Question:

Could you recommend any complimentary software solutions that allow for the muting of system audio via keyboard shortcuts?

Answer:

: This is a small command-line utility that allows you to do various system tasks, including muting and unmuting your system volume. You can create a shortcut on your desktop linked to a specific NirCmd command to mute the system sound and then assign a keyboard shortcut to this desktop shortcut.

MicMute

: MicMute is a program that runs in your system tray and allows you to quickly mute and unmute your microphone using a pre-defined hotkey. It’s particularly useful if you’re looking to control your microphone settings but can also be used for system audio with some configuration.

SoundVolumeView

: Another utility by NirSoft, SoundVolumeView, allows you to save sound profiles and includes a command-line option to mute and unmute audio. This can be linked to keyboard shortcuts similarly to NirCmd.

AutoHotkey

: For those who are willing to dive a bit into scripting, AutoHotkey is a powerful tool that can automate almost anything on your Windows PC, including muting system audio. You can write a simple script to toggle the mute state and assign it to any keyboard shortcut of your choice.

Windows 10/11 Shortcuts

: While not a third-party software, it’s worth mentioning that Windows 10 and 11 have built-in keyboard shortcuts that can control the volume. For instance, many keyboards come with dedicated volume keys, and you can also use the volume mixer to set up mute shortcuts for specific applications.

These tools offer a range of functionalities, from simple mute toggles to more complex sound management options. They can cater to various needs, whether you’re looking for a quick mute button or a comprehensive sound profile management system. Remember to check the compatibility of these tools with your operating system to ensure seamless operation.