When you join a Microsoft Teams call on Windows 11, you might notice that other apps like Spotify, YouTube, or a game suddenly go silent. This happens because Windows 11 automatically enters Communication Mode as soon as Teams detects an active call. Communication Mode is a built-in audio behavior that reduces or mutes all other sounds so your call audio stays clear. This article explains exactly why Windows 11 does this, which settings control it, and how to stop it from muting your background apps.
Key Takeaways: How Windows 11 Communication Mode Mutes Background Audio During Teams Calls
- Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer > Advanced sound options > App volume and device preferences: Shows which apps are set to Communication Only and lets you override the behavior per app.
- Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings > Communications tab: The master toggle that controls whether Windows reduces or mutes all other sounds when a communication app is in use.
- Right-click speaker icon in taskbar > Open volume mixer: Quickly adjust per-app volume levels and see which apps are currently being suppressed by Communication Mode.
Why Windows 11 Mutes Background Apps During a Teams Call
Windows 11 includes a feature called Communication Mode that activates whenever a Universal Windows Platform communication app or a desktop app like Microsoft Teams starts a call. The system checks the audio session for a flag called communications usage. When the flag is detected, Windows applies a global audio ducking rule: it reduces the volume of all non-communication audio streams by a preset percentage, typically 80%, or mutes them entirely depending on your settings. This behavior is controlled by a legacy Control Panel setting under Sound > Communications. The default option is “Reduce the volume of other sounds by 80%.” Microsoft Teams itself also sends a software command to Windows to enter this mode. The purpose is to prevent background noise from competing with the person speaking on the call. This is not a bug. It is a deliberate design that prioritizes call clarity over multitasking audio.
How Windows Detects a Communication App
Windows identifies communication apps by the audio device role they request. When Teams starts a call, it asks the audio subsystem for a device role of communications. Windows then checks the current Communications tab setting. If the setting is anything other than “Do nothing,” the system applies the audio ducking rule to all other audio sessions. This detection happens automatically and cannot be disabled per app from the volume mixer. You can only change the global rule or adjust individual app volumes after ducking has already occurred.
Steps to Stop Windows 11 From Muting Background Apps During Teams Calls
You have two main methods to prevent Communication Mode from muting your background apps. The first method changes the global Windows behavior. The second method lets you keep the global behavior but adjust per-app volumes after ducking.
Method 1: Change the Global Communication Mode Setting
- Open Sound settings
Press Win + I to open Settings. Go to System > Sound. - Open the legacy Sound panel
Scroll down and click More sound settings. This opens the old Control Panel Sound dialog. - Go to the Communications tab
In the Sound dialog, select the Communications tab. - Select your preferred behavior
You will see four options:
– Mute all other sounds
– Reduce the volume of other sounds by 80% (default)
– Reduce the volume of other sounds by 50%
– Do nothing
Select Do nothing to stop Windows from ever muting or ducking background apps during a Teams call. - Apply and restart Teams
Click Apply, then OK. Close and reopen Microsoft Teams for the change to take effect. Background apps will now play at full volume during calls.
Method 2: Adjust Per-App Volume After Ducking
If you want to keep the 80% reduction for most calls but occasionally need a specific app to be louder, use the volume mixer.
- Start a Teams call
Join or start any Teams meeting. The ducking effect is only active during an active call. - Open the volume mixer
Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select Open volume mixer. Alternatively, press Win + Ctrl + V. - Raise the background app volume
You will see a slider for each running app. The background app you want to hear, such as Spotify or a browser, will be at a lower level because of ducking. Drag its slider up to your desired level. This override persists only for the current call. After you end the call, the app returns to its normal volume level.
Common Issues and Misconceptions About Communication Mode
Changing the Communications Tab Does Not Work Immediately
The Communications tab setting is read by Windows only when a communication app starts a new audio session. If you change the setting while a Teams call is active, the change does not apply until you end the call and start a new one. Always restart Teams after changing the Communications tab.
Teams Has Its Own Audio Ducking Setting
Microsoft Teams includes an internal setting that can also reduce background app volume. In Teams, go to Settings > Devices and look for Noise suppression. Setting it to High or Low affects how aggressively Teams processes your microphone audio, but it does not directly control the Windows Communication Mode. If you already set Windows to Do nothing but Teams still mutes background apps, check the Teams device settings for any audio enhancements.
Some Apps Do Not Respect the Volume Mixer Override
Certain apps, especially older Win32 applications, may not expose their audio sessions to the Windows volume mixer. In that case, the only reliable fix is to set the Communications tab to Do nothing. If you need the app audio during calls, use the app’s own volume control or mute the Teams call when not speaking.
Communication Mode vs Do Nothing: Audio Behavior Comparison
| Item | Communication Mode (Default 80% reduction) | Do Nothing Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Background app volume during call | Reduced by 80% or muted | Unchanged at original level |
| Call audio clarity | Higher priority, less background noise | Same as normal, risk of audio overlap |
| User control per app | Manual override in volume mixer resets after call | No ducking occurs, all apps play at their set volume |
| Recommended for | Users who want clear calls and don’t need background audio | Users who need to hear music, alerts, or game audio during calls |
You now know why Windows 11 mutes background apps during Teams calls and how to control it. To stop the muting entirely, set the Communications tab to Do nothing. To keep some ducking but boost a specific app, use the volume mixer with Win + Ctrl + V during a call. For advanced control, consider using third-party audio routing tools like EarTrumpet, which give you per-app volume sliders that persist across calls.