This article explains how you can turn up the volume level of a computer. Both Windows and Mac systems come with a combination of hardware peripherals and software settings that can be used to adjust the volume. If you are using a desktop computer, rather than a laptop, with a Windows operating system, you will most likely need to use a pair of external speakers in order to increase the volume.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Use the computer or speaker controls to turn up the volume
All laptops are equipped with a button to adjust the volume located along one side of the case. Press the "Volume Up" button (normally marked with the symbol +) to turn up the volume.
Desktop computers usually come with external speakers, so in this case you will need to use the volume control located directly on the speakers
Step 2. Try using hotkey combinations
If you are using a laptop that has a speaker icon on some of the keyboard function keys (for example the F12), you will have to press the last button on the right side of the group in order to turn up the volume.
- In some cases you will have to hold down the Fn function key to be able to raise or lower the volume using the key assigned to that function.
- Normally, desktop system users cannot use a hotkey combination to be able to adjust the volume level directly with the keyboard, unless they are using a monitor with built-in speakers.
Step 3. Use the "Volume" slider
If you are using a laptop, you can change the volume level directly from the taskbar: click on the speaker icon in the lower right corner of the desktop, then drag the slider that appeared to the right.
Normally, desktop system users cannot use this system to adjust the volume
Step 4. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
The following steps are only helpful if you are having trouble adjusting your computer's volume level following the instructions above
Step 5. Enter the "Sounds" menu
Type the audio keyword, click on the item Audio settings appeared at the top of the "Start" menu, then click on the blue link "Audio Control Panel" located on the right side of the window that appeared.
Step 6. Click on the Playback tab
It is displayed at the top of the "Audio" window.
Step 7. Select your computer speakers
Click on the "Speakers" icon displayed in the "Playback" tab panel.
Depending on the type of speakers built into your computer, the option shown may be labeled with the name or brand of the audio devices
Step 8. Click on the Properties button
It is located in the lower right corner of the window. A new pop-up window will appear.
Step 9. Click on the Levels tab
It is located at the top of the newly appeared window.
Step 10. Drag the volume slider to the right
This will raise the volume level of the audio signal that is sent to the computer speakers.
If the slider under consideration is set to 100%, it means that the volume of the computer is already at maximum
Step 11. Save your changes
Click on the button OK located at the bottom of both open dialogs. The computer volume level should now be louder than before.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Use Mac hotkey combination
Press the F12 function key located at the top of the keyboard to increase the volume level by one unit.
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If you're using a Mac with a touch bar, open a Finder by clicking on the icon
Macfinder2 for the correct options to appear, then tap the "Volume Up" icon on the right side of the bar.
Step 2. Use the "Volume" icon in the menu bar
Click on the icon
located at the top right of the screen, then drag the volume slider to the right to increase the level of the sounds your Mac plays.
Step 3. Access the "Apple" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
The following steps are only needed in case you are having trouble adjusting the Mac volume using the instructions provided so far
Step 4. Click on System Preferences…
It is one of the options listed in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 5. Click the Sound icon
It features a stylized speaker and is listed in the "System Preferences" window. A pop-up window will appear.
Step 6. Click on the Output tab
It is displayed at the top of the "Sound" window.
Step 7. Click on the Internal Speakers item
It is displayed at the top of the window.
Step 8. Increase the volume level
Drag the "Output Volume" slider to the right. It is located at the bottom of the window. This will increase the volume of the sounds played by the Mac.
- If the "Mute" check button is selected, uncheck it, otherwise you will not hear any sound.
- To save the new settings, close the "Sound" window.
Advice
- Check that the volume of the application you are using (for example a media player) is set to the maximum value. This way you can further increase the volume of the sounds. For example, if you are watching a YouTube video, check that the volume slider is set to the maximum value.
- Consider using traditional external speakers or Bluetooth powered speakers to be able to amplify the sound reproduced by the computer even more. These audio devices allow you to increase the volume of the sounds played by your PC even more.
