Per‑App Volume Control via Taskbar Scroll #389
Description
As a user, I want to scroll over an application’s icon on the Windows taskbar to adjust only that app’s volume, so that I can quickly lower or raise its sound without affecting the system volume or other applications.
Scenario Example
I’m listening to music in Spotify and I want to quickly turn down/mute it when a Teams call starts.
By hovering over the Spotify icon and scrolling down (or middle button), users could reduce the music volume without interrupting or lowering the call volume.
If the user scrolls over empty taskbar space or non-app items, the system volume continues to adjust as usual.
Outcome
This makes multitasking smoother, avoids unnecessary clicks into the volume mixer, and keeps a user's workflow uninterrupted.
Proposed Behavior
Hover + Scroll on App Icon > Adjust that application’s audio volume.
Hover + Scroll on Empty Taskbar Space / Non‑App Item > Continue adjusting the system master volume (current behavior).
Visual Feedback: Display the adjusted app’s volume percentage on the OSD while scrolling. Display the adjusted app's icon on the OSD indicating that an individual app's volume is being adjusted.
Possible Technical Approach
- Detect which tray icon is under the mouse (there are multiple approaches but no API method, unfortunately)
- Resolve it to a process
- Map that process to an audio session
- Adjust that session’s volume and show an OSD with that app’s icon/name