Buzz
This article will guide you on how to boost the volume on your computer. Whether you're using a Windows PC or a Mac, there are various built-in hardware options and system settings to adjust the sound levels. If you're using a Windows desktop instead of a laptop, you'll typically need to use the volume control buttons on external speakers to increase the computer's volume.
Steps
On Windows
Use the computer's or speakers' volume buttons. All laptops come with volume control buttons on the side; pressing the "volume up" button (usually marked with a + symbol) will increase the computer's volume.
- Desktops usually have separate speakers, so you'll often need to turn the knob or press the "volume up" button on the speaker set if you're using this type of computer.
Try using keyboard shortcuts. If your laptop has a volume icon on or above one of the function keys (such as F12) at the top of the keyboard, you may need to press the volume key on the far right to increase your computer's volume.
- On some computers, you'll need to hold down the Fn key while doing this.
- Desktop users typically cannot use keyboard shortcuts to adjust volume unless they are using a monitor with built-in speakers.
Use the "Volume" slider. If you have a laptop, you can adjust your computer's volume using the toolbar: click the volume icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen, then click and drag the slider to the right in the pop-up window.
- Desktop users usually cannot perform this action.
- The following steps are only necessary if you're experiencing issues adjusting or hearing your computer's sound after performing the above steps.
Open the Sound menu. Type sound, then click Sound near the top of the Start window.
Click the Playback tab. This tab is located at the top of the Sound window.
Select your computer's speakers. Click on the "Speakers" option to proceed.
- Depending on your computer's speakers, you may see the brand or model name listed here.
Click on Properties. This option is located at the bottom-right corner of the window. This action will open a pop-up window.
Click on the Levels tab. This tab is located at the top of the pop-up window.
Drag the slider to the right. This step increases the speaker's output volume.
- If the slider is already at 100 percent, your computer's volume is at its maximum level.
Save the changes. Click OK at the bottom of both open Sound windows to confirm. Your computer's volume will now be louder.
On Mac
Use the keys on your Mac keyboard.F12
Finder
Use the "Sound" menu in the menu bar.
- The following steps are only necessary if you're experiencing issues adjusting or hearing your computer's sound after performing the above steps.
Click on System Preferences…. This option is located in the drop-down menu. The System Preferences window will open.
Click on Sound. This speaker icon is located within the System Preferences window. This action will open a pop-up window.
Click on the Output tab. This tab is located at the top of the Sound pop-up window.
Click on Internal Speakers. This option is located near the top of the window.
Increase the volume on your Mac. Click and drag the "Output volume" slider at the bottom of the window to the right. This step will boost the output volume of your Mac's speakers.
- If the "Mute" box is checked, click it to unmute your computer.
- Close this menu to save your settings.
Tips
- Ensure that the volume settings within the application you're using are set to the maximum level. This can help increase the volume further when the device settings are already at their peak. For example: If you're watching a video on YouTube, make sure the volume slider is set to the highest level.
- Consider using external speakers or wireless Bluetooth speakers to maximize the volume even more. When connected to your computer or device, these speakers can amplify and optimize the sound output.
Warnings
- If you have headphones (or a similar device) plugged into your computer's audio output port, you'll need to unplug them before you can use the computer's speakers.
