume mixer adjusts. Understanding how these layers stack helps explain why turning up master volume alone won't fix an app that sounds too quiet.
Tray-based alternatives
If reaching this mixer through Settings feels slow, EarTrumpet puts the same sliders in the tray flyout for one-click access, and also groups multiple audio devices together. Compare more options on the best Windows volume mixers roundup.
Keeping the mixer list manageable
- Close browser tabs or background apps that aren't actively needed for sound
- Rename devices from Windows audio control settings so the per-app device dropdown stays readable
- Check the mixer right after opening a new app if it doesn't show up immediately
Frequently asked questions
Is the app volume mixer the same as the Volume Mixer?
Yes, they refer to the same per-app volume feature; naming varies slightly between Windows versions and documentation.
Why do some apps disappear from the mixer after a while?
Windows removes an app from the list once it closes or stops producing audio for an extended period; it reappears the next time it plays sound.
Can the app volume mixer control system sounds separately?
System notification sounds generally follow the master volume rather than appearing as their own entry in the app volume mixer.
Does the mixer work with virtual audio devices?
Yes, virtual devices created by software like VoiceMeeter appear alongside physical devices in the per-app device dropdown.