1. Increase Volume Using Equalizer APO

Equalizer APO is a free open-source software that gives you extremely fine control over your PC equalizer settings. We could do a whole feature on all the crazy stuff you can do with this software, but for now we’re just focusing on cranking up that maximum volume. If you’re using headphones with your Windows device, make sure you troubleshoot the issues in advance with these tips.

2. Check the Software Volume

Some video player software may come with a volume-boosting option. For example, if you find VLC to be a little on the quiet side, you can increase its volume up to 300 percent within the player itself. Note that the higher you go, the more audio clipping and distortion you may experience. It’s a quick method but not necessarily the cleanest.

3. Adjust the Volume Dipping Option If Voice Calls Cause Trouble

If everything sounds perfectly fine during regular use but takes a sudden dip when you enter a voice call, you have a communications option set to lower volume during calls in Windows 11/10.. If it’s not set to “Do Nothing,” go ahead and set it, then click “OK.” Now the volume won’t dip down during calls!

4. Check Individual Software Levels

If every app’s sound bar is at a good volume, the levels for that specific app may be low. To double-check this, balance individual software volume levels as shown. The methods to raise the volume for Windows 11 are slightly different from Windows 10. You’ll see all the software you have open with the individual volume scales. Ensure the quiet app hasn’t had its volume dropped for some reason. In Windows 11 the “App volume and device preferences” window opens. Here you can adjust the volume of individual input and output devices to ensure they are at similar levels.

5. Use Audio Enhancements

If everything is just too quiet in general, you can use audio enhancements in Windows 10 and Windows 11 to give your sound levels that extra boost. In Windows 11, go to “Sound Control Panel.” Navigate to the “Communications” tab. Select the speaker, headphones or other listening device and click to visit “Properties” for the device. In Windows 10 there is a separate “Enhancements” tab under “Speaker Properties.” Check and apply the “Loudness Equalization” box. Working with audio enhancements will boost the sound even further, which should hopefully make it loud enough for you to hear! If, however, you’re not getting any sound on your Windows device, you need to disable audio enhancements.

External Sound Boosters in Windows 10/11

It can be annoying when the sound is too quiet but your volume is maxed out. The cause can be many things, from automatic voice call features to individual app volume sliders being low. Sometimes, however, things are just too quiet in general, at which point you can use sound boosters within either Windows 11/10 or the software itself to get those extra few decibels. We have covered two such examples below.

6. Use FxSound Enhancer

Do you want professional quality sound effects on your Windows device, such as bass and surround sound? FxSound is one of the best sound boosters for that razor sharp audio clarity. In the Pro version of FxSound Enhancer, you can set various “presets,” including one that gives a “Volume boost.” The sound effects with this app are louder than anything possible with your PC or laptop.

7. Use Your Smartphone Audio with WO Mic

Recent smartphones provide high fidelity audio along with bass and special effects. With the right booster app, you can make use of those speakers on a Windows 11/10 system to maximize its volume. For example, if the phone was configured using Wi-Fi, use Wi-Fi to connect it with the desktop client. Also, ensure that the IP address is the same on both your phone and laptop/PC. When you establish a Wi-Fi pairing, i.e. both the phone and Windows PC have the same IP address, the smartphone’s advanced audio speakers will extend to work with the computer device. A Zoom audio call is typical of an app that would benefit from this pairing..

1. Does Windows 11/10 come with an equalizer?

At the moment, Windows 11/10 does not have its own built-in equalizer. This is why you should use an external equalizer software such as Equalizer APO or FxSound Enhancer.

2. How do I increase System Volume in Windows 11/10?

To increase the system (or device) volume in Windows 11, you need to use the “Enhancements” option from “Control Panel Sounds.” Windows 10 has additional options for “Loudness Equalization.”

3. Can I control the volume on Windows using my keyboard?

The computer keyboard is an easily accessible device to manipulate the volume of Windows 11/10 systems. Use the Fn + F8 keys to increase the volume and Fn + F7 to lower it. To mute/unmute the keyboard, use Fn + F6. As you press the keys, you will see the volume change on your screen. For more Windows tips, check out how to check whether a USB drive is bootable in Windows 10. We can also help you fix the Windows 10 Action Center when it’s not opening.