Windows 10: Applications muted when running a game

I'm running Windows 11 on a 2021-model gaming laptop with all recent updates, as of May 9th, verified with both the Intel Driver & Support Assistant and Windows's own update section. After downloading and installing Windows updates yesterday evening May 8th, I've run into an issue where when I launch a game, all other applications are muted save the game. What I've tried so far: - I've verified my audio driver wasn't updated in device manager it's been this version since last year with no problems before yesterday, checked there weren't any new updates to install, and checked if I had

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Volume Mixer not showing muted app

The application was muted on Windows 10 with November update. Now I am using Anniversary update, on build 14393.10

The initial step did not help make Banished show up in the Volume Mixer, nor did the article.

 

Volume Mixer not showing muted app

I do not have an audio problem in the context of "Audio is not playing". The problem is in the fact that Volume Mixer will not show a muted app. This issue has been around since Windows 7.

If you mute an application, it will not show up in Volume Mixer next time you start it. Is there any way I could find the settings for muted applications and change those to 'unmuted'?

 

Wanting to run old games

Hi Jameson,

Welcome to Microsoft Community. Your interest in Windows 10 is much appreciated.

I would suggest you to refer the below link and check the compatibility of the game with Windows 10.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/CompatCenter/Home

You may also try installing the game in compatibility mode.
Follow these steps to install the game software in compatibility mode and check if that helps.

• • • • 
        Right-click on the game setup file and click on
        ‘properties’.
        
      • 
        Click on the ‘compatibility’ tab and check the box
        ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for’ and select Windows 8 operating system from the drop down menu and proceed with the installation. Once this is done, restart the computer and check if the issue persists.
        

If the issue still persists, I would suggest you to get in touch with the game manufacturer if it’s specific to that particular game.

Keep us posted if you face any issues on windows in future. We will be glad to help you.