Windows 11 could finally solve one of the most common video call problems

Microsoft is trying to solve a serious annoyance for video conferencing customers with a brand new preview replace for Windows 11.The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22494, which was launched to the Dev Channel in early November, is getting a brand new approach to mute and unmute the microphone, straight from the taskbar.

The function will initally be restricted to Microsoft Teams, the firm's online collaboration app, however the firm is anticipating builders to choose it up and add the performance to different functions, as properly.

Microsoft Teams muting

“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,” Microsoft mentioned in its announcement. “This means not everyone will see this right away with their Teams calls.”As quickly as a consumer enters a Teams call, Windows 11 will add a microphone icon to the backside proper half of the display screen, subsequent to the quantity, battery and Wi-Fi icons. By merely tapping/clicking the icon, the consumer can shortly toggle between mute and unmute states. The functionality solely applies to the present call, the firm added. Right now, the function is proscribed to Microsoft Teams, however the firm’s plan is to deliver it to Chat from Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Teams for residence) as properly. It additionally mentioned different communications functions can add this functionality, that means it’s as much as particular person corporations or customers to see if including it is smart.“You can see your call audio status, what app is accessing your microphone, and quickly mute and unmute your call at any time,” Microsoft additional defined.There can also be a keyboard shortcut to mute/unmute the microphone: Win + Alt + Ok. This, too, works solely in Microsoft Teams, for the time being.