Windows 11 Now Lets Users Mute the Mic Right from the Taskbar

The most recent Windows 11 preview build introduces new functionality on the taskbar, as it allows users to mute their microphones with just one click.

The whole thing, however, only works in Microsoft Teams, with a microphone icon showing up in the system tray next to your regular network, volume, and battery icons. Simply clicking it allows you to mute and unmute the mic in just a second.

“No more awkward or embarrassing moments when you forget to unmute or mute your microphone. Starting with Microsoft Teams today, you’ll find a microphone icon automatically added to your taskbar when you’re actively in a call. You can see your call audio status, what app is accessing your microphone, and quickly mute and unmute your call at any time,” Microsoft explains in the announcement today.

Other apps can use the mic icon too

The icon only shows up when joining a Microsoft Teams meeting, and it stays there until you end the meeting. And the best of all is that you’ll always see the icon, no matter what you do on your computer – of course, unless you launch something in full screen and the taskbar is no longer invisible.

The new feature is currently available for a limited number of insiders, but Microsoft says it’s working to bring it to more people out there. But the really good news is that other applications can also integrate similar functionality, so it’s all just a matter of time until others will start using the microphone icon too.

“We are beginning to roll this experience out to a subset of Windows Insiders with Microsoft Teams for work or school installed and ramp it up over time. This means not everyone will see this right away with their Teams calls. We plan to bring this to Chat from Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Teams for home) later,” Microsoft explained.