How to Get the Classic Volume Mixer Back in Windows 11

Windows 11 features a well-received, updated user interface, but there are some changes that haven't gone down well with some users. One of these is the removal of the Volume Mixer in favor of a unified volume menu. This guide shows you how to restore the Classic Volume Mixer in Windows 11.

Why do you need a Volume Mixer?

The main feature of Volume Mixer is that it allows users to precisely manage the volume of different applications. You can Reduce the volume In your browser app while blasting the music app at full volume.

Easy to access. Volume Mixer flies from the system tray where it's always available—just one click away.

How to Use the New Volume Mixer in Windows 11

The Volume Mixer now has a new home and a different look. Left-clicking the volume button in the taskbar displays a single, global volume bar that works across devices. Other options, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, also appear.

Clicking the arrow icon to the right of the volume slider allows you to select the audio output. However, if you right-click the volume icon in the system tray, you'll see a hidden menu containing a shortcut to the new Volume Mixer.

Click “Open Mixer folder” To open the relevant page in Settings.

The audio menus are divided into two parts: System and Applications. While this works, it's not perfect and requires multiple clicks to access.

Fortunately, there is a way to restore the old Volume Mixer without having to install a third-party app.

How to Add the Old Volume Mixer to the Taskbar

1. Click on Win + R To open the Run prompt, enter the command below. Press Enter to implement it.

sndvol.exe

2. This will open Classic Volume Mixer Which you know and use in Windows 10 and earlier.

3. On the taskbar, right-click the icon. mixer volume and select option Pin to taskbar.

4. A shortcut must be added to Classic Volume Mixer Move the Volume Mixer to the right side of your taskbar. You can now access the Volume Mixer directly with a single click on Windows 11.

Add Storage to System Tray in Windows 11

While the taskbar shortcut is nice, there are two problems with using it: it's still not available in the system tray, its original home, and while this method works now, it may not be available in the future.

Fortunately, someone in the Windows community saw this coming and developed an alternative, called Classic Volume MixerIt is open source and free to download on GitHub.

1. Extract the file ClassicVolumeMixer.exe Place it in the startup folder to make it work. To do this, press Win + R To open the Run prompt again, enter the command below.

shell: startup

2. Put ClassicVolumeMixer.exe In the folder that opens.

Restart your computer. There should be a new, but familiar, icon in the system tray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the difference between the new and old Volume Mixer?
answer. Neither. Both offer the same functionality. The only difference is the location of the new Volume Mixer, which is hidden deep within Windows Settings.

Q2. How do I remove Classic Volume Mixer from my system tray?
answer. Nothing is installed on your computer. Simply click in the system32 folder to add the shortcut back to the system tray. To remove Classic Volume Mixer, simply delete the ClassicVolumeMixer.exe file from your startup folder and reboot.