Many people encounter a common problem when studying online, attending video meetings, watching movies, or playing games, even though their laptop speakers are set to 100% volume. In most cases, the cause is related to sound settings or the output device, rather than hardware failure. Let's explore effective ways to increase laptop volume in the following article from TipsMake.
Key points
- Always perform a quick check of system volume, output device volume, and volume mixer volume before proceeding with more complex steps.
- Enabling Loudness Equalization in Windows settings can help make low-pitched sounds clearer without the need for additional software.
- Software amplifiers should only be used when default methods fail, and the volume increase should be kept moderate to avoid speaker distortion.
- If the speaker volume remains low after trying the above methods, check the speaker grilles, update the audio drivers, or have the device checked for hardware issues.
1. Quick check before turning up the volume too much.
1.1. Check the system volume bar.
This is a basic step, but it's often overlooked, especially after Windows automatically reduces the volume or after using headphones.
- Step 1: Click the speaker icon in the Taskbar .
- Step 2: Check if the device is muted.
- Step 3: Increase the system volume to a suitable level.
Click the speaker icon in the Taskbar, then adjust the volume to your desired level.
1.2. Check the output device.
- Step 1: Open Sound Settings by right-clicking on the speaker icon.
- Step 2: Check what the selected Output option is.
- Step 3: Select the correct output device: laptop speakers, external monitor speakers, Bluetooth speakers, or headphones.
Select the correct output device in the Output section.
1.3. Check the Volume Mixer
The Volume Mixer is where you adjust the volume of each application. For example, if the browser volume is pulled down low, the video will remain quiet even if the system volume is high.
- Step 1: Right-click on the speaker icon.
- Step 2: Select Open Volume Mixer .
- Step 3: Check the individual volume levels of your browser, Zoom, etc. If necessary, increase the volume of each application to a higher level.
Select Open Volume Mixer and adjust the volume of each software individually.
2. Ways to increase laptop volume using Windows built-in settings
2.1. Use the volume up keys on the keyboard.
This is the quickest way to increase your laptop's volume while in a meeting or watching a video in full screen.
- The volume up buttons are usually located on the F row.
- Some laptops require pressing Fn + the key with the speaker icon.
- If pressing Fn doesn't work, check Fn Lock .
- Some computer models change the behavior of their function keys after a BIOS update or a Windows reinstallation.
Increase the volume using the corresponding keyboard shortcuts on your laptop.
2.2. Increase the volume from Sound Settings
- Step 1: Open Settings > System > Sound .
- Step 2: Increase the output volume to the desired level.
Adjust the volume in the Output section.
2.3. Further checks in Device Properties
- Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Sound .
- Step 2: Select the correct speaker you are using.
- Step 3: Open Device Properties or Additional device properties .
- Step 4: Check the volume and boost settings.
This step is suitable when the usual adjustments aren't enough. Some devices have additional sound processing options, but you shouldn't adjust them too deeply if you're not sure what they're for.
Check the volume and advanced settings.
3. Turn on Loudness Equalization to make your laptop speakers louder and clearer.
3.1. What is Loudness Equalization?
Loudness Equalization is a feature that helps to make quieter sounds clearer and reduces volume differences between different sections of audio. This feature doesn't increase the actual speaker power, but it often improves the listening experience during online classes, online meetings, and video viewing.
3.2. How to enable Loudness Equalization
- Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box .
- Step 2: Enter the mmsys.cpl code and press Enter .
- Step 3: In the Sound window that appears, select the speaker or headphones you are using (with a green checkmark) > Properties .
- Step 4: Switch to the Enhancements tab and check the Loudness Equalization box.
- Step 5: Click Apply and then select OK to save.
Note: Not all devices have an Enhancements tab. This is normal as it depends on the driver and audio hardware.
Select the speaker device > Properties > Enhancements > check the Loudness Equalization option.
3.3. When is this feature most effective?
- Suitable for situations where the sound source is inconsistent, fluctuating between loud and soft.
- Useful for video lectures, online meetings, and films with low-pitched dialogue.
4. Use volume boosting software if the default volume is still insufficient.
4.1. When should you use the software?
- Use this only when the system volume is already at maximum but still too low.
- Suitable for temporary needs such as watching videos at low volume or studying online.
Note: Do not consider this a way to fix broken speakers. You should test all default settings before amplifying your laptop's sound using software.
Only use the software if the system volume is already at maximum but still too low.
4.2. Quick comparison of popular applications
4.3. Notes on increases exceeding 100%
- The increase should be kept below approximately 125-150%.
- Reduce the volume immediately if your laptop speakers are crackling , distorted, or producing harsh, distorted sound.
- Avoid boosting the volume too much when wearing headphones for extended periods.
- Setting the gain threshold too high usually makes the experience worse, not better.
Avoid boosting the volume too much when wearing headphones for extended periods.
5. If your laptop speakers are still quiet, check for common causes.
5.1. Cleaning the speakers and sound vents
- Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean your laptop speakers.
- Do not use hard objects to poke into the speaker grille.
- Accumulated dust over time can make the sound muffled and quiet.
- Avoid letting water or cleaning solutions come into direct contact with the speaker diaphragm.
5.2. Update or reinstall the audio driver.
- Step 1: Open Device Manager , find the Sound, video and game controllers section .
- Step 2: Right-click on the audio driver and select Update driver .
If that doesn't work, right-click on the audio driver, select Uninstall driver , and then reinstall it. Download the audio driver from the official websites of Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, or Acer. Low volume issues after a Windows update are usually related to the driver rather than a faulty speaker.
Right-click on the audio driver and select Update driver.
5.3. When should you consider a hardware failure?
- The speaker crackles even at low volume levels.
- I could only hear one side.
- The volume suddenly drops after the laptop is dropped, bumped, or gets wet.
- I've tried everything, but nothing has improved.
Bring your device to GearVN for support from our team of professional technicians.
6. Suggestions on how to increase the volume according to actual usage needs.
7. Some related questions
7.1. Why are the laptop speakers still quiet even at 100% volume?
Common causes include selecting the wrong output device, a separate volume reduction setting in the Volume Mixer, faulty drivers, dusty speakers, or degraded hardware.
7.2. Does Loudness Equalization harm speakers?
This feature itself is generally not harmful to the speakers because it mainly balances the perceived volume. However, not all devices have it, and its effectiveness depends on the sound source.
7.3. When should I take my laptop in for speaker inspection?
You should check your laptop speakers if they crackle even at low volume, one side stops working, the sound becomes unusually quiet after an impact, or you've tried everything and nothing has improved.