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Fix Low or Quiet Volume in Windows 11

Source-checked About 10 minutes1 official source

Quick fix

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.

Before you continue
  • DeviceChoose the correct speakers or headphones.
  • MixerCheck both system and app volume.
  • TestCompare enhancements off at a safe level.

Choose the correct output device

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.

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.

Open Volume mixer

Go to SettingsSystemSoundVolume 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.

Test Audio enhancements off

In SettingsSystemSound, select the output device and turn Audio enhancements Off for one comparison. Keep the setting that sounds clear; do not increase volume through distortion.

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.

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.

Follow Microsoft's audio troubleshooting guide

Update or reinstall the official driver

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.

Video walkthrough

If it still 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.

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