Home windows’ 100% quantity is a phony restrict. Right here’s how I enhance audio 6x increased

In case you’re taking part in audio on a desktop alternative laptop computer with a six-speaker-strong configuration, one thing just like the Razer Blade 18 with its 4 woofers, two tweeters, and extra three good amps, you then’re in all probability not going to be missing quantity in your media.

Then once more, when you’re rocking a four-, or two-speaker system in a lightweight and skinny laptop computer, then even when Home windows’ quantity setting is 100%, your audio is more likely to nonetheless be underwhelming at instances. In that case you’re going to wish to tune your quantity previous Home windows’ 100% quantity restrict.

Some guides suggest utilizing Home windows Quantity Mixer to do that, however Home windows Quantity Mixer typically received’t provide the choice to surpass 100% for every app or program. Altering the registry isn’t advisable both since it could possibly trigger system instability. You’re higher off utilizing the next strategies…

What to do…

Methodology 1: Use VLC media participant

VLC media participant is offered for obtain on the Microsoft retailer so it’s available. Only a disclaimer: Chances are you’ll not wish to elevate the quantity to VLC’s most 300 p.c quantity since this might harm your audio system. Right here’s what to do:

• First obtain and set up the VLC app from the Microsoft retailer.
• Choose Instruments from the highest menu, then Preferences. Beneath Present Settings toggle All.
• From the left choose Fundamental Interfaces, then Qt. Scroll down on the proper till you see the class Most Quantity displayed. Within the field, kind the worth of the quantity setting above 100% you need. Now shut the tab to avoid wasting your new setting.

Methodology 2: Set up a Chrome extension

If it’s only a Chrome webpage you wish to elevate your quantity in, then Quantity Grasp will do the trick. This can work in YouTube too, so you should utilize it to view the channels you subscribe to.

• Seek for Quantity Grasp within the Chrome Net Retailer. Then click on Add to Chrome to make it accessible in Chrome.
• Now click on the Extension button (which seems to be like a puzzle piece) on the prime of your display to open the extension. Select the tab for the media that you just wish to elevate the quantity in.
• Use the slider to spice up the quantity by a price as much as 600 p.c.

Dominic Bayley / Foundry

Methodology 3: Through an Equalizer device

Most equalizer apps must be bought, however Equalizer APO, is open supply so it’s free to obtain. It’s not formally supported on Home windows 11, however the Home windows 10 model nonetheless works for many customers. Right here’s how greatest to make use of it.

• First obtain Equalizer APO.
• Extract the zip file and launch the installer. Comply with the set up directions till you see the window named Configurator.
• Choose the playback system that you really want the Equalizer APO system to make use of. This shall be both your audio system or headphones.
• When you’ve completed the set up restart your PC.
• Again in Home windows open File Explorer and navigate to C:Program FilesEqualizer APO and open the config folder. Open config.txt with the Notepad app and alter the worth displayed in dB. You’ll be able to change this to a most 20dB, however you’ll in all probability discover 10- or 15dB is a suitable quantity enhance.

Dominic Bayley / Foundry

Tip: For greatest outcomes with every of those strategies you’ll wish to elevate the quantity in increments at first to search out the utmost quantity you may obtain earlier than the sound will get distorted. Keep in mind to hearken to your media at secure ranges that received’t harm your listening to or your system’s audio system.

Additional studying: Greatest finances pc audio system 2025: Stable PC audio for $100 or much less