How to Fix Sound Too Quiet on Windows on Windows
Volume at max but sound is still too quiet? Fix low audio output on Windows including quiet speakers, headphones, and apps not reaching full volume.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix No Audio or Sound →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Volume at 100% but sound barely audible
- •One app is loud but another is very quiet
- •Headphones quiet on PC but fine on phone
- •Sound was louder before a Windows Update
- •Volume drops when making a call or video chat
- •External speakers quieter than laptop speakers
Common Causes
- ⚠Per-app volume mixer set low
- ⚠Communication activity reducing volume
- ⚠Loudness equalization disabled
- ⚠Audio enhancements turned off
- ⚠Wrong audio output device selected
- ⚠Audio driver not using full dynamic range
Solutions
Solution 1: Check Volume Mixer and Per-App Levels
- 1Right-click the speaker icon in taskbar > Open volume mixer
- 2Check that individual app volume sliders are set to 100%
- 3Click the output device at the top and verify correct device selected
- 4In older Windows 10: right-click speaker > Open Volume Mixer
- 5Raise all app sliders to maximum
Solution 2: Disable Communication Volume Reduction
- 1Right-click speaker icon > Sound settings
- 2Scroll down and click "More sound settings"
- 3Go to Communications tab
- 4Select "Do nothing" instead of "Reduce the volume of other sounds"
- 5Click Apply and OK
Solution 3: Enable Loudness Equalization
- 1Right-click speaker icon > Sound settings > More sound settings
- 2Double-click your playback device (speakers/headphones)
- 3Go to Enhancements tab (or Advanced > Audio Enhancements)
- 4Check "Loudness Equalization"
- 5Click Apply — volume should immediately increase
- 6If no Enhancements tab, check your audio driver app (Realtek, Nahimic, etc.)
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