Volume too LOW on Windows 11

Ashley 40 Reputation points
2026-08-13T21:10:42.69+00:00

The volume works but it's very very low and I've checked the drivers and they are up to date. I'm not sure what app may be running in the background to cause and I'm not sure how to check or if that is the problem.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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John DeV 169.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-13T22:08:47.2133333+00:00

Hi, good day!

To help narrow down the cause, could you please answer the following questions?

What is the exact make and model of your computer? Press Start then search msinfo to open System Information Please take a screenshot of the resulting window and post it in your next response.

Is the low volume happening through the built-in speakers, headphones, or both?

Does the issue occur in all apps (YouTube, Edge/Chrome, media players, etc.), or only a specific application?

Have you checked Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer to make sure the affected app isn't turned down?

Did the problem start after a recent Windows Update, driver update, or software installation?

In the meantime, you can try disabling Exclusive Mode, as this can sometimes resolve unusually low speaker volume caused by the audio driver or audio enhancements.

Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sound settings.

Scroll down and click More sound settings.

In the Playback tab, double-click Speakers.

Go to the Advanced tab.

Under Exclusive Mode, uncheck both options

  • Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device
  • Give exclusive mode applications priority

Click Apply, then OK.

Restart your computer

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

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AI answer

2026-08-13T21:10:58.2633333+00:00

Try these Windows 11 checks in this order:

  1. Check the correct output device
    • Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
    • Select the arrow to the right of the volume slider.
    • Make sure audio is going to the intended device, such as laptop speakers or headphones.
  2. Check Volume mixer for a lowered app volume
    • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.
    • Verify the volume slider is up for:
      • System
      • The affected app
    • Make sure the app is not muted.
  3. Turn off audio enhancements
    • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
    • Under Output, select the current audio device.
    • Select Audio enhancements.
    • Turn enhancements off, then test sound again.
  4. Try a different audio format
    • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
    • Under Output, select the audio device.
    • Select Advanced.
    • Under Default format, choose a different format and test.
  5. Restart audio services
    • In the taskbar search box, type services and open it.
    • Restart these services:
      • Windows Audio
      • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
      • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
  6. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter
    • Use the automated audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
  7. Since the driver is already up to date, reinstall it
    • Open Device Manager.
    • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    • Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
    • Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
    • Save open work first, because this requires a restart.
  8. If Windows still reports the best driver is installed, install the manufacturer driver
    • Download the latest audio driver from the PC or audio device manufacturer’s support site.
    • Install it and restart the PC.

If the low volume started after Windows Update, try rolling back the audio driver:

  • Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers > audio device > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
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  1. Ashley 40 Reputation points
    2026-08-13T22:11:45.9866667+00:00

    Thank you! I restarted it and it's a bit better now

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