Volume glitches are a common problem with Windows computers. This problem can usually be resolved by adjusting the computer's volume settings or reinstalling the audio driver. This wikiHow teaches you how to fix volume and sound problems on a Windows computer.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Fix Volume and Sound Loss Issues on Windows
Step 1. Check the speaker cable
If you use an external device to listen to sound (eg loudspeakers or headphones), check that the cable is functioning properly and is connected to the appropriate audio port on the computer. If the loudspeaker requires a power source, make sure the device is plugged into a wall outlet and/or an AC adapter.
Step 2. Check the external device volume
If you are using external speakers or headphones that have their own volume control, make sure the volume is turned up and the “Mute” button is not activated. You can also follow these steps to check the volume on the computer:
- Click the Windows “Start” icon on the taskbar.
- Type in "Adjust volume".
- Click " Adjust Volume ”.
- Use the slider bar under "Change device volume" to adjust the computer volume.
Step 3. Check the sound and volume settings of each app
Find out if the volume issue occurs in all apps, or just one particular app. If you're having volume issues with one app, the problem may stem from the sound settings of that app. For example, Spotify has a volume slider bar in the lower-right corner of its app window. You can also adjust the volume of YouTube videos by clicking the speaker icon and dragging the slider bar. Game applications usually have their own sound and volume settings in the “Settings” or “Options” menu.
Step 4. Use the troubleshooter feature
Windows computers with built-in troubleshooting applications can help you resolve volume glitches. This feature will ask several questions that help the application to determine the cause of the problem. In addition, the feature may also ask you to open certain settings and suggest changes to those settings. Follow these steps to unlock the troubleshooting feature in Windows:
- Click the Windows “Start” icon on the taskbar.
- Type in "Troubleshoot Settings".
- Click " Troubleshoot Settings ”.
- Scroll down and click " Playing Audio ”.
- Click " Run the Troubleshooter ”.
- Follow the instructions that appear in the window that opens.
Step 5. Check the selected playback device
If sound is not playing from the computer, you may have selected the wrong playback device. For example, if the computer is set to play sound through headphones, the sound will not come out of the external speakers. Follow these steps to find out which playback device is selected on the computer:
- Click the Windows “Start” icon on the taskbar.
- Type in "Control Panel".
- Click " Control Panel ”.
- Click " Hardware and Sound ”.
- Click " Manage Audio Devices ”.
- Click the appropriate audio device.
-
Click Apply ”.
You can also right-click the audio device and select “ Test ” to test the device.
Step 6. Check the sound card (soundcard)
Most modern computers have a built-in Realtek sound chip for processing audio. However, older computers may use a third-party sound card to process audio. If your computer's speakers are connected to a sound card on the back of your computer, you may need to open the computer and make sure the card is properly inserted. Follow these steps to make sure the sound card is connected to the computer:
- Click the Windows “Start” icon on the taskbar.
- Type in "Device Manager."
- Click " Device Manager ”.
- Double click the option " Sound, video and game controllers ”.
- Make sure the audio device is displayed under the "Sound, video and game controllers" heading.
Step 7. Check for updates
Sometimes, the audio drivers used are out of date, causing problems with the computer. Follow these steps to check for updates on Windows:
- Click the Windows “Start” icon on the taskbar.
- Type "Check for updates"
- Click " Check for updates ” on the “Start” menu.
- Click " Check for updates ” on the Windows update menu.
- Click " Download and install now ”.
Step 8. Install the audio device driver
If you are using a third-party sound card, you may need to install drivers for the card. Cards usually come with a CD that can be used to install the drivers. If the CD is not available, you can visit the sound card manufacturer's website to download the audio driver. Download and install the drivers for the sound card you are using afterwards.
Method 2 of 2: Bringing Volume or Sound Icon Back
Step 1. Right-click the Windows taskbar
By default, this bar is at the bottom of the screen. Right-click the bar to display a pop-up menu.
Step 2. Click Taskbar Settings
It's at the bottom of the pop-up menu that appears after right-clicking the taskbar.
Step 3. Scroll down and click Select which icons appear on the taskbar
This option is under the "Notification area" section.
Step 4. Click the switch
next to "Volumes".
It's at the top of the menu. The volume icon will appear in the notification area, on the right side of the taskbar.
- If the icon still doesn't appear, click the upward-pointing bracket icon on the left side of the notification area. All available icons on the taskbar will be displayed.
- You can click and drag the icons on the bar to arrange or manage their position.
