EarTrumpet Setup Guide for Windows 10

Step 1: Choose an install method

1. Microsoft Store: search for EarTrumpet and click Install — updates are handled automatically
2. Chocolatey: open an elevated terminal and run choco install eartrumpet
3. GitHub: download the latest release from https://github.com/File-New-Project/EarTrumpet and run the installer

Step 2: Confirm it's running

After installation, look for the EarTrumpet icon in the taskbar's notification area. If it's hidden, click the small up-arrow to reveal hidden icons and drag it into the visible area for quicker access than digging through Sound settings each time.

Step 3: Open the flyout and check per-app sliders

Click the EarTrumpet icon to open its popup. Play audio in a couple of apps and confirm each one appears with its own slider — this verifies EarTrumpet is correctly hooking into the Windows audio session for each app, the same session model described on windows-10-per-app-volume.

Step 4: Set default behavior

Right-click the EarTrumpet tray icon to access options such as starting with Windows, following the system light/dark theme, and quick links to Playback devices, the legacy Volume mixer, and Sound settings.

Step 5: Try device switching

In the flyout, use an app's device icon to move its output to a different playback device, such as switching a video call from speakers to a headset without touching Windows Settings. This mirrors the Output dropdown found in App volume and device preferences, just one click closer.

Step 6: Decide when to still use the built-in tools

EarTrumpet's right-click menu keeps sndvol.exe and Settings' App volume and device preferences one click away, so nothing is lost — some people still prefer the full Settings page for detailed device properties like sample rate or spatial sound, while using EarTrumpet daily for quick volume and device changes.

If something doesn't work

If EarTrumpet doesn't appear or an app is missing its slider, check the troubleshooting hub for common fixes, or confirm the app is actually producing audio, since EarTrumpet only lists active audio sessions just like the built-in mixer.

A few practical notes

Once the basic setup steps above are complete, most people find they rarely need to revisit them; EarTrumpet keeps running quietly in the tray and simply appears whenever an app starts producing sound, the same way the built-in mixer does, but with fewer clicks required to reach the sliders.

Frequently asked questions

Which install method is best for Windows 10?

The Microsoft Store is simplest for most users since it handles updates automatically; Chocolatey suits users who prefer command-line package management.

Do I need to uninstall the built-in Windows 10 mixer first?

No, EarTrumpet works alongside sndvol.exe and Settings' App volume and device preferences without conflict.

Can EarTrumpet start automatically with Windows 10?

Yes, this can be toggled from its right-click tray menu options.

Why isn't an app showing a slider in EarTrumpet?

It needs to be actively producing sound, the same requirement as the built-in Windows mixer.

Do I still need Settings' Sound page after installing EarTrumpet?

Occasionally, for detailed device properties like sample rate or spatial sound formats that EarTrumpet's popup doesn't expose.