EarTrumpet

EarTrumpet is a lightweight but very useful application that can take control over the default volume control visualization service in Windows 11/Windows 10, and morph it into a more visually pleasing and touch-friendly interface that can be easily, quickly, and reliably used by anyone.

Built from the ground up only to work with Windows 10 and Windows 11, this application replaces the default audio management system that is found in the taskbar, just near the system clock.

It allows modification of not only the global sound level, but also fine-grain control over the volume output of every active application that is outputting sounds. Best yet, all sound level controls are optimized for touch-friendly devices, with an enlarged UI interface and no hidden options that the user has to hunt for.

Key Features 

• Advanced per-app volume control directly from the taskbar.
• Seamless integration with Windows 10 and Windows 11 sound settings.
• Quick access to audio playback and recording device switching.
• Modern, lightweight interface matching the Windows design language.
• Support for multiple audio output devices.
• Real-time audio level adjustments for individual applications.
• Open-source development with regular community-driven updates.

What’s New

• Expanded Volume Control Options: Added new settings to enable or disable volume adjustment using the scroll wheel globally or when hovering over the EarTrumpet icon.
• Community Settings Section: Introduced a dedicated community settings area, including an option to toggle logarithmic volume scaling.
• Enhanced Shortcut Support: Added legacy shortcuts to the context menu (App Volume & Device Preferences / Volume Mixer) and enabled use of the Windows key in custom shortcuts.
• Improved Device Sorting: Implemented linguistic display name sorting for audio devices for clearer organization.
• Windows Integration Fixes: Added a workaround for Windows Search displaying a default icon and fixed installation issues related to missing Visual C++ libraries.
• Tooltip & UI Improvements: Resolved live tooltip update issues during scroll adjustments and enhanced the flyout animation for smoother interaction.
• Optimized GPU Usage: Forced software-only rendering mode to prevent unnecessary use of high-power GPUs, improving efficiency.

EarTrumpted can be easily installed on Windows 10 or Windows 11 in just a few seconds by visiting its official page on the Microsoft Store and pressing the large blue “Get” button. The app will automatically download and install itself, replacing the default system volume management service and becoming the new default audio manager.

It has no standalone window or configuration window, and it can simply be found in the taskbar at the place every Windows user expects to handle volume controls. By pressing on its icon, users gain access to the list of the current apps that are outputting sound, with individual volume bars for each of them, and one global bar that controls the final sound levels of the detected sound card.

The current sound card can be selected by pressing the “up” icon located in the top-right corner of the UI. It is important to note that every detected app that handles audio will be represented only with the icon, and the name of the app will only be showcased if the user hovers the mouse over the icons.

There are no other hidden features; users are just able to precisely control the volume levels of each detected app, with the capability, for example, to reduce the volume of a music streaming app while Skype voice chat is running at full blast.

EarTrumpet is 100% FREE and can be used only on desktop, laptop, and tablet PCs running Windows 10/Windows 11. Even though it does not have advanced UI elements, it features built-in translation to several international languages (German, French, Norwegian, and Japanese).

How to Use

• Download and install EarTrumpet from the Microsoft Store
• Launch the app from the system tray or Start menu
• Click the EarTrumpet icon to open the volume mixer
• Adjust individual app volumes using the on-screen sliders
• Right-click the icon for additional settings and options
• Set the default audio output for each application
• Use the hotkeys to quickly adjust volume settings
• Customize the app’s appearance in the settings menu
• Pin EarTrumpet to the taskbar for easier access
• Check for updates to ensure optimal performance

FAQs

What is EarTrumpet used for?
EarTrumpet is a lightweight Windows utility that enhances the built-in volume mixer by providing per-app volume control directly from the taskbar. It allows users to adjust sound levels for individual applications quickly without navigating through system settings.

Is EarTrumpet safe and officially supported?
Yes. EarTrumpet is a reputable app available through the Microsoft Store and integrates directly with modern versions of Windows. It does not replace core system files and works as an extension of Windows’ native audio controls.

Is EarTrumpet still relevant in 2026?
Yes. In 2026, EarTrumpet remains useful for Windows users who want faster and more intuitive audio management. While Windows includes its own volume mixer, EarTrumpet continues to be popular for its improved usability and streamlined taskbar integration.

System Requirements

• Windows 10 (Version 1803 or later) or Windows 11
• A 64-bit operating system is required
• 2GB RAM minimum, 4GB recommended
• 50MB available storage space
• Internet connection for downloading and updates

PROS

• Precise per-app volume control
• Easy-to-use interface
• Lightweight and efficient performance
• Seamless integration with Windows audio
• Customizable hotkeys for quick adjustments

CONS

• No support for Windows 7 or 8
• Lacks advanced equalizer options
• Requires frequent manual updates
• No multi-device output feature
• Limited customization options