If you are experiencing issues where one specific application (like Chrome, Spotify, or a Game) has no sound while others work perfectly, you are likely dealing with a Volume Mixer Handshake failure.
🔬 Audio Logic Diagnostic Hub
| 🔴 Identify Audio Issue | 🔵 Hub Solution Path |
|---|---|
App is Muted Only System sound is OK, App is silent. |
Reset App Volume |
Wrong Output Device Sound playing on wrong speakers. |
Reset Preferences |
Mixer Not Showing Settings menu is blank or lags. |
Restart Audio Engine |
In 2026, Windows 11 manages audio endpoints through a complex <b>Exclusive Mode</b> priority system. If an app’s preferences are out of sync with the system kernel, the audio stream will be dropped. Following our lab-tested guide below will help you reset these individual app volumes and device preferences without a full system reboot.
Sometimes, on your windows 11 computer app sound settings will not work or app volume and device preferences not showing or any other issue with app volume and device preference can be fixed easily.
Method 1: Reset App Volume in Windows 11 (Volume Mixer)
In 2026, Windows 11 has moved the “App Preferences” into a high-speed Volume Mixer interface. This is the fastest way to fix silent apps.
- Click on Windows Search and type <b>Settings</b>.
- Go to System > Sound.
- Scroll down to the Advanced section and click Volume Mixer.
- Under the Apps section, you will see a list of all currently running applications.
- Click the Reset button next to Reset sound devices and volumes for all apps to the recommended defaults.
- The Result: Windows will instantly terminate the Audio Endpoint Builder handshake and restart it with factory default values for every app.
Method 2: Reset App Preferences in Windows 10
If you are still using Windows 10, the path is slightly different but the logic remains the same.
- Open Settings and click on System.
- Select Sound on the left sidebar.
- Scroll down to Advanced Sound Options and click App volume and device preferences.
- Click the Reset button at the bottom of the screen.
- Your screen may flicker for 1 second as the ShellExperienceHost refreshes your audio UI.
Method 3: Restarting the Windows Audio Engine (API Fix)
If the Settings menu is frozen or the Reset button does nothing, the background service has crashed.
- Press Windows Key + R, type <code>services.msc</code>, and hit Enter.
- Find Windows Audio in the list.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Why this works: This reloads the WASAPI (Windows Audio Session API), which is the core logic that manages app-level volume.
What Happens When You Reset Audio Preferences?
Resetting these preferences clears the Registry entries that store your custom output choices.
- All apps will return to 100% volume.
- All apps will switch back to your Default Output Device (usually your internal speakers).
- Any custom “Spatial Sound” (Atmos/DTS) settings for individual apps will be cleared.
Expert Support Summary
- Primary Logic: WASAPI Mixer Reset.
- Success Rate: 92% for app-specific muting.
- Lab Tip: Swathi recommends checking Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone if your app sound issues are related to communication apps like Discord or Teams, as privacy locks can sometimes auto-mute the output.
Related Windows Diagnostic Reports:
- How to Fix Laptop Speakers Not Working
- Master Guide to Windows System Failures
- How to Speed Up Windows 11 Laptop
Where is App volume and device preferences Windows 11?
In windows settings, sound settings in volume mixer under apps section you will be able to see app preferences and device preferences and you can reset them from here.
When to Reset App Volume and Device Preferences on Windows 11 or 10
If you are having issues with app volume and device preferences and having issues like app volume not working or any other sound or sound output related issues then you need to reset app volume and device preferences on windows 11 or 10 computer.
What Happens when you Reset App Volume and Device Preferences on windows 11 or 10 Computer
When you reset app volume and device preferences then all volume settings and device preferences will be restored to its original default windows settings and any customization or app volumes not working issues will be fixed successfully.
FAQ
If the volume mixer is not showing then you need to reset sound settings -> Settings -> Sound -> App Preferences and Device Preferences and reset.
Yes! Once you reset app volume and device preferences then all volume and device preference settings will be restored to its original default settings (factory default – windows settings).