Windows – Google Chrome Missing from Volume Mixer

audiogoogle-chromewindowswindows 8.1

I have Windows 8.1, and Google Chrome is missing from my Volume Mixer (it does not show up on it). I cannot hear any audio from that program. I've tested both Flash audio (e.g., YouTube) and HTML5 audio. I can see video perfectly fine.

I can hear audio from other programs, including other web browsers, perfectly fine. I have tried uninstalling and re-installing Chrome. No dice. My coworker can hear audio perfectly fine on his computer.

The really strange thing is that he and I both just got new Windows 8 machines yesterday, and my previous computer started having the same problem a couple of weeks ago. I didn't try to fix it because I was getting this one. I'm using a brand new computer!

Is there a way to force Chrome into the Volume Mixer?

Best Answer

The volume mixer only shows applications that have an IAudioSession[1] open.

If Chrome isn’t showing up, then it is possible that another application is taking exclusive control of the audio output. In that case, try closing/killing that application, or disabling the exclusive-use option:

  1. Open the Control Panel → Sound → Speakers → Advanced
  2. Check or un-check Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device
  3. Test if Chrome shows up when playing a sound