EarTrumpet

EarTrumpet Installation Guide

Installing EarTrumpet takes a couple of minutes regardless of which method you choose, and none of the three official routes require a system restart. This guide walks through the full installation process end to end, including verification steps that a lot of quick-start guides skip.

If you just want the fastest possible path, see download EarTrumpet instead; this page goes into more detail on each step.

Before you install: requirements

EarTrumpet needs a recent build of Windows 10 or Windows 11 and standard, working audio drivers already installed — EarTrumpet doesn't install or replace drivers itself, it works on top of your existing audio setup through standard Windows APIs.

Installing via the Microsoft Store

  1. Open the Microsoft Store app, or visit apps.microsoft.com in a browser
  2. Search for "EarTrumpet"
  3. Select the official listing from File-New-Project
  4. Click Install and wait for the download and install to finish
  5. The app launches automatically and places its icon in the system tray

Installing via Chocolatey

  1. Ensure Chocolatey is already installed on your system
  2. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as Administrator
  3. Run: choco install eartrumpet
  4. Wait for Chocolatey to download and install the package
  5. Launch EarTrumpet from the Start menu if it doesn't start on its own

Installing via GitHub Releases

  1. Go to github.com/File-New-Project/EarTrumpet
  2. Open the Releases tab and choose the latest stable version
  3. Download the release package and run it
  4. Accept any Windows SmartScreen prompt, since it's outside the Store
  5. Confirm the tray icon appears once installation completes

Verifying the installation worked

Click the EarTrumpet tray icon (you may need to expand hidden icons via the small arrow near the clock). You should see sliders for any app currently playing audio. Right-click the icon and confirm you can see shortcuts for Playback devices, the legacy volume mixer, and Sound settings — if those appear, installation succeeded.

If nothing shows up, don't reinstall repeatedly — check EarTrumpet not opening for the most common causes.

After installation: configuration

A successful install doesn't automatically set a hotkey or pin the tray icon permanently — both are worth doing right away. See EarTrumpet setup for that next step.

Frequently asked questions

Does installing EarTrumpet require a restart?

No, none of the official installation methods require rebooting Windows.

Which installation method is easiest?

The Microsoft Store is the simplest for most users and keeps EarTrumpet updated automatically.

What if I get a SmartScreen warning during installation?

This is expected when installing directly from GitHub Releases rather than the Store, since the file arrives outside the Store's review pipeline; it's still an official release from the project's repository.

Can I install EarTrumpet on multiple PCs at once?

Yes, Chocolatey is well suited to scripted installs across multiple machines.

How do I check that installation succeeded?

Click the tray icon and confirm per-app sliders appear for currently playing audio.

Finish up by visiting EarTrumpet setup once installation is complete.