Microsoft is currently testing a new audio control feature on 11 . window allows users to control the volume of multiple apps from Quick Settings.
Volume Mixer, as it is known, is now available in Preview Build 25281 (opens in a new tab) from the Developer Channel on the Windows 11 Insider Program. It has been compared to software like Discord and TaiTrumpet due to the ability to adjust the same volume level for different audio sources. For example, you can keep the volume high during a Skype call while muting music playing on Spotify and center WhatsApp for notifications. That’s the management level that isn’t currently being viewed as Windows 11 currently only offers general tweaks. Users often use third-party apps, like EarTrumpet, to achieve this level of control.
However, the most interesting thing is that Microsoft does not mention Volume Mixer in the Preview Build announcement. It was discovered only after the user searched the build files and found the hidden feature. Hopefully this tool will become a reality, because being able to adjust the volume individually on each app would be great. Windows 11 is in need of a better audio engine.
We say “hopefully” because this is an experimental feature and there is no guarantee that it will be released. As stated in a Windows Insider Program Post from 2022, some “concepts will never ship…” There is a chance that Microsoft will bring Volume Mixer back to the drawing board to improve it, but at this point, who knows?
New features and redesign
As for what’s actually revealed in Build 25281 Preview, Windows Spotlight is getting a bit of a redesign. The interface will display more detailed information about an image such as the name of the object and a brief description. The developers are also experimenting with different methods of image conversion; such as whether it is a “full screen experience”. According to Microsoft, tweaking the graphics settings should be easier to do. Some profiles like GPU Preferences will now be displayed front and center in the Graphics section of the Settings menu.
In addition, the Notepad app now supports multiple tabs so that users can manage multiple files on one window. Similar to the browser, you can drag one of the tabs (opens in a new tab) out is its own example. And there’s a new Notepad setting that lets users decide “whether files open in new tabs or new windows by default.”
Other new Notepad features include additional keyboard shortcuts and the ability for the app to automatically generate filenames/tabs based on existing content. The Notepad update seems to be separate from Preview Build 25281, so you’ll have to download both.
Microsoft is working to pave the way for Windows 11 to eventually become the company’s only supported operating system. Beyond the sunset Windows 7 and 8.1The company recently announced that it will no longer sell Windows 10 Home or Pro licenses on its website starting January 31.
Feel free to check out TechRadar’s guide on how to upgrade to windows 11if you are thinking of going to finally dive in.
