Controlling App Volume in Windows 10
Windows 10 lets you set a separate volume level, and even a separate output device, for each app that's playing sound. The feature lives in Settings under App volume and device preferences, and it's often overlooked in favor of the older sndvol.exe mixer.
Here's exactly how to find it and use it, including assigning specific apps to specific speakers.
Opening App volume and device preferences
- Open Settings (Win+I)
- Go to System > Sound
- Scroll down and click "App volume and device preferences" under Advanced sound options
Adjusting an individual app's volume
Each app that has produced sound in the current session appears in a list with its own slider. Drag any app's slider up or down without affecting the system master volume or other apps. This is the same underlying volume shown in the classic Volume mixer, just presented in a taller, full-page layout.
Assigning an app to a different device
Below each app's volume slider are two dropdowns: Output and Input. Use the Output dropdown to send that app's audio to a specific playback device — for example, routing a game to a headset while music continues through desktop speakers. The Input dropdown does the same for apps that record audio, such as choosing a specific microphone for a video call app.
Why an app isn't listed yet
The panel only lists apps that are actively producing (or have recently produced) sound. Start playback in the app first, then reopen the panel and it should appear. Closing the app removes its entry, and per-app levels are not saved as a permanent profile — see windows-10-per-app-volume for why levels can reset.
Combining with the legacy mixer
The classic volume mixer shows the same volume levels in a smaller floating window, useful for quick adjustments without opening full Settings. Both tools read and write the same Windows audio session values, so a change in one appears instantly in the other.
Handling apps that ignore per-app volume
A small number of legacy apps route audio through shared system components and may not register as a separate entry, or may lump their volume in with "System Sounds." If an app's slider doesn't seem to do anything, check whether it also has its own internal volume control, and confirm its output device matches what's selected under windows-10-audio-settings.
A faster alternative
EarTrumpet puts these same per-app sliders and device dropdowns directly in the tray flyout, so you don't need to open Settings at all. See eartrumpet-for-windows-10 for what changes once it's installed.
A few practical notes
It's also worth noting that App volume and device preferences applies only to apps using the standard Windows audio session APIs; most modern desktop and Store apps qualify, but a small number of older or specialized audio tools may bypass this layer entirely and require their own in-app settings instead.
Frequently asked questions
Where is app volume control in Windows 10?
Settings > System > Sound > App volume and device preferences, under Advanced sound options.
Can I set a different output device for one app?
Yes, use the Output dropdown next to that app in App volume and device preferences.
Why doesn't my app show up in the list?
It needs to be actively playing audio; play something in the app, then reopen the panel.
Does this affect the app permanently?
Settings persist per app as long as Windows recognizes the same executable, but some apps reset volume on relaunch.
Can I set a specific microphone for one app?
Yes, use the Input dropdown next to that app in App volume and device preferences.
What if an app's slider has no effect?
Check whether the app has its own internal volume control and confirm its assigned output device is correct.