How to Fix the Volume on Your Computer in Windows

Fixing Volume and Sound Loss Issues on Windows

1. 
   Check the cables. If you are using an external device, such as speakers or headphones, check to make sure the cables are in good working order and connected to the proper audio port on your computer. If your speakers require a power source, make sure they are plugged into an electrical outlet and/or AC adapter.^[1]
2. 
   Check the volume. If you are using external speakers or headphones that have an independent volume, make sure the volume is turned up and that the "Mute" button is not engaged. You can also use the following steps to check the volume on your Windows computer:

   1. Click the Windows Start icon in the taskbar.
   2. Type "Adjust volume."
   3. Click Adjust Volume.
   4. Use the slider bar below "Change device volume" to adjust the volume on your computer.
3. 
   Check the sound and volume settings on individual applications. Check to see if you are having volume problems on all apps, or just one specific app. If you are experiencing volume problems on just one app, the problem may be with the sound settings for that app. For example, Spotify has a volume slider bar in the lower-right corner of the desktop app. You can also adjust the volume on YouTube videos by clicking the speaker icon and adjust the slider bar. Games may have their own sound and volume settings in the Settings or Options menu.
4. 
   Use a troubleshooter. Windows computers come with built-in troubleshooter app that can help you fix volume issues. The Troubleshooter will ask you a series of questions that will help the troubleshooter determine the cause of your volume issue. It may also ask you to open specific settings and suggest that you make changes to the settings. Use the following steps to open the Windows troubleshooter:^[2]

   1. Click on the Windows Start icon in the taskbar.
   2. Type "Troubleshoot Settings".
   3. Click Troubleshoot Settings.
   4. Scroll down and click Playing Audio.
   5. Click Run the Troubleshooter.
   6. Follow the instructions in the window.
5. 
   See what playback device is selected. If the sound is not playing from your computer, this may be because the wrong playback device is selected. For example, if the computer is set to play sound through headphones, sound may not come out of external speakers. Use the following steps to see what playback device is selected:

   1. Click the Windows Start icon in the taskbar.
   2. Type "Control Panel".
   3. Click Control Panel.
   4. Click Hardware and Sound.
   5. Click Manage Audio Devices.
   6. Click the correct audio device.
   7. Click Apply.
      1. You can also right-click on an audio device and click Test to test the audio device.
6. 
   Check the sound card. Most modern computers have a built-in Realtek sound chip used to process audio. However, some older computers may use a third-party sound card to process audio. If your computer speakers plug in to a sound card on the back of your computer, you may need to open your computer and make sure the sound is installed properly. Use the following steps to make sure a sound card is connected to your computer:

   1. Click the Windows Start icon in the taskbar.
   2. Type "Device Manager."
   3. Click Device Manager.
   4. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers.
   5. Check to make sure an audio device is listed below "Sound, video and game controllers."
7. 
   Check for updates. Sometimes, your audio drivers may be out-of-date and causing problems on your computer. Use the following steps to check for Windows updates:

   1. Click the Windows Start icon in the taskbar.
   2. Type "Check for updates"
   3. Click Check for updates in the Start menu.
   4. Click Check for updates in the Windows update menu.
   5. Click Download and install now.
8. 
   Install drivers for your audio device. If you are using a third-party sound card, you may need to install the drivers for your sound card. The sound card should have come with a CD that you can use to install the drivers for your sound card. If you do not have the CD, you can check the manufacturer's website for a download of the audio drivers. Download and install the audio drivers for your sound card.