To enhance the sound on a Microsoft operating system, a PC user can use the standard functionality or resort to the help of third-party programs. Let's figure out how to increase the volume on a Windows 10 laptop.
Amplification of headphones/speakers and sound adjustment can be done by two methods - hardware and software. If you use headphones/speakers to output sound, you need to check that they are connected correctly to the PC. On some laptops, the slot is color coded, just like on desktop computers. Some manufacturers mark the jack with a headphone icon.
This option is especially relevant for those whose sound starts to wheeze or is too quiet when the volume is already at maximum in the system. It is also recommended to test the speakers with another PC. If another laptop plays sounds correctly, then the problem lies in the software.
To enhance sound on Windows 10, you can use the following methods:
- setting up the OS mixer;
- driver settings;
- using a program to increase sound.
Adjustment with sliders
If you have set the maximum volume in your headphones or speakers on your keyboard using hotkeys, and the sound is still quiet, then check the settings in the OS. To do this, follow the instructions:
- Look at the taskbar and find the volume icon on it. Next, click on it with LMB to open the mixer. Set the slider to position 100.
- Now right-click on the same icon and select “Open Volume Mixer” from the menu.
- Here you can adjust the overall speaker level separately for each of the running applications. If you have too little sound in any program or game, you can make it loud using this mixer.
If you are unable to increase the volume using this method, then proceed to the next step.
Standard Microsoft applications allow you to configure playback settings in more detail. To open the settings window, do the following:
- Right-click on the volume icon and select “Playback Devices”.
- Find your speakers/headphones/speakers in the list and use RMB to go to “Properties”.
- In the properties you can fine-tune the effects and improve the sound quality. The first tab contains information about the driver and active socket.
- In the “Levels” tab you can add the overall volume level, microphone level and individual connectors. Using the "Balance" button you can convert all audio to mono. Useful for those who use one speaker or headphone.
- The “Improvements” section allows you to configure effects in detail - loudness, equalizer, volume, voice suppression, etc.
- In "Advanced" you can improve the playback quality. You can check it immediately using the "Check" button.
Configuration via driver
Most laptops have a built-in Realtek Audio sound card. A configuration utility is supplied with the driver. To adjust the volume through it, you need to do the following:
- Find the volume icon on the Start panel and double-click on it. “Realtek HD Manager” will appear in front of you. Here you can add volume, make changes to the equalizer, change the sampling frequency and bit depth. All of these parameters can affect quality.
- At the bottom, the utility shows which sockets are occupied by a microphone, headphones and speakers. This way you can determine whether each connector is working properly.
- If you hear the interlocutor’s voice too quiet when speaking on Skype, then open the “Sound Effect” tab and uncheck the box next to “Voice Suppression”.
If you do not have this manager installed, you will need to update the sound driver. Installing the new version is done as follows:
- Open Device Manager via search.
- Go to the “Sound, Game and Video Devices” tab.
- Right-click on Realtek HD Audio and click on “Update Driver” in the menu.
- Select the first option to have Windows 10 automatically select the new driver version. Click on the second item if you have previously downloaded the current version from the manufacturer’s website. Finding software for a laptop is quite simple - just enter the name of the device manufacturer. For example, for an Acer laptop you can find a sound driver by searching for Acer Audio Driver, etc.
- Once the installation is complete, click on “Finish” and restart your computer.
Using a third party player
Often the sound can change depending on what program you are using to play the audio or video. For example, you can download VLC Media Player, which has a built-in booster. The player is completely free, so all you have to do is download it from the official website and install it. In order to enable amplification, you must:
- Open an audio or video file using VLC. In the main window, look at the bottom panel. Find the volume slider marked in the screenshot. Drag it to the right side. The maximum increase in sound level is 125%.
If this method does not suit you or the VLC player refuses to work, then use another software.
Sound amplification programs
Let's look at several utilities that will significantly increase the sound threshold.
The first application is Sound Booster. It allows you to increase the sound level up to 500%. Download the program from the official website. After this, you can turn the slider to the desired level. Be careful - too much magnification will result in poor playback quality, wheezing in the speakers or headphones, etc.
In the settings window, you can enable hotkeys that will allow you to change the sound level without entering the program window.
The second utility is SRS Audio Sandbox. The software is a powerful tool for changing equalizer settings. You can change the equalizer parameters and volume level with its help.
Conclusion
Adjusting the sound level using standard and third-party tools in Windows 10 is only necessary if you are confident that the hardware is working correctly - the correct connection of output devices, their working condition, etc. You can enhance the sound not only with a standard utility and mixer. The players and special programs presented above will come to your aid.
Video
We have attached a video instruction that shows in detail all the steps described in the article. If you have difficulty increasing the volume and settings, be sure to check out this video.
