Windows 10 Volume Too Low After Update? Try These Fixes

Is the volume too low on Windows 10 after a recent update, even though the volume slider is already set to 100%? You may notice that your speakers or headphones were loud enough before the update, but now sound much quieter. This can happen when a Windows update changes or replaces the audio driver, sound settings, or audio enhancements used by your device. In some cases, the update may install a different driver that works correctly but does not provide the same sound output as the previous driver. Microsoft also recommends checking the audio driver when sound problems start after installing an update. If your speakers or headphones were working normally before the update, try the fixes below to restore the volume without replacing your audio hardware.

1. Check the Volume Mixer

Before changing drivers or other Windows settings, check whether Windows has lowered the volume for a specific app.

Windows 10 allows each application to have its own volume level. For example, your system volume may be at 100%, while Chrome, VLC, or another app is set to a much lower level.

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Open Volume Mixer.
3. Check the volume sliders under Apps.
4. Make sure the affected app is not muted or set to a very low level.
5. Raise the app’s volume to 100% and test the sound again.

If the volume is still unusually low across all applications, move on to the next fix.

2. Run the Windows 10 Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect common problems with your audio output. It can check the selected playback device, audio services, and some sound configuration issues.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Click Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Playing Audio.
5. Click Run the troubleshooter.
6. Select your speakers or headphones when prompted.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply any recommended fix.

After the troubleshooter finishes, play a video or audio file and check whether the volume has returned to normal.

If the sound is still too quiet, the recent Windows update may have affected your audio driver. The next step is to check the driver.

3. Update or Roll Back the Audio Driver

A Windows update can sometimes replace or modify your audio driver. If the driver is outdated, incompatible, or changed during the update, your speakers or headphones may suddenly sound much quieter.

First, check whether Windows can install a newer driver:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device.
4. Select Update driver.
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
6. Restart your PC if Windows installs an update.

If the problem started immediately after an update

You can also try returning to the previous driver:

1. Open Device Manager again.
2. Right-click your audio device and select Properties.
3. Open the Driver tab.
4. Click Roll Back Driver if the option is available.
5. Choose a reason and follow the instructions.

The Roll Back Driver option is only available when Windows has a previous driver to restore. If updating or rolling back the driver does not improve the volume, check Windows’ audio enhancement settings next.

4. Turn Off Audio Enhancements

Windows 10 audio enhancements can sometimes interfere with speaker volume. This may happen after a Windows update changes how your audio driver handles these effects.

Try disabling them to see if the volume improves:

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Sounds.
3. Open the Playback tab.
4. Select your default speakers or headphones and click Properties.
5. Open the Enhancements tab.
6. Check Disable all enhancements.
7. Click Apply, then OK.

Now play some audio and check the volume.

If you don’t see an Enhancements tab, your audio driver may provide these options through a separate audio control application. In that case, look for options such as Audio Enhancements, Sound Effects, or Loudness Equalization and temporarily disable them.

5. Make Sure the Correct Audio Device Is Selected

After a Windows update, your PC may switch to a different playback device. For example, Windows might start sending audio through a monitor, HDMI device, Bluetooth headset, or another output instead of your usual speakers.

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Open Sound settings.
3. Under Choose your output device, select the speakers or headphones you normally use.
4. Click Device properties and make sure the volume is not turned down or muted.
5. Play some audio to test the sound.

If you have multiple audio devices connected, temporarily disconnect the ones you are not using and test again.

If the correct device is selected but the volume remains unusually low, Windows’ communication settings may be reducing your audio level. Check those settings next.

6. Stop Windows From Lowering Other Sounds

Windows 10 can automatically reduce the volume of other sounds when it detects that you are using your PC for communication. Although this setting is mainly intended for calls, it can sometimes make your normal audio seem quieter.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type mmsys.cpl and press Enter.
3. Open the Communications tab.
4. Select Do nothing.
5. Click Apply and then OK.
6. Play some audio and check the volume again.

If the volume was being reduced by Windows during communication, this should prevent the system from automatically lowering other sounds.

7. Change the Default Audio Format

An incompatible audio format can sometimes cause sound problems after a Windows 10 update. Changing the format can help if your speakers or headphones suddenly become quieter.

1. Press Windows + R, type mmsys.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Open the Playback tab.
3. Select your default speakers or headphones and click Properties.
4. Open the Advanced tab.
5. Under Default Format, select a different option from the current one.
6. Click Apply and test the sound.
7. If necessary, try another available format until you find one that restores normal volume.

You do not need to change the format permanently if it does not help. Simply return to the original setting.

If the volume is still low after changing the audio format, resetting the audio driver may help resolve a configuration problem left behind by the Windows update.

8. Uninstall the Recent Windows 10 Update

If your sound became noticeably quieter immediately after installing a Windows update, the update itself may be responsible. This is especially worth trying when the other fixes above haven’t restored the volume.

Windows 10 lets you remove some recently installed updates from Settings.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click View update history.
4. Select Uninstall updates.
5. Find the most recent quality update.
6. Select it and click Uninstall.
7. Follow the instructions and restart your PC.

After restarting, test your speakers or headphones again.

Keep in mind: Not every Windows update can be uninstalled. Windows may also reinstall the update later, so this should be treated as a troubleshooting step rather than a permanent solution.

If removing the recent update restores the volume to normal, it strongly indicates that the update, or a driver change during the update, caused the problem.

Still Have Low Volume After the Update?

If your Windows 10 sound became quieter after an update, the problem is often due to a change in audio settings, a driver issue, or a playback device issue rather than a damaged speaker.

Start with the simple checks, such as the Volume Mixer and the default output device. If those don’t help, try the audio troubleshooter, driver rollback, audio enhancements, and default audio format. When the problem clearly started after a particular Windows update, uninstalling that update can also help confirm whether it caused the issue.

If none of these solutions work, test another pair of headphones or speakers. This can help determine whether the problem is specific to Windows or the audio hardware itself.

Frequently Asked Questions