How to Adjust the Volume of Your Windows Computer

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 13:47

Problems related to adjusting the volume are really common when using a Windows computer. However, they can normally be fixed by simply changing some settings or reinstalling the sound card drivers. This article explains how to troubleshoot the audio compartment of a Windows computer.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Solving Common Problems

Step 1. Check the connections

If you are using an external audio device, such as speakers or headphones, make sure you have plugged the cables into the correct port on your computer and that they are not showing any visible damage or other problems. If you've purchased external powered speakers, make sure you've plugged them into a power outlet or the supplied power adapter.

Step 2. Check the volume level

If you are using headphones or external speakers that have a volume control, make sure it is set to the correct level and that the "Mute" button is not active. To check if the volume level of a Windows computer is set correctly, you can follow these instructions:

• Click on the Windows "Start" button;
• Type in the keywords "control panel";
• Click on the icon Control Panel;
• Click on the category Hardware and sound;
• Click on the link Adjust system volume;
• Click on the icon depicting a loudspeaker to reactivate the sound if it has been deactivated by mistake (if the icon in question is characterized by a small red circle with a cross);
• At this point, use the volume slider present for each device in the list to adjust the volume level as you wish.

Step 3. Check the audio and volume settings within the applications

Check if the problem is generalized or if it is related only to a specific application. In the latter case, the cause may be an incorrect configuration of the program settings. For example, the Spotify app has a slider to adjust the volume located in the lower right corner of the graphical interface of the desktop version of the app program. You can also adjust the volume level for YouTube videos by clicking on the icon depicting a stylized speaker and acting on the slider that will appear. Normally all modern video games have a series of options dedicated to adjusting the audio sector and the volume of the various sound effects that you will find in the "Settings" or "Options" menu.

Step 4. Use the Windows problem solver

The operating system created by Microsoft provides users with a very powerful tool that can be useful in solving problems related to the audio sector of the computer. This Windows tool will ask you to answer a series of simple questions that will help determine the cause of the problem. You may be prompted to make some changes to specific settings. Follow these instructions to use the Windows "Troubleshoot" tool:

• Click on the Windows "Start" button;
• Type in the keywords "troubleshooting settings";
• Click on the icon Troubleshooting settings;
• Scroll down the page to be able to click on the option Audio playback;
• Click on the button Run the troubleshooter;
• Select your computer's sound card (in most cases it will be a Realtek device), then click the button Come on;
• Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to solve any problem you encounter.

Step 5. Notice which playback device is currently selected

If audio files and sounds do not play properly from your computer, the cause may be that an unsuitable playback device is currently selected. For example, if your computer is configured to play all audio files and sound effects through headphones, no sound will be output from the external speakers connected to the device. Follow these instructions to check which audio playback device is currently selected:

• Click on the Windows "Start" button;
• Type in the keywords "control panel";
• Click on the icon Control Panel;
• Click on the category Hardware and sound;
• Click on the link Manage audio devices;
• Click on the correct playback audio device (in most cases it is the Realtek sound card);

• Click on the button Apply.

  Alternatively, click on the audio device under test with the right mouse button, then click on the option Trial from the context menu that will appear to check if the sounds are reproduced correctly.

  

  Step 6. Disable the audio effects

  Some special audio effects can cause problems with sound reproduction. Follow these instructions to disable this Windows feature:

  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Type in the keywords "control panel";
  • Click on the icon Control Panel;
  • Click on the category Hardware and sound;
  • Click on the link Audio;
  • Click on the tab Reproduction;
  • Click on the default playback audio device;
  • Click on the button Property;
  • Click on the tab Improvements;
  • Select the checkbox "Disable all sound effects" or "Disable all enhancements";
  • Click on the button Apply;
  • Repeat the procedure described for all audio devices on the "Playback" tab.

  

  Step 7. Select a different audio format

  Follow these instructions:

  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Type in the keywords "control panel";
  • Click on the icon Control Panel;
  • Click on the category Hardware and sound;
  • Click on the link Audio;
  • Click on the tab Reproduction;
  • Click on the correct playback audio device (in most cases it is the Realtek sound card);
  • Click on the button Property;
  • Click on the tab Advanced;
  • Use the drop-down menu located at the top of the window to select the audio format you want (for example "16-bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)");
  • Click on the button Trial.
  • If the problem persists, try selecting a different audio format.

  

  Step 8. Check your sound card

  Most modern computers are equipped with a sound card directly integrated on the motherboard, which is normally manufactured by Realtek. However, when using older computers it is very likely that a third-party sound card is present. If your computer speakers are connected by cable to an audio port located on the back of the device case, you may need to remove the side panel of the case in order to check that the sound card is installed correctly. Follow these instructions to carry out the verification indicated:

  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Type in the keywords "device management";
  • Click on the icon Device management;
  • Double-click the entry Sound, video and game controllers;
  • Make sure the name of the sound card installed in your computer is listed under the "Sound, video and game controllers" category;

  

  Step 9. Make sure the sound card driver is active

  Follow these instructions:

  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Click on the icon Settings;
  • Click on the option System;
  • Click on the tab Audio listed in the menu visible on the left side of the "Settings" window;
  • Click on the link Device properties located at the top of the "Audio" panel;
  • Make sure the "Disable" checkbox is not checked.

  

  Step 10. Check for software updates

  In some cases, the cause of the problem may be an outdated sound card driver. Follow these instructions to check if there is an update for Windows:

  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Type in the keywords "device management";
  • Click on the icon Device management;
  • Double-click the entry Sound, video and game controllers;
  • Click on the name of the computer sound card with the right mouse button (in most cases it is the Realtek sound card);
  • Click on the option Update Driver;
  • Click on the item Automatically searches for drivers;
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new sound card drivers (in case there is a new version).

  

  Step 11. Restore the default sound card drivers

  If after installing a Windows update related to sound card drivers you have noticed problems, you have the option to revert to the previous version of the drivers. Follow these instructions to make this change to your computer configuration:

  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Type in the keywords "device management";
  • Click on the icon Device management;
  • Double-click the entry Sound, video and game controllers;
  • Double-click on the name of your computer's sound card (in most cases it is the Realtek sound card);
  • Click on the tab Driver displayed at the top of the window;
  • Click on the button Roll back driver.

  

  Step 12. Uninstall the sound card drivers and restart your computer

  This will cause the Windows operating system to automatically reinstall the default audio device drivers. Follow these instructions to uninstall the sound card drivers:

  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Type in the keywords "device management";
  • Click on the icon Device management;
  • Double-click the entry Sound, video and game controllers;
  • Click on the name of the computer sound card with the right mouse button (in most cases it is the Realtek sound card);
  • Click on the option Uninstall device listed in the appeared context menu;
  • Select the "Delete the driver software for this device" checkbox;
  • Click on the button Uninstall;
  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Click on the "Stop" icon;
  • Click on the option Reboot the system.

  

  Step 13. Restore Windows configuration using a restore point

  If you've done all the checks up to this point and took all the proposed solutions without solving the problem, try performing a Windows System Restore using a previously created restore point. This will restore the Windows configuration that was active when everything was working correctly. In this case, all apps and programs installed after creating the restore point you will use will be removed from your computer. Follow these instructions:

  • Click on the Windows "Start" button;
  • Type in the keyword "restore";
  • Click on the icon Restoration;
  • Click on the link Open System Restore;
  • Click on the button Come on;
  • Click on the restore point you want to use, then click on the link Look for affected programs to view the list of all the programs that will be uninstalled;
  • Click on the button Close;
  • Click on the button Come on;
  • And finally click on the button end.

  Part 2 of 2: Reset the Volume Control Icon

  

  Step 1. Click on an empty spot on the Windows taskbar with the right mouse button

  By default, the Windows taskbar is docked at the bottom of the desktop. A context menu will be displayed.

  

  Step 2. Click on the Taskbar Settings option

  It is the last item listed in the context menu of the taskbar.

  

  Step 3. Scroll down the page and click the Select the icons to display on the taskbar link

  It is displayed in the "Notification Area" section.

  

  Step 4. Click on the "Volume" slider

  

  to activate it.

  It is one of the items listed in the list that appeared. The icon to adjust the volume will be displayed in the notification area of the taskbar.

  • If the volume icon has not appeared in the indicated point, click on the icon depicting a stylized arrow pointing up located on the left side of the notification area of the Windows taskbar. All icons present will be displayed, including those that are normally hidden.
  • If you wish, you can rearrange the order of the icons displayed in the notification area of the taskbar by simply dragging them with the mouse.