Audio too low to hear

Question

with all my volumes at 100% the audio is still so low I can barely hear it. The volume is louder if I put it to sleep for awhile but after awhile the sound goes back down to almost inaudible. Driver is up to date and the trouble shooter couldn't find any problems.

Answer 1

Use the built-in low-volume troubleshooting steps for Windows 11 and focus on settings that can reduce or normalize volume over time.

1. Check per-app and system volume
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Select Volume mixer.
   3. Ensure the sliders for System and the affected apps are turned up and not muted.
2. Turn off audio enhancements Audio enhancements can lower or distort volume.
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Under Output, select the active audio device.
   3. Select Audio enhancements.
   4. Turn off enhancements and test if the volume remains stable.
3. Change the audio format If the current format is not well supported, it can cause quiet or degraded audio.
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Under Output, select the audio device.
   3. Select Advanced.
   4. Under Default format, choose a different format and test audio. Try a few options to see if one keeps the volume normal.
4. Update or reinstall the audio driver (even if it reports as up to date) A driver can be corrupted even when reported current.
   1. Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
   2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   3. Right-click the audio device and select Update driver.
   4. Restart the PC and test.
   5. If the issue persists, right-click the audio device again, select Uninstall device, confirm, then restart so Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
   6. If needed, download and install the latest audio driver from the PC or audio device manufacturer’s support site.
5. Use the generic Windows audio driver If the OEM driver is misbehaving, switching to the generic driver can stabilize volume.
   1. Open Device Manager.
   2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   3. Right-click the audio device and select Update driver.
   4. Select Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   5. Choose the generic audio driver listed and install it, then test.

If the volume still drops after sleep even with enhancements off and drivers reinstalled or switched to the generic driver, follow the broader audio troubleshooting steps (including checking Windows Update and, if needed, rolling back or restoring) in the referenced articles.

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References:

• Fix low or quiet sound in Windows
• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
• Update Audio drivers in Windows