How To Boost Volume On Windows 10 : Enabling Loudness Equalization Setting

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Boosting your system volume in Windows 10 can be done through the sound settings panel. This guide will show you exactly how to boost volume on Windows 10 using built-in tools and a few free tricks.

Low volume can be frustrating, especially when watching videos or joining calls. The good news is that Windows 10 offers several ways to increase sound output without buying new speakers.

Let’s walk through the most effective methods step by step.

How To Boost Volume On Windows 10

Before you try any third-party software, Windows 10 already has powerful volume boosting features. These are safe, free, and often fix the issue instantly.

Check The Main Volume Slider

First, make sure your system volume isn’t accidentally turned down. Click the speaker icon in the taskbar and drag the slider to 100%. This sounds obvious, but many people miss it.

  • Right-click the speaker icon and select “Open Volume Mixer”
  • Check that all app sliders are also at maximum
  • Some apps have their own volume controls inside the program

Enable Loudness Equalization

This is one of the most effective built-in features. It boosts quiet sounds while keeping loud sounds from distorting.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar
  2. Select “Sounds” from the menu
  3. Go to the “Playback” tab
  4. Right-click your default speakers and choose “Properties”
  5. Click the “Enhancements” tab
  6. Check the box for “Loudness Equalization”
  7. Click “Apply” then “OK”

If you don’t see the Enhancements tab, your audio driver might not support it. In that case, update your driver first.

Use The Volume Booster In Sound Settings

Windows 10 has a hidden volume booster in the sound control panel. This setting increases the maximum volume beyond 100%.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I)
  2. Go to “System” then “Sound”
  3. Under “Output”, click “Device properties”
  4. Look for “Additional device properties”
  5. Go to the “Enhancements” tab
  6. Check “Loudness Equalization” if available
  7. Also try “Bass Boost” for deeper sound

Update Or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can limit your volume. Updating them often fixes low volume issues.

How To Update Audio Drivers

  1. Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager”
  2. Expand “Sound, video and game controllers”
  3. Right-click your audio device (like Realtek High Definition Audio)
  4. Select “Update driver”
  5. Choose “Search automatically for drivers”
  6. Restart your computer after the update

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, visit your PC manufacturer’s website. Download the latest audio driver for your model.

Reinstall The Audio Driver

Sometimes a fresh install works better than an update.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click your audio device
  2. Select “Uninstall device”
  3. Check “Delete the driver software for this device”
  4. Click “Uninstall”
  5. Restart your computer
  6. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver

Use Third-Party Volume Boosters

If built-in options aren’t enough, free software can boost volume further. These tools are safe when downloaded from official sources.

VLC Media Player

VLC can boost volume up to 200% for media files. It doesn’t affect system-wide sound, only what you play in VLC.

  1. Open VLC and play a video or audio file
  2. Drag the volume slider past 100% (up to 200%)
  3. Go to Tools > Preferences > Audio
  4. Enable “Normalize volume to” and set it to 0.5 or lower

Equalizer APO

This is a free system-wide equalizer that includes a preamp boost. It works with all audio from your PC.

  1. Download Equalizer APO from the official website
  2. Install it and select your audio device
  3. Open the Configurator and add a preamp gain
  4. Set the gain to +6 dB or +10 dB
  5. Save and restart your PC

Be careful not to set the gain too high. Anything above +10 dB can cause distortion or damage speakers.

Chrome Volume Booster Extensions

For web browsing, browser extensions can boost volume. “Volume Master” for Chrome is a popular choice.

  • Install “Volume Master” from the Chrome Web Store
  • Click the extension icon to adjust volume up to 600%
  • Works only within the browser

Adjust App-Specific Volume Settings

Some applications have their own volume controls that override system settings. Check these if certain apps are too quiet.

For Video Conferencing Apps

  • Zoom: Settings > Audio > Microphone volume
  • Microsoft Teams: Settings > Devices > Speaker volume
  • Skype: Settings > Audio & Video > Speaker volume

For Media Players

  • Windows Media Player: Right-click the volume slider
  • Spotify: Settings > Playback > Volume level
  • YouTube: Click the gear icon > Quality > Volume normalization

Check Hardware Connections

Sometimes the problem isn’t software. Loose cables or faulty ports can reduce volume.

Inspect Your Speakers Or Headphones

  • Make sure the cable is fully inserted
  • Try a different audio port (front vs back panel)
  • Test with another device to see if the issue persists
  • Check for dust or debris in the port

Use The Correct Audio Jack

Many PCs have separate jacks for speakers and microphones. Plugging into the wrong one can cause low volume. Look for the green port (usually labeled with a headphone icon).

Disable Audio Enhancements

Ironically, some audio enhancements can reduce volume. Disabling them might help.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon and select “Sounds”
  2. Go to “Playback” tab
  3. Right-click your device and select “Properties”
  4. Go to “Enhancements” tab
  5. Select “Disable all enhancements”
  6. Click “Apply” and test the volume

Run The Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix volume issues automatically.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I)
  2. Go to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot”
  3. Select “Additional troubleshooters”
  4. Find “Playing Audio” and click “Run the troubleshooter”
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions

Adjust Communication Settings

Windows 10 reduces volume of other sounds during calls. This can make your system seem quiet.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon and select “Sounds”
  2. Go to the “Communications” tab
  3. Select “Do nothing”
  4. Click “Apply” then “OK”

Use The Volume Mixer For Each App

Sometimes one app is too quiet while others are fine. The Volume Mixer lets you adjust each app individually.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon
  2. Select “Open Volume Mixer”
  3. You’ll see sliders for each open app
  4. Drag each slider to maximum
  5. Make sure the system slider is also at 100%

Check For Windows Updates

Microsoft occasionally releases audio improvements through updates. Keeping Windows updated can fix volume bugs.

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security
  2. Click “Check for updates”
  3. Install any pending updates
  4. Restart your computer

Reset Sound Settings To Default

If you’ve changed many settings and volume is still low, resetting everything can help.

  1. Open Settings > System > Sound
  2. Scroll down to “Advanced sound options”
  3. Click “App volume and device preferences”
  4. Reset all sliders to default
  5. Go back and click “Reset” under “Sound control panel”

Use A Portable Speaker Or Headphone Amp

If software solutions don’t work, consider hardware. A small USB DAC or headphone amplifier can boost volume significantly.

  • USB sound cards cost around $10-20
  • Headphone amps start at $30
  • These bypass your PC’s built-in audio hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Windows 10 Volume So Low Even At 100%?

This usually happens due to disabled enhancements, outdated drivers, or hardware limitations. Try enabling Loudness Equalization first. If that doesn’t work, update your audio driver or use a third-party booster like Equalizer APO.

Can I Boost Volume Beyond 100% Safely?

Yes, but with caution. Using software to boost beyond 100% can cause distortion or damage speakers if set too high. Start with small increments (like +6 dB) and test with quiet audio first.

Does Windows 10 Have A Built-in Volume Booster?

Yes, through the Enhancements tab in sound properties. Loudness Equalization and Bass Boost are the main options. These work system-wide and are completely free.

How Do I Fix Low Volume On Windows 10 After An Update?

Updates can reset audio settings. Check the Enhancements tab and re-enable Loudness Equalization. Also run the audio troubleshooter and update your audio driver from the manufacturer’s website.

What Is The Best Free Volume Booster For Windows 10?

Equalizer APO is the most powerful free option. It works system-wide and includes a preamp gain. For media files only, VLC Media Player’s 200% volume boost is excellent. Both are safe when downloaded from official sources.

Final Tips For Maximum Volume

Combine multiple methods for the best results. Start with Loudness Equalization, then add a small preamp boost from Equalizer APO. Keep your audio drivers updated and check hardware connections regularly.

Remember that very high volume can damage your hearing over time. Use these boosts wisely and take breaks from loud audio.

If you’ve tried everything and volume is still low, your speakers or headphones might be the issue. Test with a different pair before spending money on repairs.

With these steps, you should be able to boost your Windows 10 volume significantly without buying new equipment. Start with the simplest solutions and work your way up.