Disable Audio Ducking in Windows via Regedit

This guide explains how to disable automatic audio ducking in Windows using the Registry Editor (Regedit). When Windows detects communication activity—such as a voice or video call—it automatically reduces the volume of other background applications. Modifying the system registry allows you to permanently turn off this feature so your media and application volumes remain unchanged during calls.

Steps to Disable Audio Ducking Using Regedit

  1. Open the Registry Editor

    • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type regedit and press Enter (or click OK).
    • Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

  2. Navigate to the Audio Settings Key

    • In the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor window, paste the following path and press Enter: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Multimedia\Audio

  3. Modify or Create the Ducking Preference Value

    • Look for a DWORD (32-bit) Value named UserDuckingPreference in the right pane.
    • If UserDuckingPreference does not exist:
      • Right-click an empty space in the right pane.
      • Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
      • Name the new value UserDuckingPreference.

  4. Set the Value Data

    • Double-click UserDuckingPreference to open its properties.
    • Set the Base to Hexadecimal (or Decimal).
    • Change the Value data to 2 to completely disable ducking (“Do nothing”).
    • Click OK to save the changes.

    (Reference values for UserDuckingPreference: 0 = Reduce volume by 80%, 1 = Reduce volume by 50%, 2 = Do nothing, 3 = Mute all other sounds).

  5. Apply the Changes

    • Close the Registry Editor.
    • Restart your computer, or restart the Windows Audio service via the Task Manager or Services menu, for the changes to take effect immediately.