Windows 11’s lackluster volume mixer is getting a serious upgrade

The sound controls in Windows have always left something to be desired, often forcing you to dive into sub-menus to change audio output devices or adjust the volume for specific programs. According to the Windows Insider Blog, that’s about to change soon. The latest Windows 11 Insider builds include a completely redesigned Volume Panel, with a single click to make a variety of complex tools available.

The new version of the tool allows you to click on the volume icon in the notification area, then immediately brings up a mini-menu. This includes output devices (great for quickly swapping between speakers and a headset), separate options for spatial audio, and separate volume sliders for both the master volume control and the individual Windows apps. The specific volume panel is also available through a new keyboard shortcut, Win + Ctrl + V,

At the moment changing the output device in Windows 11 requires three clicks, and you have to dive into the full sound settings part of the main menu and click on the volume mixer to adjust individual apps. The updated interface is a huge improvement — something I’ve been wanting for years, and have been doing myself with third-party apps like SoundSwitch (one of the 5 Free Windows Power User Tools We Can’t Live Without) ). The changes are visible in Windows Preview Build 25309, and are expected to hit the Windows 11 general release sometime later this year.