Windows 10: Certain apps remove Win10 volume control

This problem was first noticed playing Ubisoft's Skyrim: all volume control via taskbar is lost as long as the program is producing audio output, which in the case of this game is as long as the game retains focus. Bringing a different program (or the desktop) to the foreground returns volume control. This is an older program, relatively speaking, and so I paid the problem no heed. I never lose ability to control volume through my audio receiver.


However, I recently installed the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store (so as to avoid using a browser for access), and I've been struck with the same problem: as long as the Netflix app is producing audio output (in this case: as long as anything is streaming, focused or not), I cannot control the volume of anything through normal interfaces - not the Netflix app nor the taskbar (despite all sliders both showing and animating response to my input). As soon as the Netflix app stops streaming and returns to just browsing selections, all volume control return to normal.


What is the common thread between how these programs utilize the audio streams of Windows 10 Pro (1803) which appears to be the root of this issue?

:)

 

No separate Volume Control for Win10 Apps?

So, back in the days of running Win7, I could open the Sound Mixer, and every program I would open had its own individualized Volume Level Setting that I could adjust the way I wanted. When I went to Win8, and now Win10, I found that Apps obtained through
the Windows Store did not receive an individual Volume Level Setting. I'd be happy if it was at least covered under a blanket Volume Level Setting under the "Windows Store App" type of label, but it is not, instead, it is only able to be adjusted by lowering
the Main Volume Control.

Does someone know if there is a way to change this, or are we going to need Microsoft to release an update to the Volume Control system first?

 

volume control error

Hi Akash,

The issue with volume control could have happened due to the corrupted or outdated driver. To resolve your issue, we suggest that you follow the 2 methods below:

Method 1: Run the Audio Troubleshooter on the system.



Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with Sound. We would suggest you run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with your Audio



Refer these steps:

• Press Windows key+X, select Control panel.
• Change the view as an option on the top right to Large icons.
• Click on troubleshooting and click on the view all option on the left panel
• Run the playing Audio troubleshooter

Method 2. Uninstall and reinstall the latest drivers from the manufacturer website.

Follow the steps to update the audio drivers:

• Press Windows key + X key and click Device Manager.
• Expand the Sound, Video and game controllers.
• Right-click on the Sound card and click on Uninstall.
• Install the latest audio driver from the manufacturer website.

Let us know the result for us to assist you further.

 

Wishing to lock volume control as an administrator

Hello,

You can use Family Safety to monitor the accessed websites, search history, and the apps and games they're opening. Currently, there is no way to control the volume of your device through Family Safety. However, we'd like to suggest in hiding the volume
control from the taskbar. Here's how you can do this:

• Press Windows key on your keyboard or click Start.
• On the Cortana search box, type Taskbar Settings and click the result.
• Under Notification area, click Select which icons appear on the taskbar.
• Turn Off the toggle for Volume.
• Verify that the volume is removed from the taskbar.

Let us know if you were able to hide the volume control.