EarTrumpet for Windows 11
Windows 11 introduced a dedicated Volume mixer page under Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer, reachable directly with Win+Ctrl+V. It's a real improvement over Windows 10's older layout, but it still opens a full Settings window rather than a lightweight tray flyout. EarTrumpet gives Windows 11 users that same per-app control instantly from the taskbar.
This page covers running EarTrumpet on Windows 11 specifically, including how it lines up against the native Volume mixer.
Windows 11's native Volume mixer
Open it via Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer, or press Win+Ctrl+V as a shortcut. It lists every app currently producing audio with a slider and an output-device dropdown per app — functionally similar to what EarTrumpet offers, just inside Settings rather than the tray.
EarTrumpet's advantage on Windows 11 is speed: one click on the tray icon versus opening Settings, even with the Win+Ctrl+V shortcut available.
Installing EarTrumpet on Windows 11
- Open the Microsoft Store and search "EarTrumpet", or visit apps.microsoft.com
- Click Install
- Find the EarTrumpet icon in the system tray (click the small arrow to reveal hidden icons if needed)
- Click the icon to see per-app sliders for whatever is currently playing audio
- Right-click for quick links to Playback devices, the legacy mixer, and Sound settings
Windows 11 visual and theme integration
EarTrumpet uses Fluent UI design that matches Windows 11's rounded corners and system accent, and automatically follows your light or dark mode preference set in Settings > Personalization > Colors.
Alternative install methods
Windows 11 also supports installing EarTrumpet via Chocolatey (choco install eartrumpet) or a direct package from GitHub Releases, useful for admins setting up several machines at once. See EarTrumpet download for details on each.
If EarTrumpet isn't working right on Windows 11
A small number of Windows 11 users report the flyout not opening or per-app sliders not appearing after a Windows update. This is usually resolved by restarting the EarTrumpet process or checking default device settings — see EarTrumpet Windows 11 not working for step-by-step fixes.
Going further with a full setup guide
For a complete configuration walkthrough covering hotkeys, default devices, and per-app device switching specifically on Windows 11, see EarTrumpet Windows 11 guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does EarTrumpet work on Windows 11?
Yes, EarTrumpet fully supports recent Windows 11 builds.
What's the Windows 11 keyboard shortcut for the native volume mixer?
Win+Ctrl+V opens Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer directly.
Is EarTrumpet necessary on Windows 11 since it already has a Volume mixer?
It's not strictly necessary, but EarTrumpet is quicker to access from the tray than opening the Settings-based Volume mixer each time.
Does EarTrumpet support Windows 11's dark mode?
Yes, it automatically follows your system light/dark theme setting.
Grab EarTrumpet from the download page and pair it with the native Win+Ctrl+V mixer for full control.