Microsoft has introduced a redesigned audio settings interface in the latest Windows 11 preview build, available to Beta and Experimental channel users. The update features a new volume slider that displays real-time audio activity from background media playback.
The company continues to migrate audio management tools from the legacy Control Panel to the Settings app. Users can now enable hardware acceleration for supported devices directly within the Advanced section of the device properties menu.
The update also allows users to configure exclusive mode and manage adaptive volume settings for communication activities without leaving the Settings app. Additionally, the interface now includes options to filter input and output devices.
New management features include a toggle to show or hide disabled or disconnected devices, as well as the addition of jack information for specific hardware. A new banner notifies users when mono audio is active, indicating that certain settings may be disabled.
