Have you ever plugged in your headphones on Windows 11, only to feel like the sound isn’t as loud as you’d like? You’re not alone. Many users find that even at 100% volume, their headphones still sound too quiet.
The good news? Windows 11 comes with several built-in tools and tweaks that can help you boost headphone volume. And if that’s not enough, there are also third-party solutions.
In this guide, we’ll cover step-by-step methods to make your headphones louder on Windows 11 without compromising audio quality.
Why Are My Headphones So Quiet on Windows 11?
Before we crank up the volume, let’s figure out why headphones sometimes sound low:
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Low default volume settings in Windows.
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Enhancements disabled, like Loudness Equalization.
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Audio drivers outdated or not optimized.
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App-specific volume settings lower than system volume.
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Headphone hardware limitations (some models are naturally quieter).
Now that you know the causes, let’s fix them.
Method 1: Adjust System Volume
It may sound obvious, but sometimes the simplest fix is overlooked.
Step 1: Click the Volume Icon
In the taskbar, click the speaker icon.
Step 2: Increase the Volume
Slide the bar all the way up to 100%.
Step 3: Check App Volume
Right-click the speaker icon → Select Open volume mixer.
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Adjust each app’s volume (Spotify, Chrome, YouTube, etc.).
Method 2: Enable Loudness Equalization
Windows has a built-in feature that makes audio sound louder.
Step 1: Open Sound Settings
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Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settings.
Step 2: Select Output Device
Click your headphones under Choose where to play sound.
Step 3: Open Device Properties
Click Properties → Scroll to Enhancements.
Step 4: Enable Loudness Equalization
Check Loudness Equalization → Apply → OK.
You should notice an instant boost in volume.
Method 3: Adjust Sound Levels in Control Panel
Some settings are still tucked away in the old Control Panel.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Press Win + R, type control, hit Enter.
Step 2: Go to Sound
Click Hardware and Sound > Sound.
Step 3: Headphones Properties
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Right-click your headphones → Properties.
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Under Levels, increase the volume.
Method 4: Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Old drivers can limit audio performance.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Press Win + X → Select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand Sound Section
Find Sound, video and game controllers.
Step 3: Update Driver
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Right-click your audio device → Update driver.
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Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If that doesn’t help, uninstall the driver and restart your PC.
Method 5: Use Windows 11 Audio Troubleshooter
Windows can automatically detect and fix sound issues.
Step 1: Open Troubleshoot Settings
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
Step 2: Run Troubleshooter
Select Other troubleshooters → Run Playing Audio.
Follow the prompts to fix sound issues.
Method 6: Increase Volume with Equalizer APO
If built-in settings aren’t enough, third-party apps can help.
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Equalizer APO: Free, powerful equalizer for Windows.
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Install it → Configure filters → Boost volume safely.
This tool gives you far more control than default settings.
Method 7: Use VLC Media Player (App-Specific Boost)
Watching movies or listening to music?
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Open your file in VLC Media Player.
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Go to Tools > Preferences > Audio.
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Increase Gain or move the Volume slider above 100%.
VLC allows up to 200% volume.
Method 8: Adjust Volume in Spotify, YouTube, and Other Apps
Sometimes the issue isn’t Windows—it’s the app.
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Spotify: Settings → Playback → Set volume level to Loud.
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YouTube: Check the player’s volume bar—it might be lower than system volume.
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Zoom/Teams: Adjust audio settings within the app.
Method 9: Disable Volume Limiter (If Enabled)
Some laptops enable volume limiting for hearing protection.
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Check your sound card software (like Realtek Audio Console).
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Disable Volume Limiter or Volume Leveling if enabled.
Method 10: Use an External DAC or Amplifier
If none of the software fixes work, your headphones might just need more power.
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A DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) or headphone amp boosts sound quality and volume.
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Great for audiophile or high-impedance headphones.
When Not to Increase Volume Too Much
⚠️ A quick warning: blasting your headphones at maximum levels can damage both your ears and your headphones.
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Follow the 60/60 rule: 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
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Use apps like EarTrumpet to fine-tune safe levels.
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Consider noise-canceling headphones instead of cranking volume in noisy environments.
Troubleshooting: Still Too Quiet?
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Try your headphones on another device (phone, tablet).
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If they’re still quiet, it might be a hardware limitation.
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If only quiet on Windows, reset your audio settings or reinstall drivers.
Extra Tips to Improve Audio Quality
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Switch audio format: Settings → Sound → Advanced → 24-bit, 48000 Hz.
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Keep drivers up-to-date.
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Use high-quality music files instead of compressed audio.
Conclusion
Making your headphones louder on Windows 11 is easier than you think. From simple tweaks like volume mixer adjustments and loudness equalization to more advanced solutions like Equalizer APO or external amps, you’ve got plenty of options.
Remember: louder isn’t always better. Prioritize sound quality and ear safety. But with the right tweaks, you can enjoy music, movies, and calls the way they were meant to be heard—loud and clear.
FAQs
1. Why is my headphone volume so low on Windows 11?
It could be due to disabled enhancements, outdated drivers, or app-specific settings.
2. Does Windows 11 have a built-in volume booster?
Yes—features like Loudness Equalization act as a built-in volume booster.
3. Can third-party apps damage my headphones?
Yes, if used incorrectly. Stick to trusted tools like Equalizer APO and avoid extreme boosts.
4. Will updating audio drivers make sound louder?
It can—updated drivers optimize performance and fix volume issues.
5. Do I need an amplifier for my headphones?
Only if you’re using high-impedance or studio-grade headphones that require extra power.