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Microsoft is currently experimenting with a new audio control feature in windows 11 which allows users to control the volume of multiple apps from Quick Settings.
Volume Mixer, as it is known, is currently available on Preview build 25281 (opens in a new tab) from the Dev Channel on the Windows 11 Insider program. It’s being benchmarked against software like Discord and EarTrumpet due to similar capabilities of adjusting volume levels for different audio sources. For example, you can keep the volume on a Skype call loud while muting music playing on Spotify and have WhatsApp somewhere in between for notifications. It’s a level of management you don’t currently see, as Windows 11 currently only offers universal settings. Users often use third-party apps like EarTrumpet to gain this level of control.
However, what is most interesting is that Microsoft did not mention Volume Mixer in the Preview Build announcement. It was only discovered after users searched the build files and found the hidden feature. Hopefully the tool becomes a reality, because being able to individually adjust the volume in each app would be great. Windows 11 needs a better audio tool.
We say “hopefully” because this is an experimental feature and there is no guarantee that it will ever be released. As noted in a 2022 Windows Insider Program post, some “concepts will never ship…” Microsoft may bring Volume Mixer back to the drawing board to make it better, but at this point, who knows?
New features and a redesign
As for what was actually revealed in Preview Build 25281, Windows Spotlight is getting a little redesign. The interface will display more detailed information about an image, such as the name of the subject and a short description. The developers are also experimenting with different methods of changing the image; as to whether or not it should be a “full screen experience”. Adjusting the graphics settings will be easier to do, according to Microsoft. Certain settings, such as the GPU preference, will now show up front and center in the Graphics section of the Settings menu.
Also, the Notepad app now supports multiple tabs so that users can manage multiple files in one window. Similar to browsers, you can drag one of the tabs (opens in a new tab) was his own instance. And there’s a new Notepad setting that lets users decide “whether files open in new tabs or in a new window by default.”
Other new Notepad features include additional keyboard shortcuts and the app’s ability to automatically create file/tab names based on the content present. The Notepad update appears to be separate from the Build 25281 preview, so you’ll need to download both.
Microsoft is hard at work paving the way for Windows 11 to eventually become the company’s only supported operating system. Besides the sunset Windows 7 and 8.1the company recently announced that it will stop selling Windows 10 Home or Pro licenses on its website from January 31.
Be sure to check out TechRadar’s guide on how to upgrade to windows 11if you are thinking of finally taking the plunge.
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