Windows 11 gets new volume mixer from Quick Settings

Windows 11 introduces new volume mixer that lets you change volume per app, enable spatial sound, and change out from Quick Settings.

Windows 11 new volume mixer
Windows 11 new volume mixer
  • Microsoft tests redesigned volume mixer for Windows 11.
  • The new experience is available from Quick Settings allows.
  • It allows you to change output devices, control spatial audio, and change volume per application.

Microsoft is building a redesigned volume mixer experience in the Quick Settings flyout for Windows 11. Starting on build 23493, the operating system ships an early preview of the new volume mixer that allows quick audio customization per app, with additional control to swap devices on demand.

When you open the Quick Settings flyout, you will notice a new icon to access the modern volume mixer experience next to the volume slider. The page includes a view of all the output devices available on the computer that you can choose from.

In addition, the page includes the settings to turn spatial sound (such as Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos) on or off, depending on your computer’s capabilities.

Perhaps, the most important addition is the ability to control the volume per application without opening the Settings app. Of course, the experience also includes a slider to adjust the volume globally. (The gear button on the right allows you to open the “Volume mixer” settings page.)

Finally, Microsoft has also added a new “Windows key + Ctrl + V” keyboard shortcut to open the volume mixer directly without extra steps.

According to the company, the redesigned interface of the volume mixer will help users control the audio settings faster with fewer clicks.

It’s unclear when the new experience will arrive to users, but the company is expected to roll out the changes later this year with the release of Windows 11 23H2.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].