SOLVED: Volume is too loud in Windows 10

• Volume issues could ruin your entire experience, so let us help you out if the volume is too loud.
• The problem may appear due to software glitches or it could be hardware-related. Therefore, try to restore the original audio driver or use Boom 3D Equalizer.
• Stay away from similar situations with the latest tricks found in this Audio Issues section.
• Bookmark this Windows 10 Troubleshooting Hub to be one click away from professional guidance.

Is your computer or laptop volume too loud in Windows 10? Are you seeing the volume display showing as a lower level yet it plays on maximum volume, and turning it up doesn’t help?

If this is the case, or you’re having a similar problem with different specifications, then your machine could be having sound problems.

Sound issues come up when there are audio driver problems, or sound files and settings are changed, resulting in the controls in the sound mixer being grayed out.

There are different ways to resolve this but you could start by rebooting your machine and installing any pending updates. If the problem persists, you can try the solutions below to see if it goes away.

How can I fix Windows 10 system sounds being too loud?

1. Restore the original audio driver
2. Use Boom 3D Equalizer
3. Run Hardware Troubleshooter
4. Update audio driver
5. Uninstall Sound card drivers
6. Buy or build an inline attenuator
7. Adjust settings using Levels tab
8. Use Equalizer APO
9. Lower system volume
10. Turn off sound processor
11. Switch to Windows native audio driver
12. Install updated firmware (BIOS)
13. Perform a system restore

1. Restore the original audio driver

This quickly resets audio settings for the audio or sound hardware causing Windows to reinitialize the audio configuration.

Depending on your kind of computer, a driver recovery will restore the audio drivers for your sound hardware that was pre-installed on it.

2. Use Boom 3D Equalizer

This tool from Global Delight Apps is one of the best equalizers that have been ever developed. Easy to use, with great sound adjustment features, and intelligent sound-to-ear adaptation, this is a tool you should definitely try.

What you need in this situation, is its equalizer feature and here’s what you can make with it:

• Change sound indicators from a zero point on the equalizer
• Activate a sound preset and changing the frequencies from there until you get the right sound intensity
• Adding special effects that will eliminate certain frequencies
• Choosing the type of headphones and adapting to their construction (in case you use headphones)

With these features, you will be able to minimize the volume on your Windows laptop or PC, especially if certain frequencies are too loud.

Boom 3D

3. Run Hardware Troubleshooter

1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Control Panel.
3. Go to View by option.
4. Click the drop-down arrow and select Large icons.
5. Click Troubleshooting.
6. Click View all option on the left pane.
7. Locate Playing Audio.
8. Run Playing Audio troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

The Hardware troubleshooter tool is built-in on Windows 10 operating system so as to check and resolve any sound issues you may have.

4. Update audio driver

1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Locate Sound, Video and game controllers.
4. Click to expand the list.
5. Right-click on Sound card.
6. Click Uninstall.
7. Download the latest audio driver set up file from the manufacturer’s website.
8. Install the audio driver.

Update the network and the audio drivers for Windows 10 from your Device Manager manually, by uninstalling, then reinstalling them from the manufacturer’s website.

5. Uninstall Sound card drivers

1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Search for the sound card driver from the list of devices.
4. Right-click on the sound card driver.
5. Select Uninstall.
6. If you get the option Delete the driver software for this device, click and remove corrupted drivers.
7. Restart your computer if prompted to do so.
8. After restarting, install the latest drivers.

Sometimes background sound issues may be caused by a damaged or incompatible driver, or a problem with your sound card.

If it is your sound card driver, complete the above procedure to uninstall it and see if it resolved the issue.

6. Buy or build an inline attenuator

If software solutions don’t help, you can buy an attenuator or build one, as this is a fixed volume reduction device or extension cable with volume control.

7. Adjust settings using Levels tab

1. Plug in your headset.
2. Click Start and select Control Panel.
3. Select Hardware and Sound.
4. Select Sound.
5. Choose your Headset and click Properties.
6. Click the Levels tab.
7. Drag the slider left to a reasonable level.
8. Click OK.

8. Use Equalizer APO

1. Download and install Equalizer APO.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Open C:Program FilesEqualizer APOconfigconfig.txt.
4. Replace it with Preamp: -24 dB or a similar value to your liking.

Don’t hesitate to give a try to Equalizer APO when the volume is too loud. The changes will be applied immediately when saving the file.

9. Lower system volume

1. Click Start and open Control Panel.
2. Select Hardware and Sound.
3. Click Sound.
4. Click the Default Device option.
5. Select Properties/Levels.
6. Scroll down and check the level, if it is at 100, lower it to 10 percent.

10. Turn off sound processor

Some computers may have a built-in sound equalizer like DTS Studio Sound which starts automatically with Windows.

This processor can create an amplified signal forcing you to have a volume set high at 3 or 4, so you cannot adjust it and it gets too loud.

In this case, turn off the processor to get a regular sound volume that you can modulate finely.

11. Switch to Windows native audio driver

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Sound, video & game controllers.
3. Right-click on Realtek High Definition Audio.
4. Select to Update Driver Software.
5. Click on Browse my computer for driver software.
6. Click Let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer.
7. Put a check in the box Show compatible hardware if not already checked.
8. In the list of devices, click High Definition Audio (the native driver).
9. Click Next.
10. On the Update Driver Warning box, click Yes (install the driver).
11. Restart the laptop if prompted. If not prompted, then no need to restart.

Depending on the audio driver your computer model uses, it could create problems like volume too loud in Windows 10.

If using Realtek, for example, it could cause such issues, so you can switch to the native audio driver, as described above.

To get back to the Realtek driver, do it again but reverse the names in steps above.

12. Install updated firmware (BIOS)

BIOS allows Windows to start when the computer is turned on. Updating it can resolve compatibility conflicts that may exist between different hardware components on the computer.

Before you begin updating the BIOS note the product number of your computer, have an Internet connection ready, and a pencil and paper.

• Find your current BIOS version number by clicking Start then typing exe in the search box. Click msinfo32.exe from the list of results
• In the System Information window, look for BIOS Version/Date (your current BIOS version) and write it down on the paper
• While still in the System Information window, look for Processor entry and write it down on the paper. Ensure that the BIOS you are about to install is meant for use with your computer’s specific processor.
• Find and download BIOS updates by going to your computer manufacturer’s website and find the product page for your computer’s model. Select the OS and click Submit. If a BIOS category is listed, select BIOS then choose the correct one for your processor and follow the screen prompts

Note: Make sure to read the overview and system requirements to confirm the BIOS update is for your computer, then click Download and save it to your desired location. Don’t select Run BIOS update over the network.

• Install the BIOS update, which will take a few minutes during which time the computer may beep or display goes blank, cooling fans will turn on and off, and the power button will flash – this is normal and expected. Do NOT shut down or restart until the update is complete.
• Close any open programs prior and disable your antivirus (enable after installation).
• Find the BIOS file and double-click on it to start installation then follow on-screen prompts.
• Wait for the installation to complete and restart your computer.

After updating the BIOS, do a sound test to check the volume. If you still find volume too loud in Windows 10, perform a system restore as shown in the next solution.

13. Perform a system restore

1. Click Start.
2. Go to the search field box and type System Restore.
3. Click Create a Restore point.
4. Click Next.
5. Click a restore point created before you experienced the problem.
6. Click Next.
7. Click Finish.

If the sound was regulated before but has since stopped working or is too loud, use the Windows System restore utility to attempt to correct the problem.

NOTE: The Windows System Restore utility restores system files to a specific point in time, called a restore point. Any software application or utility that is installed after the restore point is created will not work and must be reinstalled.

After system restore, test the sound again to see if it restores your sound back to normalcy.

If you’re still having trouble with the volume too loud in Windows 10, post a comment in the section below and let us know the details.

Even more, keep in mind that the previously mentioned solutions may be applied when dealing with any of these issues:

• Speakers too loud at lowest volume – If you’re looking for an easy fix, then let us tell you that restoring the original audio driver will do wonders in your case.
• Windows 10 audio too loud – If the sound volume on your Windows computer has become too loud, feel free to adjust settings using the Levels tab or update your audio driver.
• Windows 10 notification sounds too loud – If you are getting this problem with notification sounds too loud, you should run the Hardware Troubleshooter. If it stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of this complete guide.
• Windows 10 system sounds too loud – When the system sounds too loud, there is another thing that you can do. As detailed above, download Boom 3D and make a few quick changes.

FIX: Windows 10 volume is too low [Full Guide]

• If the W indows 10 volume is too low, it might be an issue with the volume controls.
• You can run the dedicated troubleshooter if the Windows 10 sound becomes too low.
• A solution for this issue is to use third-party sound software.
• Gently cleaning your speakers can also lead to a sound volume increase.

1. Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).
2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
3. Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

• Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

Low PC volume isn’t an entirely uncommon scenario in Windows 10. In most cases, there are relatively straightforward fixes for software sound that doesn’t match up with the Windows volume bar level.

If you experience a low laptop or desktop volume, these are a few resolutions that will probably restore the volume level in Windows.

How can I solve PC sound volume issues on Windows 10 PCs?

1. Check all the Volume Controls

First, check every volume control for programs. There are usually other volume controls that will override the Windows 10 speaker bar shown in the snapshot below.

In fact, there might be three volume controls that have an impact on one program’s sound. Aside from clicking on the system tray speaker icon, check the volume controls on your speakers.

Make sure that the speaker volume control is closer to the maximum. Note that some laptops also include a rotary volume control on the side or front.

Most media player software tools include their own volume sliders.

If the third-party software volume control is turned down much more than the Windows volume slider, their video and music playback sound will also be lower than the platform’s audio level.

As such, look out for volume bars in multimedia software.

The Windows Volume Mixer also includes a volume control bar for third-party software.

If that volume bar is dragged down, a program’s sound might be lower than the audio configuration for your PC’s default speakers.

Right-click the speaker icon on the system tray and select Open Volume Mixer to open the window directly below.

Then you can raise the audio slider for third-party software open on the taskbar if the volume is too low.

2. Try using a third-party equalizer

In case this first solution does not work, we recommend you to adjust the volume by using third-party equalizer software. You’ve probably heard about the software recommended below.

This award-winning pro audio enhancement app will easily let you change your volume by manipulating the frequencies from its equalizer.

This tool is known to capture every detail, in all its clarity. Even more, you can also add special effects in order to enhance the sound and choose what type of headphones you are using.

The app comes at a great price on the official website, but it also has a free trial that will help you see if it’s a perfect fit or not.

⇒ Get Boom 3D

3. Run the Playing Audio troubleshooter

1. Click the Cortana button to open Windows 10’s search box.
2. Enter the keyword troubleshooter in the search box.
3. Click Troubleshoot to open the Settings window as shown directly below.
4. Select the listed Playing Audio troubleshooter and press the Run the troubleshooter button to open the window shown below.
5. Then the troubleshooter might detect and fix the audio issue. If the troubleshooter fixes something, you might also need to restart Windows for the changes to take effect.

If you’ve increased all the volume controls and the sound is still too low, open the Playing Audio troubleshooter.

Windows 10 includes the Playing Audio troubleshooter that can resolve numerous volume issues. You can open that troubleshooter as described above.

The Windows search box is missing? Get it back with some simple steps from this nifty guide.

Also, if you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this quick article to solve the issue.

4. Check the Selected Playback Device

Run a System Scan to discover potential errors

If you have multiple playback devices, check the one you need sound on is the default device. You can do that by right-clicking the speaker icon on the system tray and selecting Playback devices.

That will open the window directly below that lists playback devices. Right-click the one that needs to be the default playback device and select Set as Default Device.

Now you will hopefully hear the sound through the desired output like it was supposed to.

5. Hoover your speakers

Dust might be clogging your desktop’s speakers and reducing their audio level. As such, cleaning speakers is another potential resolution for PC volume too low.

If you can, hoover your speakers with a hoover pipe to give them a more thorough cleaning. Hand vacuum cleaners are the best for cleaning speakers as they have lighter suction.

Gently wipe over the speaker cones with a cotton swab to finish. Do not apply too much pressure because the speaker membrane is very sensitive and you may damage it.

6. Select the Loudness Equalization Setting

1. Right-click the speaker system tray icon and select Playback devices.
2. Then right-click your default speakers and select Properties to open the window below.
3. Select the Enhancements tab shown directly below.
4. Select the Loudness Equalization option.
5. Click the Apply and OK buttons to close the window.

If the volume level is inconsistent in Windows, some software sound will be somewhat lower than what it could be. The Loudness Equalization setting can make a difference.

This option ensures a more consistent volume across all programs, which will increase the average audio level. This is how you can select Loudness Equalization.

If your Windows 10 sound is increasing automatically, you may want to check out this detailed guide to quickly solve the issue.

7. Update Windows

1. Open the Cortana app’s search box.
2. Enter the keyword updates in Cortana’s search box.
3. Select Check for updates to open the window shown directly below.
4. Select the Check for updates option to see if there are any available updates.
5. Available updates will then be listed. Click the Install now button to add new updates to Windows.
6. Click the Restart now button if a reboot is required.

The low volume could be due to sound card incompatibility with Windows 10, especially if you’ve recently upgraded to that platform. Updating Windows can resolve sound card compatibility issues.

If you want to know more about sound card issues and how can you solve them, check out this in-depth guide.

8. Restart the Sound Controller

1. Restarting the sound controller might help resolve volume that’s too low in Windows.
2. You can restart the sound controller (or card) by pressing the Win key + X hotkey to open the Win + X menu.
3. Select Device Manager.
4. Double-click Sound, video, and game controllers to expand the list of audio devices.
5. Right-click your active sound controller and select Disable device.
6. Press the Yes button on the dialog box window to confirm the selected option.
7. Wait a few minutes, and right-click the disabled sound controller, and select Enable.
8. Then restart the Windows OS.

9. Update the Audio Driver

9.1 Update the driver manually

1. Open Device Manager once again.
2. Double-click Sound, video, and game controllers to expand its pertinent devices.
3. Right-click the listed sound card and select Update driver.
4. Click Search automatically for updated driver software to automatically update the audio driver.
5. Reboot your laptop or desktop if Windows updates the driver.

It might be the case that your sound card’s driver needs updating. Updating an antiquated sound card driver can resolve numerous audio issues. Use the steps above to update an audio driver in Windows 10.

9.2 Get the newest driver from the manufacturer’s website

1. Even if Windows doesn’t update the driver, you might still find a more updated driver on the sound card manufacturer’s website.
2. Right-click the sound card listed in Device Manager and select Properties to open the window below.

1. Open the website of the manufacturer listed on the General tab shown directly above.
2. Click a Download hyperlink on the site or enter your sound card in a driver search box to find a compatible audio driver.
3. Select to download an update audio driver that’s compatible with your 32 or 64-bit Windows platform.
4. Add the update audio driver to Windows by opening the folder you saved it to and launching its setup wizard.
5. Restart Windows after updating the driver.

9.3 Update the driver automatically

Manually updating the sound driver is OK, but it can take a little bit of time and skill and at the end, you might still not get the very last driver issued by the manufacturer.

Another quicker and easier solution is to use a third-party, dedicated software that will update and even repair problematic drivers in just a few seconds automatically.

The recommended solution below is very light, easy to use and it does all that with just a few clicks.

DriverFix

Did you know that the majority of Windows 10 users have outdated drivers? Be a step ahead using this detailed guide.

So, there are numerous resolutions that might fix the Windows 10 low volume problem. You can also try fixing the issue with some of these repair toolkits.

However, you might need replacement desktop speakers if none of the above fixes work. So, you should better verify if the speakers work with other devices.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, drop them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.

As a reminder, the above solutions are useful when dealing with any of these issues:

1. Download this PC Repair Tool rated Great on TrustPilot.com (download starts on this page).
2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
3. Click Repair All to fix issues with Patented Technologies (Exclusive Discount for our readers).

Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

• Windows 10 headphones too quiet – Making the headphones louder isn’t a new wish coming from Windows 10 users worldwide. Assuming you’re one of them, find out more about the Loudness Equalization setting from the lines above.
• HP laptop volume too low in Windows 10 – If that’s your issue as well, go through the list above and decide which of the suggestions you’d like to try first.
• Realtek low volume in Windows 10 – When your volume is too low immediately after upgrading your PC, chances are the issue is related to the Realtek HD Audio built into many PCs these days. The Windows Audio Troubleshooter may help you out this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my volume so low?

Dust clogging your desktop’s speakers and hardware issues are often causing this problem. An audio enhancement software such as Boom 3D will easily correct that.

How do I fix low volume on my laptop?

Checking every volume control for programs is probably the first thing that you should do. If this makes no difference, apply the steps detailed in this guide to fix Windows 10 low volume issues.

How do I increase the volume on Windows 10?

If that’s your wish as well, the nifty tricks you may apply include adding Sound Booster or VLC Media Player to Windows, as described in this article dedicated to increasing laptop volume.