Recently, a colleague of mine upgraded to Windows 10 at my workplace. Out of curiosity, I tried working on his laptop for a few minutes to understand how it fares compared to other versions of windows. First things first, the user interface is a bit complicated and not as user-friendly as expected of newly launched Windows versions.
Another important query or complaint posed by the users following their upgradation to Windows 10 is that the sound setting supposedly changes on its own. So I did a little research to find out some common sound issues reported after upgrading to Windows 10. This is the collation of such issues:
- No sound after the update
- No output device detected
- No sound Realtek
- External speakers not working
- The selection of headphones as a default output device on its own.
It is common to buy a new computer or opt for a Windows upgrade immediately after it is out, so it promptly performs its intended task without tinkering with the setting. However, with Windows 10, you must adjust or tune the settings to ensure optimal sound quality and performance.
Without wasting much, let us quickly resolve these issues step by step. I will try to simplify and break it down to perform the steps while reading this article.
I have also embedded relevant videos in this article to walk you through the process.
Check All Your Volume Controls
This is often referred to as Sound settings. Don’t be confused- they are the same. You can undertake four methods to check access to volume controls and whether the settings are correct.
Method 1: The volume control can be easily accessed from the taskbar. The volume or the speaker icon can be found at the right-hand corner of your computer screen, where you also find the date and time. This is denoted by the speaker icon.
After finding it, right-click on it, which opens a menu. From the menu, select the Sound option. You can find options to increase or decrease the volume on the menu page by moving a slider sideways.
When you observe more closely, you will notice that the menu page allows you to change your input and output device and even check whether your microphone is being used for video chats or calls.
Method 2: On the left-hand corner of the taskbar, type Sound in the search bar. On the result page, select Change system sounds. Here, you should check if the sound is disabled. If it is, change the settings to Enabled. Next, click on Apply, before selecting OK.
On this result page, you also have the option to customize the sound as per your liking.
Method 3: The third method of accessing the sound settings is via the Control Panel. This can be done by typing Control Panel on the search bar. On the control panel, select Hardware and Sound. Then, select Change system sound under the Sound option.
Method 4: The fourth way to check for the system volume controls is by placing your cursor over the speaker icon in the right-hand corner of the taskbar and right-clicking over it. Then, select Open volume mixer.
On the next screen, you can adjust the sound for different applications on your computer. It could be the in-built speakers, the system sounds, the Windows Media Player, and even other browsers.
In case you still need help with the steps, here is a video tutorial:
Increase the Volume
Even after checking all the settings, you won’t enjoy the desired sound levels if you do not increase the volume from the taskbar. Here are some simple ways to increase the sound on Windows 10:
Use the multimedia keys: Some laptops are equipped with multimedia keys for playing videos. In the top row of the keyboard, where you have the F + number keys, you would find keys to increase and decrease the volume. You also have keys assigned to pause or stop a video or audio.
Use shortcut cut keys: On the left-hand side of your keyboard’s last row, you have the Fn keys. Press Fn and F8 keys simultaneously to increase volume. To decrease the volume, press Fn and F7 keys simultaneously.
Increase volume from the slider: This is the simplest way to increase volume on Windows 10. On the taskbar’s system tray (right-hand bottom corner), tap on the speaker icon, which will present a vertical slider. To increase the volume, move the slider up, and to decrease volume, move it downwards. You can also mute the sound by clicking on the speaker icon at the bottom of the slider.
Use the volume control on your speakers: If you are using a desktop and have external speakers, ensure that you also check the speaker’s volume. You can increase or adjust them based on your requirements.
Increase the volume via the settings app: To increase the volume via the settings app, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + I simultaneously.
- Click on Settings.
- Next, find Ease of Access from the list and click on it.
- Select Audio on the left-hand bottom corner.
- In the middle of the screen, you will find the Make your device easier to hear option. Use the slider just below it to increase the volume.
- Close the Settings menu.
Here is a video that offers some tricks to ensure desirable sound levels on your computer.
Enable Loudness Equalization
You could face a situation when the volume is inconsistent for different devices or applications. To rectify this, you need to enable the loudness equalization on your laptop by turning it on or adjusting it as per your liking. This feature is essential, and it will help you stabilize your audio playback.
Follow the instructions below to enable loudness equalization:
- Press the Windows key+S to activate the shortcut.
- Type sound settings in the Search box.
- Hit Enter on your keyboard.
- From the Related Settings options on the right side, select Sound Control Panel.
- Next, select Speakers and click on the Properties button.
- Click on the Enhancements tab.
- Check on the Loudness Equalizer option from the list.
- Click on Apply and then select OK.
Here is a simple video tutorial for the steps listed above:
Hardware and Extra Devices
If you are not satisfied with the in-built sound system, you can download various audio equalizer software for free. A few of them are:
1. Boom3D: This software allows you to increase the volume beyond the computer’s limit safely. It is also ideal for gaming as it filters out ambient noises.
2. EqualizerPro: The EqualizerPro software increases the bass sound while boosting the low and subtle tones to improve the overall clarity and gaming experience.
3. Audio Equalizer – EQ: The chrome extension is beneficial when browsing websites as it ensures perfect sounds regardless of the website you are on. Another impressive feature is the YouTube Equalizer, which helps adjust the levels of different sound effects.
Conclusion
Sound settings can be a little tricky on the Windows 10 operating system. However, with some patience and the right guidance, you can resolve this issue without any hassle. I hope this article has helped you sort out sound-related issues with your Windows 10 system. I have written this article as a one-stop solution for all your windows 10 sound-related issues. If you found this article helpful, please share it. You can also leave a comment below to give us feedback.
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