Fix low or quiet sound in Windows

If sound plays quietly, is muted, or apps output at different levels, use these steps to restore normal audio.

Solution 1. Check volume levels in Volume mixer

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.

2. Select Volume mixer.

3. Make sure the volume slider is turned up for:

   • System
   • The affected app

4. Ensure the app isn’t muted.

Solution 2. Turn off audio enhancements

Audio enhancements can reduce or distort output volume.

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. Under Output, select your audio device.
3. Select Audio enhancements.
4. Turn off enhancements and test the sound.

Solution 3. Change the audio format

Unsupported or incorrect formats may play at low volume.

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. Under Output, select your audio device.
3. Select Advanced.
4. Under Default format, select a different format, then test audio.

Solution 4. Update or reinstall the audio driver

A corrupted or outdated driver can cause low sound.

1. Select Start, and type Device Manager and select it from search results.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right‑click your audio device and select Update driver.
4. Restart your PC.
5. If the issue continues, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from your device manufacturer’s website.

If audio is quiet or muted in Windows 10, try these steps to restore normal volume.

Solution 1. Check volume levels in Volume mixer

1. Right‑click the Volume icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Open Volume mixer.
3. Make sure the sliders for the system and the affected app are set to a higher volume and aren’t muted.

Solution 2. Turn off audio enhancements

1. Right‑click the Volume icon and select Sounds.
2. Open the Playback tab.
3. Select your audio device and then select Properties.
4. Open the Enhancements tab.
5. Check Disable all enhancements, then select OK.

Solution 3. Change the audio format

1. Right‑click the Volume icon and select Sounds.
2. Open the Playback tab.
3. Select your audio device and then select Properties.
4. Open the Advanced tab.
5. Under Default format, choose a different format and test audio.

Solution 4. Update or reinstall the audio driver

1. Select Start, and type Device Manager and select it from search results.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right‑click your audio device Update driver.
4. Restart your PC.
5. If needed, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from the device manufacturer’s website.