If you’re having this problem, here are 12 known fixes that might help. These fixes are listed in order, so start with number one and work your way through the list until one works!
1. Check the Volume Mixer
Windows 10 sets volume differently for each program or application. Sometimes it will set the volume for a particular program lower. This is the most obvious fix. If it didn’t work for you, move on to some of the other likely issues.
2. Check Your Speakers, Jacks, and Connections
Depending on the age and quality of your speakers and PC, they may simply be failing. The fault could lie in several places. You should check your cables, speakers (or headphones), jacks, and any other auxiliary connections. The same goes for microphone volume problems. First, if possible, try using a second playback device to determine whether it’s the speakers at fault. Any secondary speaker will do. If the audio output is normal through the second device, it’s the speakers at fault. If not, it may be the jacks or connections. If your PC has Bluetooth, connect to a Bluetooth speaker and see if the audio output is fine. In this case, it is likely a faulty jack or connection. Your PC may have more than one audio jack (front and back). If so, try connecting your speakers to the other jack and seeing if that fixes the issue. If the speaker uses a USB port instead, try another one. You can also try the speakers at fault on another PC or device. If they work with that device, it’s the PC at fault. If it’s the speakers at fault, they may simply need some maintenance. Check whether significant dust or other debris is blocking the speakers. While you’re looking, check for any more significant damage that may be the root of the problem. Use a vacuum and cloth to gently clean the speakers, careful not to damage any fragile parts. If none of these is the issue, the fault is likely to be software or driver-related.
3. Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter
The Windows audio troubleshooter provides a handful of common audio problem fixes. If you’re lucky, running the troubleshooter will solve your volume problem immediately. Keep in mind that the troubleshooter may not detect any issues. If that’s the case, move on to the following fixes.
4. Check Your Playback Device
Windows 10 may be running your audio playback through the wrong device. Check if your sound is working as desired. If your system lists multiple audio devices, you can set each to the default device and check whether any work.
5. Restart the Audio Device
Sometimes, the audio device may start up incorrectly, causing an error with volume. Restarting the audio device is quicker than reinstalling drivers, so we recommend trying this method first.
6. Update Windows
Faulty drivers are the primary cause of sound issues in Windows 10. Updating Windows should generally update or fix your driver installation. Check if your sound is working. If not, you may need to try manually updating your audio drivers.
7. Update Sound Device Drivers Manually
Occasionally audio drivers will not be compatible with Windows updates or particular programs. Luckily, updating audio drivers manually is quick and easy. Windows may not detect new drivers. However, there may be updated drivers on the manufacturer’s website. This is primarily the case with third-party sound cards. To check and install new drivers, do the following: If there are no new audio drivers, you can reinstall the current version to see if that fixes the issue. Conversely, if the low volume issue occurred after you updated, you can attempt to roll back to the previous audio driver and check if that fixes the issue. Note: This option may not be present, in which case you will have to download the last version as above manually.
8. Change Communications Settings
Some users reported fixing their volume problems by switching off a strange sound setting in Windows 10.
9. Change Equalizer Settings
Some users note that turning on Loudness Equalization solves their volume problem. If this didn’t work, try turning enhancements off entirely.
10. Restart Audio Services
The Windows audio services can be a source of many audio problems. Restarting the service may fix the low-volume issue on Windows 10.
11. Change the Sample Rate and Bit Depth
Selecting higher quality output for your speakers may also fix this volume issue.
12. Try a Third-Party Equalizer Program
If nothing else has worked, it’s time to try a third-party program. There are plenty of great equalizer apps for Windows 10. These apps offer volume controls, bass and treble boosters, and other settings that may help fix low audio in Windows 10.
Turn the Music Up
Hopefully, you can now listen to audio on your computer at the desired levels. If any of these solutions fixed your audio, or if you know of another fix, please let us know in the comments below!
