Manage Per-App Audio in Windows 11 Volume Mixer

Learn how to use the Windows 11 Volume mixer to adjust volume levels and assign specific microphones and speakers for individual applications.

June 9, 2026 By Danielle Yawgel

This guide explains how to assign specific audio input and output devices for individual applications in Windows 11. Customizing your volume mixer allows you to control exactly where each program's audio plays and which microphone it uses.

This guide applies to any Windows 11 user looking to manage their per-app audio routing. It is especially useful for the need of distinct audio setups for different applications, such as routing a call to a headset while keeping music on desktop speakers.

An application must be open and have recently played or recorded audio to appear in the Volume mixer list.

Step #1: Press the Windows key, type Settings, and press Enter. — Press the **Windows key**, type **Settings**, and press **Enter.**

Step #2: Click System in the left sidebar. — Click **System** in the left sidebar.

Step #3: Click Sound from the list of system settings. — Click **Sound** from the list of system settings.

Step #4: Scroll down to the Advanced section and click Volume mixer. — Scroll down to the **Advanced** section and click **Volume mixer**.

Step #5: Click the down arrow next to an application (such as Google Chrome or Dialpad) to reveal additional audio routing options. — Click the down arrow next to an application (such as Google Chrome or Dialpad) to reveal additional audio routing options.

Step #6: Click the Output device dropdown and select the specific speakers or headphones you want that app to use. — Click the **Output device** dropdown and select the specific speakers or headphones you want that app to use.

Step #7: Click the Input device dropdown to choose a specific microphone for the application. — Click the **Input device** dropdown to choose a specific microphone for the application.

Term	Definition
Volume mixer	A system settings menu in Windows 11 that allows users to adjust audio levels and routing on a per-application basis.
Output device	The hardware component, such as speakers or headphones, where the system sends audio signals to be heard.
Input device	The hardware component, such as a microphone, that captures audio and sends it into the system or application.