Controlling App Volume in Windows 11

The built-in Volume mixer

Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer (or Win+Ctrl+V) is the primary way to control app volume in Windows 11. Every app with active audio gets its own slider and mute button. Full instructions are on the Windows 11 volume mixer page.

Per-app device assignment

Beyond volume, the same mixer lets you assign each app to a specific playback device via a dropdown under its slider — for example, routing a game to a headset while browser audio stays on desktop speakers.

Right-click context options

Right-clicking the taskbar speaker icon offers a shortcut straight to Open Volume mixer, avoiding a trip through the full Settings app.

Limitations to be aware of

• Apps only appear in the mixer while actively playing or recently having played audio.
• There's no way to set a volume limit or default level for an app before it opens.
• The mixer must be reopened each time; there's no persistent on-screen sliders.
• Browser tabs and multi-window apps typically share a single mixer entry.

Comparing to Windows 10's app volume tools

Windows 10 splits the same functionality between a separate App volume and device preferences page and the legacy sndvol mixer. Windows 11 merges both into one screen — see Windows 10 app volume control for that comparison if you manage both operating systems.

Fixing app volume that won't change

If dragging a slider has no audible effect, confirm the app is actually assigned to the output device you're listening through, and check the app's own internal volume setting, since Windows-level and in-app volume multiply together.

Third-party tray-based control

Tools like EarTrumpet add the same per-app sliders directly to a tray flyout, always one click away, plus the ability to drag apps between devices without opening Settings. See EarTrumpet for Windows 11 for setup details.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set individual volume for each app in Windows 11?

Open the Volume mixer with Win+Ctrl+V and use each app's own slider.

Can Windows 11 remember an app's volume automatically?

It generally keeps the last-set level for an app between sessions as long as the executable name doesn't change.

Is there a way to control app volume without opening Settings?

Right-click the taskbar speaker icon and choose Open Volume mixer, or install a tray-based tool like EarTrumpet.

Can I route one app to headphones and another to speakers?

Yes, use the per-app device dropdown in the Volume mixer to send each app to a different output.

Why doesn't moving a slider change what I hear?

Check that the app is actually bound to the output device you're using, and verify the app's own internal volume slider isn't turned down separately.

Does Windows 11 let me set a maximum volume limit per app?

No, there's no built-in per-app ceiling; you can only set the current level, which resets to default behavior once the app's session ends.