Select the speakers or headphones you actually use, then check the device volume and the affected app in Volume mixer. Test once with Audio enhancements turned off. If every app is still unusually quiet, run Windows audio troubleshooting and update or reinstall the device manufacturer's audio driver.
Select the speaker icon on the taskbar, open the output selector, and choose the headphones, monitor, dock, or speakers you intend to hear. A monitor can become the default output after connecting HDMI.
2
Check the hardware control
Set the physical volume wheel or buttons to a moderate level. If the device has its own app, make sure it is not muted there. Start low to protect your hearing.
3
Open Volume mixer
Go to Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer. Raise the Output device and the affected app to a comfortable level. If one app is quiet while others are normal, fix only that app's slider.
4
Test Audio enhancements off
In Settings > System > Sound, select the output device and turn Audio enhancements Off for one comparison. Keep the setting that sounds clear; do not increase volume through distortion.
5
Compare another port or device
Try the same audio in another trusted app and, when possible, another supported port or headset. This separates an app problem from a Windows or hardware problem.
6
Run Windows audio troubleshooting
Open Get Help and run the audio troubleshooter, or use the troubleshooting option shown in Sound settings. Apply only the change that matches the selected output.
Install Windows updates and the audio driver from the PC or device manufacturer. If the device stopped working after a driver change, use Device Manager to reinstall or roll back that device rather than installing a generic volume booster.
If it does not work
If Bluetooth audio is quiet, disconnect and reconnect the device, confirm it is selected as the output, and check its own volume buttons before changing drivers.
If only calls or one game are quiet, check that app's output device and mixer slider. Windows can route an app to a different device from the system default.
Stop increasing volume if you hear clipping, crackling, or pain. Software amplification cannot restore detail from an already distorted signal.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows 11.
The written steps follow the current help pages linked below. The saved video is an older walkthrough and may show different labels.
