BetterTrumpet

Guide / Windows audio

A better Windows volume mixer

Windows already has audio controls. BetterTrumpet makes the controls you use every day faster to reach and easier to keep consistent.

BetterTrumpet is a free, open source Windows volume mixer that lives in the system tray. It controls individual apps, output devices, profiles, persistent mute states, and active media without making you dig through Windows Settings.

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What a Windows volume mixer does

A volume mixer sits between the master Windows volume and the apps currently producing sound. It lets a quiet call stay audible while a game, browser, or music player runs at a different level.

The built-in Windows mixer covers the basics. The friction usually appears when you change devices often, need the same setup again tomorrow, or want controls close to the tray instead of several screens deep.

What BetterTrumpet adds

BetterTrumpet keeps the mixer close to the system tray and treats an audio setup as more than a collection of temporary sliders.

  • Independent volume and mute controls for active apps
  • Output-device routing and quick default-device switching
  • Persistent hard mute that returns when an app relaunches
  • QuickTrumpet presets for restoring volumes and routing together
  • Media artwork, seeking, playback controls, and per-app media volume
  • Undo and redo for volume changes
  • Themes, peak meters, pin mode, shortcuts, and CLI automation

Where it saves time

The biggest gain is repetition. A one-off slider change is easy anywhere; rebuilding the same mix every morning is not. BetterTrumpet can bring back a known setup for a call, a game, focused work, speakers, or headphones.

It also gives stubborn apps a predictable state. Hide sessions you do not need, hard-mute apps that should stay silent, and keep media controls available from the tray.

Install it your way

BetterTrumpet supports Windows 10 version 1803 and newer plus Windows 11. Download the setup executable for the normal path, use the portable zip for testing, or install with a package manager.

winget install --id xmn.BetterTrumpetchoco install bettertrumpet

Quick answers

Common questions

What is the best volume mixer for Windows 11?

The best choice depends on the workflow. BetterTrumpet is aimed at people who want a free, open source tray mixer with per-app control, routing, persistent states, profiles, media controls, themes, and automation.

Can I keep the built-in Windows mixer installed?

Yes. BetterTrumpet is a separate tray application and does not remove the Windows mixer. Both can remain available.

Does BetterTrumpet work on Windows 10?

Yes. BetterTrumpet supports Windows 10 version 1803 and newer, as well as Windows 11.

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