AppAudioConfig is a free, portable utility by NirSoft that allows you to view and customize audio settings (volume, mute status, and left/right balance) for individual Windows applications by directly modifying the Windows Registry. Unlike the built-in Windows Volume Mixer, which requires programs to be active and playing sound to adjust them, AppAudioConfig lets you change settings for any application that has previously played audio on your system. Core Requirements Operating System: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Crucial Rule: The target application must be closed while making changes in AppAudioConfig. If the application is running, it will overwrite your custom settings with its active session settings when it closes. Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Download and Run: Download the utility from the official NirSoft AppAudioConfig page. Extract the ZIP file and run AppAudioConfig.exe (no installation required).
Locate the Application: The main window will display a list of all applications that have ever registered an audio policy in your Windows Registry. Scroll or use Ctrl + F to find your program (e.g., chrome.exe or spotify.exe).
Modify Audio Settings: Select one or multiple applications from the list, then use the following actions:
Set Volume: Press F2 (or go to Edit > Set Application Volume) and enter a value between 0% and 100%. Mute: Press F7 to immediately mute the selected programs. Unmute: Press F8 to unmute them.
Adjust Balance: Double-click the application to open the Properties window, where you can manually tweak the left and right audio channel percentages.
Launch the Program: Open your customized application to hear the modified audio level. Why Use AppAudioConfig Over Native Windows Settings?
Batch Editing: You can select dozens of apps simultaneously and mute or set them to a uniform volume with a single keypress.
Offline Configuration: You can configure an application’s volume before you launch it, avoiding sudden loud bursts of sound.
Registry Clean-up: It exposes the hidden registry path (HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\Audio\PolicyConfig\PropertyStore) where Windows stores persistent app volumes, allowing you to track or clear stale audio entries.
If you would like to explore alternative ways to manage your audio, let me know if you want to learn how to route apps to different physical speakers, automate audio profiles via command-line scripts, or use modern overlay alternatives like EarTrumpet.
AppAudioConfig – Edit app audio settings in Windows Registry