YouTube Sound Not Balanced Since Windows 11

Question

Finally got Windows 11 installed. However, now my sound is off. I have to turn up the volume on my Bose speakers when watching YouTube reaction videos, but the sound on the video is lower than the reactors' sound. I didn't have this problem before.

I adjusted the sound in Settings (raised the volume), but now the reactors' voices are really loud, and the video is much lower in volume. Windows 11 uses Realtek, and maybe 10 did, too, I don't know. But my laptop used Bangs and Olufsen to adjust everything...bass, treble, volume. Oh, and I can't get 11 to recognize my controls in the laptop or my speakers, but both are working. I'd like to turn off the Realtek, and just use my speakers and laptop. But I guess if 10 was using Realtek that wouldn't matter, since I never turned it off.

As I said, I never had this problem before. I'd appreciate some advice on getting the balance right. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Hello,

The issue with the volume disparity between the video and the commentary usually requires enabling a feature called Loudness Equalization, which keeps volume consistent.

However, since you lost your Bang & Olufsen controls after the upgrade, it sounds like Windows 11 installed a generic audio driver instead of the specific one for your laptop. That software (B&O) actually runs on top of the Realtek chip, so you need the specific driver to get that control panel back.

Could you post the specific brand and model number of your laptop? That will help locate the correct audio driver that includes the B&O software.

Answer 2

It sounds like you're experiencing audio balance issues with your speakers and YouTube videos after upgrading to Windows 11. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Adjust Volume Levels: Since you've noticed that the reactors' voices are louder than the video sound, you might want to adjust the individual application volume levels. You can do this by right-clicking the sound icon in the system tray, selecting "Open Volume Mixer," and adjusting the volume for your browser or YouTube specifically.
2. Check Audio Settings: Go to Settings > System > Sound. Ensure that your output device is set correctly to your speakers. You can also check if there are any enhancements or settings that might be affecting the audio output.
3. Update Audio Drivers: Since you mentioned using Realtek, ensure that you have the latest drivers installed. You can check for updates via Windows Update or directly from the manufacturer's website.
4. Use Windows Troubleshooter: You can run the built-in audio troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Sound, and under "Advanced," click on "Troubleshoot" to see if Windows can detect and fix any issues.
5. Reinstall Audio Drivers: If the problem persists, consider uninstalling the Realtek audio driver and letting Windows reinstall it automatically. This can sometimes resolve conflicts or issues that arise after an OS upgrade.
6. Check Speaker Settings: If your speakers have their own control software (like Bang & Olufsen), ensure that the settings there are configured correctly. Sometimes, these applications can override Windows settings.

If you continue to have issues, you may want to consult the device manufacturer's support for more specific guidance related to your hardware configuration.

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References:

• Audio issues after win11 25h2 update - Microsoft Q&A
• Default Audio Volume Settings