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In addition, learn how to troubleshoot low volume problems.
This comprehensive Mytour guide instructs you on increasing your computer's volume. Both Windows and Mac systems offer various built-in hardware options and system settings for volume adjustment. If you're using a desktop Windows computer, you may need to use external speakers' volume controls to maximize the volume. If your speakers lack sufficient volume even at maximum settings, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take.
Key Points to Remember
- To adjust volume on Windows, click the volume icon in the taskbar.
- For Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar to adjust volume settings.
- On laptops, press the volume up button on the keyboard to increase volume.
Step-by-Step Guide
For Windows 10 or 11 Users
Utilize Your Computer's or Speaker's Volume Controls. The location of these controls varies depending on your computer setup. Here are some common scenarios:
- Laptops are equipped with volume control buttons, usually located on the side or integrated into the keyboard. Pressing the “volume up” button will raise the Windows volume.
- External keyboards for desktop computers may feature volume buttons. Look for speaker icons on the function row. Pressing the “volume up” button will increase the Windows volume.
- Desktop computers often use external speakers, requiring adjustment via a rotating dial or 'volume up' button on the speaker unit. Note that for some speakers, this adjusts the speaker’s maximum output rather than the Windows volume.
Experiment with Keyboard Shortcuts. If your laptop has a volume icon on or above one of the function keys (e.g., F12) at the top of the keyboard, you might be able to increase the computer's volume by pressing the right-most volume key.
- On certain computers, you may need to hold down Fn while doing this.
Adjust Using the 'Volume' Slider. You can modify your computer's volume directly from the taskbar. Follow these steps:
- Click the volume icon located in the lower-right corner of your screen.
- Drag the slider to the right in the pop-up window.
- On Windows 11, clicking the volume icon opens the Quick Settings menu, where you can access the volume slider.
- These additional steps are only necessary if you encounter difficulties adjusting or hearing your computer's audio using the methods above.
Access the Control Panel. Follow these steps:
- Search for control panel in Windows Search.
- Choose the Control Panel app from the results.
Open the Sound Settings in the Control Panel. Here's how:
- In the top-right search box, type sound.
- Select Sound with the speaker icon. This action will launch the Sound window with four tabs.
Navigate to the Playback Tab. It's located at the top of the Sound window.
Select Your Computer's Speakers. Click on the 'Speakers' option.
- Depending on your speakers, you may see their name or brand listed instead.
Click on Properties. This action is found in the lower-right corner of the window, opening a new pop-up window.
Access the Levels Tab. Locate this tab at the top of the “Speaker Properties” pop-up window.
Adjust the Slider to the Right. Increase the volume output of your speakers by dragging the slider to the right.
- If the slider is already set to 100 percent, your computer's volume is already at its maximum level.
Apply Your Changes. Click OK at the bottom of both open Sound windows to save your modifications. Your computer's volume should now be raised.
For Mac Users
Utilize the Keyboard Controls on Your Mac.F12
Search for 'Finder'
Access the 'Sound' option from the menu bar.
- These instructions become essential if you encounter difficulties adjusting or hearing your computer's audio through the previous methods.
Click System Preferences…. Choose this from the drop-down menu. It will open the System Preferences window.
- For macOS Ventura and later versions, it's labeled as System Settings.
Locate and click the Sound icon. Look for the speaker-shaped icon within the System Preferences window. This action will open a pop-up window.
Navigate to the Output tab. This tab is located at the top of the Sound pop-up window.
Select the Internal Speakers option. This option is typically positioned near the top of the window.
Adjust your Mac's volume. Drag the slider towards the right under 'Output volume' located at the bottom of the window. By doing so, you will increase the volume of your Mac's speakers.
- If the 'Mute' checkbox is ticked, deselect it to unmute your computer.
- Changes will be saved upon closing this menu.
Resolving Common Volume Problems
Inspect the speaker connection. A loose or damaged speaker cord might be the culprit, especially if the speaker is frequently moved. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Reinsert the speaker cord into your computer securely.
- If possible, detach and reattach the speaker cord from the speaker itself.
- Try plugging the speaker into a different USB port or computer to rule out port compatibility issues.
- If the cord is damaged, consider purchasing a replacement.
Review application settings. Certain applications have their own volume controls. Ensure that the volume settings within the application match your desired level, especially if your device volume is already maxed out.
- For instance, in YouTube, check that the volume slider is set to maximum.
- In video games, adjust the volume settings within the game's options.
Examine the Volume Mixer (Windows only). The Volume Mixer allows you to adjust individual app volumes, which may differ from the system volume. Here's how to access it:
- For Windows 10:
- Right-click the volume icon on the taskbar.
- Select Open Volume Mixer.
- For Windows 11:
- Open Settings.
- Search for “volume mixer.”
- Choose Sound mixer options from the search results.
Disable automatic volume adjustment (Windows only). Windows may automatically lower the volume during phone calls. To disable this feature:
- Press the Windows key to initiate a new Windows Search.
- Type “control panel” and select the Control Panel app.
- In the top-right search field, type “sound.”
- Click on Sound, located next to the speaker icon.
- Access the Communications tab.
- Choose Do nothing to deactivate volume reduction.
- Confirm the change by clicking OK.
Explore external speaker options. If the built-in speakers on your laptop or desktop monitor are insufficiently loud, even at maximum volume, consider installing external speakers. Dedicated speakers often provide superior volume compared to integrated ones.
- If your current speakers are faulty, attempt repairing them prior to purchasing replacements.
Helpful Tips
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Explore our speaker buying guide for valuable purchasing advice.
Important Warnings
- If you have headphones or a similar device plugged into your computer's audio output port, remember to disconnect them to enable your computer's speakers.
