- Learn to troubleshoot computer speaker issues.
- Discover why your speakers could be quieter than usual.
- We list numerous fixes for quiet computer speakers with this handy guide.
- Also, check out our post on the loudest Bluetooth speakers!
I imagine you’re here because you are encountering inadequate speaker volumes on your desktop or laptop.
Computer speakers become too quiet or fail to surpass a certain volume when equalizer settings are used, audio drivers are outdated, or external cords are damaged, among other reasons. Luckily, there are some quick fixes to these issues.
We’ll explain step-by-step fixes that you can make in your computer’s settings center and things you can check on external speakers to ensure they’re working correctly. Without further ado, let’s get into the details!
General Hardware Issues
Damaged or Faulty Speaker Wires
With wired connections, such as external speakers connected with USB or auxiliary cords, the wires can become damaged and frayed with time.
This common cause of speaker malfunction could lower the volume output, even when sound settings are up to full capacity.
Ensure your speaker wires are in good condition, unbroken, unfrayed, and that the jacks are clean.
Speaker CABLES Not Fully Plugged In
As silly as it may seem, people make this mistake occasionally, and it can cause speakers to perform inadequately.
Check that the cords are properly connected if you have a wired connection.
Auxiliary cords need to be pushed into their jacks all the way on your computer, as do USB cord connections. You should also check that the connections are secure from the cords to your external speakers.
When correctly inserted you should feel a ‘click’.
Broken Computer Built-In Speakers
Occasionally, even with the Volume Mixer settings corrected and audio drivers updated, built-in computer speakers can still fail to do their job. If you’ve exhausted all other options, then it’s possible that your device’s speakers are broken and in need of repair.
You have two options here:
- Contact your local service technician to arrange repair (or contact your manufacturer if the computer is still under warranty).
- Invest in external speakers, such as Bluetooth-connected or USB cord-connected speakers.
Certain speakers allow you to plug directly into your computer with an auxiliary connection. While a wall outlet powers most speakers, you can also find several Bluetooth speakers with auxiliary connections to wirelessly connect your speakers to your computer.
Now we’ve gone over some hardware fixes for quiet speakers, let’s look at potential software issues that may be causing low volumes.
Windows
Loudness Equalization Turned On
One computer setting that many people aren’t aware of is the loudness equalization option. When activated, this setting on Windows computers enhances audio by balancing the different pitches.
In theory, it’s supposed to improve the audio quality, but it can also reduce the volume output for computer speakers when turned on.
To check loudness equalization:
- Navigate to your computer’s speaker settings/properties center and click the Enhancements option.
- Toggle the option for Loudness Equalization, ensuring it is turned off.
Audio Driver Needs Updating
Another possible cause of too-quiet computer speakers is an outdated audio driver or a driver that must be reset.
To check your audio drivers:
- Navigate to your computer’s Device Manager.
- Locate your driver in Device Names
- Right-click on it and select Update Driver.
Computer Settings Have Volume Reduced
Windows “Communications” feature is designed to automatically reduce the volume of other sounds when an activity is detected, such as a video or voice calls. While this feature can be helpful for some people, it can also leave your computer at a diminished volume after the call is over.
To turn off the Communications feature:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Click on Hardware and Sound.
- Click on Sound.
- Click on the Communications tab.
- Select the “Do nothing” option.
- Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
These steps will prevent Windows from automatically reducing the volume of other sounds.
Wrong Computer Volume Mixer Settings
Sometimes, a speaker fix on a laptop is as simple as going into the device’s settings and making some alterations. You should ensure that your computer’s volume mixer settings are at the correct levels.
To do this:
- Go into System Settings and open the Volume Mixer.
- On Windows, you can navigate quickly to this setting by pressing WIN+R on your keyboard and typing “sndvol” + ENTER.
- Once you’re in the Volume Mixer center, ensure all slider icons are turned up to their highest level (100).
Mac
If you’re experiencing issues with low speaker volume on Mac, you can try the steps below to rectify the problem.
Check the volume level
Ensure the volume is turned up and not muted. You can check this by:
- Clicking on the Volume icon in the Menu bar or going to System Preferences > Sound.
Check the sound output
Ensure the sound output is set to the correct device, such as your built-in speakers or headphones. You can check this by going to:
- System Preferences > Sound > Output.
Reset the PRAM and SMC
Resetting the PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) and SMC (System Management Controller) can sometimes fix sound issues.
To reset the PRAM:
- Shut down your MacBook Pro.
- Press the power button and immediately hold down the Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup sound twice.
To reset the SMC:
- Shut down your MacBook Pro
- Hold down the Shift + Control + Option keys and the power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
Check for software updates
Ensure your MacBook Pro is current with the latest software updates. You can check this by going to:
- System Preferences > Software Update.
Check for audio software conflicts
If you have third-party audio software installed, it may conflict with the built-in audio drivers. Try uninstalling any third-party audio software and see if the problem is resolved.
Before you go, are you suffering with quiet headphones? Here are some easy fixes!
