Windows 11 unmutes if computer is locked or screen turns off from inactivity

I had to switch to using my wife's laptop temporarily as my usual work laptop is in for repairs and I have run into a problem. I use it for work and I usually keep it on mute when I visit clients but this laptop keeps unmuting when it is locked or the screen turns off after being inactive. I was explaining something to clients on a whiteboard recently, the laptop screen turned off and started blaring music I didn't realise was playing in the background, as I have to live with this laptop for a few weeks yet I would like to get this sorted out if possible.

The laptop is set on mute and once I wake up the laptop and the screen comes back on it immediately goes back on mute. However I have tested it a few times and the volume always comes back on after locking or the screen going off. Does anyone have any ideas on how to solve this? The laptop is an Asus ZenBook Pro 15 originally with Windows 10 and upgraded to Windows 11 Home using the official Microsoft upgrade program.

Until a 'fix' is found turn the volume fully down in Windows. Also locate the Fn key plus another Fx key for volume control on the keyboard, usually are three, one for up and one for down and for off or mute, will have symbols for those. The hardware keys take precedence over the Operating System, at least on my Notebooks. Mult-media keyboards for Desktops have separate keys for that. And be sure to involve your wife so she is aware [6 decades of experience on that].

Berton said:

Until a 'fix' is found turn the volume fully down in Windows. Also locate the Fn key plus another Fx key for volume control on the keyboard, usually are three, one for up and one for down and for off or mute, will have symbols for those. The hardware keys take precedence over the Operating System, at least on my Notebooks. Mult-media keyboards for Desktops have separate keys for that. And be sure to involve your wife so she is aware [6 decades of experience on that].

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Thanks for the suggestion, I will try that. For now I have set the laptop screen to not turn off even on battery power but that obviously has significant effects on battery life so I would hope there's a fix somewhere.