The Communication Cutoff
Windows 11 includes a built-in audio management feature designed for VoIP and video conferencing. When the operating system detects that you have initiated a voice or video call (using applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Skype), it assumes you need absolute focus on that conversation. To facilitate this, Windows automatically ducks (lowers the volume of) or completely mutes all other background audio, such as a YouTube video you were watching or a Spotify playlist you were listening to. While this is helpful in a busy office environment, it is incredibly annoying if you are casually chatting with friends on Discord while simultaneously trying to listen to game audio or background music.
Disabling Automatic Audio Ducking
To retain full manual control over your system’s volume levels and stop Windows 11 from automatically muting or lowering the volume of other applications during voice calls, you must adjust the classic Sound Control Panel settings.
Press the Windows key, type Change system sounds, and press Enter to open the Sound Control Panel. In the small window that appears, look at the row of tabs across the top and click on Communications. You will see a prompt asking, “When Windows detects communications activity:” followed by four radio button options. By default, it is usually set to “Reduce the volume of other sounds by 80%” or “Mute all other sounds.” To completely disable this behavior, click the radio button next to Do nothing. Click Apply at the bottom right, and then click OK. From now on, your background music and game audio will remain at their original volume levels regardless of any incoming or outgoing calls.