How to stop volume of background applications from lowering...

[UberB]

How do I stop volume of background applications from lowering when I play a game?

Whenever I start a skype call or want to play a game with voice chat, the volume of background applications instantly drops by a significant amount. This is annoying because I want to listen to music while I game and it's just not possible like this.

A quick Google search suggests that this is a common Windows 7 "feature":

audio - Windows 7 lowers applications' volume automatically - Super User

I have applied the fix suggested in the article (Change settings to "do Nothing" when Windows detects communication activity) but this did not work. Any ideas why? I am running a Thinkpad T530 laptop and I have a Realtek sound card.

 

[Andreas W]

Since you have already changed your sound setting to "do nothing" open up Skype and disable both settings in Skype under tools->sound settings, that says "let Skype configure your microphone" & "automaticly change speaker settings" to my knowledge that should work

 

[Layback Bear]

In my opinion you are just asking a ASUS X82S to do more than it is designed to do at one time.

 

[bulletng]

I'm curious if disabling the Exclusive Mode options under the Advanced Speaker Settings will do anything:

 

[carwiz]

That's the other setting Bullet. Good catch!

 

[UberB]

I have applied both settings but still my volume is lowering. I get this in games too (like Dota 2, TF2), not just Skype so I don't think it's a Skype setting. I'm also using a Thinkpad T530, not an Asus X82S.

if i disable my microphone, volume levels are as they should be without being suppressed. However I don't want to do this every time I want to play a game. Help would be appreciated.

 

[kyokatsoma]

Same issue diff comp.

I have this issue on an HP Compaq 6200 Pro. On Win7. I've tried "do nothing" for the communications settings. (See prt screen) I have the check boxes unchecked in Headset Earphone Properties. (see print screen)
Skype Audio Settings. (see attachment).

I've read posts that say Nvidia does it.
I don't think I have that I have Realtek. (See attachment.)
I'm assuming it's Jabra...