Either because our computer's speakers don't produce much more, or because the file we play is recorded at a low volume, in Windows 10 we can make some changes to the system to improve the sound quality and volume . In the same way, we can use some third-party applications that will also help us with this.
Contents [show]
- Improving sound playback in Windows 10 settings
- Use the volume mixer if the problem is with the out-of-the-box application.
- Activate Groove audio equalizer
- Increase maximum volume in VLC
- Programs to increase the sound volume of a PC EqualizerAPO, install a computer equalizer
- FX Sound, increase max volume to 200%
- Boom 3D, increase maximum volume by 150%
Improving sound playback in Windows 10 settings
Windows 10 allows you to make certain adjustments to improve audio playback and volume control on your system. To do this we must access Configuration by pressing the keyboard shortcut “Windows + I” and clicking on “System”.
In the next window, select “Sound” in the left column. We will now have the option to select the audio output device, the volume controller and the option to use the sound troubleshooter in Windows 10. So we can try to increase the default system volume or use the troubleshooter if we have a problem with the hardware that prevents us from turning up the volume.
Fidelizer
Fidelizer isolates the audio driver from the influence of unrelated software at the operating system kernel level. The utility does not increase the volume, but removes all kinds of interference, so that the sound reproduced from the computer becomes cleaner and better perceived by the ear. That is, at the same volume it is easier to hear details. This is especially noticeable when listening to music and videos on headphones.
The utility is designed for musicians. Full functionality is available in the paid version. The license cost is $40 (approximately 3,100 rubles). And in the free version, only 4 priority levels are available for the audio driver. All except “Consumer” seriously slow down programs not related to audio output. The “Minimalist” level completely disables all “unnecessary” software, even the network card. The settings are saved until the system is restarted.
Use the volume mixer if the problem is with the out-of-the-box application.
In case the sound levels for a particular application may be low, you can check the volume levels individually using the Volume Mixer tool. To open it we must right-click on the speaker icon that we find on the taskbar. A drop-down menu will appear from which we will select “Open Volume Mixer.”
Once this is done, a window will appear with all the software we have opened, with their respective volume scales individually. Here we need to make sure that each application has the maximum volume. If a particular band is lower than others, we can increase it to the maximum to achieve greater sound volume when using it.
Sound Booster
If the standard methods of Windows 7, 8 or 10 are not enough for you, you can use the Sound Booster program. Using this utility, you can easily and simply increase the volume set by the manufacturer, but you should be careful, because an excessive increase can very quickly render the speakers inoperative due to the high amplitude.
The application can increase the sound by more than one and a half times without losing playback quality. For the fastest and most comfortable use, a convenient menu in Russian and a full set of hot keys have been made. You can install them at your own request. Quick access is designed as a special icon in the taskbar, where indicators of previously launched programs are also located.
Activate Groove audio equalizer
In Windows 10 we can find its own application called Groove, with which we can play music that we can customize to improve the sound of the system while using it. To open it, you only need to enter your name in the search bar next to the Start menu. Once opened, its interface will appear from where we will need to access its Settings menu by clicking on the gear-shaped icon that we see on the lower left side.
On the next screen we look at the Playback section, where we must select the Equalizer option. This will open a window in which we can increase the audio frequency levels to be able to increase its volume.
AUDIO AMPLIFIER
Audio Amplifier is a simple utility for working with the sound of a single file on your computer. The main advantage of the program is the interface, designed in a minimalist style. The application window contains several important buttons for making settings.
Audio Amplifier is available for the Windows operating system (32 and 64 bit). The interface is translated only into English, but the software is distributed absolutely free.
The main difference between the utility and similar solutions is that it works with individual media files, and not the overall system sound settings. To get started, you need to load an audio file or video into the program by clicking the corresponding button in the main window.
Information about the downloaded file will be displayed in the window under the button: name, format, size, duration, bitrate, etc.
On the right side of the interface there is a volume control. To adjust the sound (increase or decrease the volume), you need to turn the knob or use the arrows under the current volume indicator line. The maximum allowable value for gain is 1000%.
To apply the set volume value to the selected file, you must click the “Amplify” button and select a folder to save the source media file.
Increase maximum volume in VLC
In case we use VLC as our media player we can increase its volume up to 300% as by default it only reaches 125% volume. Of course, we have to keep in mind that the higher the volume, the more the sound clips, which can cause more distortion. To do this, we just need to open VLC and click on the Tools tab at the top and then Settings.
Then we click on the “All” option, which we find in the lower left corner of the window. Now we open the main interfaces panel and click "QT". On the right side we scroll down and find the "Maximum displayed volume" field, which we can change to a maximum value of 300.
Keyboard adjustment
Controlling the volume becomes much easier when there is a key on the keyboard of your laptop or computer specifically designed for this. Usually it is located at the very top among the F1-F12 keys and is indicated by a special icon.
To increase the sound volume, you need to press the FN key and, without releasing it, press the button with the icon, in my case it is F12.
If you don’t have such a button, you should think about buying a more expensive keyboard, since the simplest budget options do not provide such a function
Programs to increase PC sound volume
To help us increase the maximum volume and sound quality on our computer, we can use some third-party programs designed for this purpose. With their help we can reach a volume that exceeds the maximum that Windows 10 enables by default.
EqualizerAPO, install your computer's equalizer
This free and open source program will allow us to have full control over our PC's equalizer settings , such as increasing the maximum volume. To do this, you will only need to download it from this link and install it on your computer. After installation, the Configuration window will appear in which we must select the devices that we would like to use with APO. Select speakers and click OK.
Once this is done, we must go to the EqualizerAPO installation directory:
C:/Archivos de programa/EqualizerAPO/config
We must then open the config.txt file using Notepad and change the preamp number to a maximum of +10dB and remove the rest of the text from the file. Save and reboot the PC for the changes to be saved.
FX Sound, increase max volume to 200%
Now we are talking about a program that will allow us to increase the sound volume that Windows 10 offers us by default. To do this we will have the possibility of increasing the volume level up to 200% in addition to a large number of preset modes to improve the sound quality. It includes a 20-band equalizer system with which you can customize the sound to your liking, as well as an audio visualizer and various effects, among which the game mode stands out.
FX Sound has a free version that we can download directly from its Honest SIGN website.
Boom 3D, increase maximum volume by 150%
With this software we will be able to enhance the sound by a maximum of 150% compared to what it was in Windows 10. It also has options that will allow us to significantly improve the sound. It also has a surround sound system that allows us to enjoy our movies even more and also get more powerful bass when playing music. In addition, it includes a 31-equalizer which, thanks to its amplifier, also benefits from the benefits of surround sound and allows us to apply a specific volume for each application.
We can download a free trial version of Boom 3D on the website here, and buy a license for 7.34 euros.
Let's look at the main reasons for quiet sound
Hardware problems
Quiet or poor sound may be due to hardware problems. Among these there are several main reasons:
- An outdated connector through which speakers are connected. This applies to situations when the PC has an old model of audio card. This may also be due to the fact that the connectors have been used too often. Because of this, contact with the plug begins to disappear, and the connected device operates too quietly. What to do in this case? The connector needs to be changed.
- Failed audio board. Over time, like any other component, it breaks down, so before reading the article further, you need to make sure that the board is in working order. How to do this is written here.
- If you are using a subwoofer, the problem may be with the subwoofer itself. Like any other equipment, over time it breaks down and needs repair.
- Poor quality audio cable. If you bought the cheapest cable from an unknown manufacturer, then most likely this is the problem. You can check this by connecting another cable to the PC.
- Damage to the audio cable. With active use of the cord and numerous kinks, it can become damaged over time, primarily this applies to the cheapest Chinese wires. As you know, they do not have a long service life. The solution would be to buy a new, higher quality wire.
Note! Make sure that, in addition to the connector, the audio device is working normally and is playing at a good level. To do this, try it on another device.
Purchasing speakers
The easiest option to increase sound on a laptop or computer is to purchase and connect powerful speakers or even a full-fledged stereo system. They are connected using the same connector as standard headphones. Even very quiet sound on a laptop will sound much louder and richer in portable speakers.
However, it is important to understand that if you buy the cheapest device without a volume control, you will not achieve the desired result. It is recommended to immediately buy a good unit so that the weak sound does not haunt you further. Of course, you can just buy headphones, but speakers are a more versatile tool. Otherwise, you won't be able to watch a movie on headphones with your friends.
Installing audio codecs
The sound settings can be corrected using a special installation of audio codecs.
- Download the installation package online. For example, the K-Lite Codec Pack is available on the program’s official website.
- After downloading, run the installation. Before this action, it is very important to close all programs.
Audio and video codecs are special programs for signal conversion. If you try to play a file and the player doesn't play it, it may simply not understand the format. This is where codecs will help you.
Hardware problems
Unfortunately, the reasons why the sound of a laptop becomes uncomfortably quiet are not limited to software problems. In some cases, the user cannot fix anything on his own, because the origins of the failure are in the computer’s hardware. This could be damage to the speakers or sound card, which can only be fixed by replacing the equipment.
It is not recommended to do the replacement yourself, because the laptop has too many fragile cables and clips that can be accidentally broken when trying to open the case. Therefore, if no software methods for solving sound problems help, why not immediately contact a service center?
If the sound becomes quiet only when played through external speakers or headphones, then this may also be due to damage to the audio jack. But before you contact a specialist, make sure that your headphones and speakers work fine on other devices.
