Windows Vista: Modify Application Sound Levels

One of the neatest things that I have discovered in Windows Vista is the new audio mixer features.  In previous versions of Windows you were able to modify the balance and volume levels for several sound attributes with just the standard Windows drivers.  However – in Vista you are now able to manage sound levels for individual applications by using the sound mixer!

So what does that mean?  Suppose you are like me and believe that websites that play music or have embedded sound just should not exist, yet for some reason you still come across them every once in a while.  Having a web page start to loudly play a video or even music can be frustrating, embarrassing or even unprofessional if you are working (think research while talking on the phone, the other person hears the unexpected sound).  By using the application level volume controls you can now turn down or even mute all sound for your web browser(s).

Here’s how to access these nifty features:

• Right click on the volume icon in the system tray next to the clock.  It looks very similar to the volume icons in previous versions of Windows.
• Choose “Open Volume Mixer”.
• You should now have a screen appear with a listing of devices and applications.
• Navigate to the application you wish to change volume levels for and use the sliders to increase or decrease volume (default is max).
• Note there is also a button at the bottom of each slider bar – clicking this will toggle mute on and off for the application.

Enjoy!