The short version
- 01Compare two apps through the same headphones at a comfortable listening level.
- 02Check the headphone's own volume control and that Windows selected the intended output.
- 03Open Sound > Volume mixer and review both System and the affected app.
- 04Turn off the selected output's audio enhancements for a comparison.
- 05Test another available audio format if the output remains quiet.
- 06Update the audio driver, restart and report whether the problem affects one app or all apps.
Likely causes
- System, app or headphone volume is low or muted.
- Audio enhancements or the selected audio format reduce output.
- An outdated audio driver affects the selected device.
Compare one app with another
Our first comparison keeps the headphones and track volume consistent while changing apps. Microsoft documents separate system and app controls in Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer. Its broader audio guidance also checks the output selection and the headphones' physical controls.
Test enhancements and the available format
Select the headphone output in Sound settings. Microsoft's quiet-audio procedure tests Audio enhancements off, then a different available format. Our recommendation is to change one setting at a time and replay the same sample so the result remains interpretable.
Use the driver route if the controls do not help
Microsoft's next step updates the audio device under Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers, then restarts Windows. Persistent problems can need the manufacturer's driver. Keep the one-app versus all-app result for support; raising volume further does not identify the fault.
Sources and review notes
Checked on . Based on Microsoft's low-volume and audio-output documentation. The two-app comparison and one-setting-at-a-time test are editorial guidance. These steps cover Windows 11; device safety limits and physical cleaning have separate guides. Glitchary is independent of Microsoft.