To increase the volume on an HP laptop running Windows 11, press the volume up key (often F3 or a speaker key in the top row; hold Fn if it doesn’t work alone), or click the speaker icon on the taskbar and drag the slider to 100. If it’s still too quiet, raise the app’s own volume in Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer, turn on Loudness Equalization in the speaker’s properties, check HP’s audio app for a volume boost or preset, and update the audio driver.
This guide goes from the quickest fixes to deeper ones, including HP’s own audio software, driver updates, and when external speakers or headphones are the better answer. Steps apply to HP Pavilion, Envy, Spectre, EliteBook, ProBook, Victus, OMEN, and other HP laptops.
Method 1: Use the keyboard volume keys
- Find the keys with speaker icons in the top row, often F1 (mute), F2 (volume down), and F3 (volume up), though positions vary by model.
- If pressing them triggers F-key functions instead, hold Fn while pressing, or press Fn + Esc or Fn + Shift to toggle the action key mode on some models. You can also change Action Keys Mode in the BIOS setup.
- Check that the mute light on the mute key isn’t on.
Method 2: Turn up the system volume
- Click the speaker icon in the taskbar’s notification area (or press Windows + A).
- Drag the volume slider all the way right.
- Click the arrow next to the slider to make sure your laptop Speakers are the selected output, not a Bluetooth device or monitor.
Or open Settings > System > Sound and adjust Volume under Output.
Method 3: Raise app volume in the Volume mixer
- Go to Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.
- Raise the slider for the app you’re using, like your browser or media player.
- Also check the volume control inside the app or on the video player, since it’s separate from the system volume.
Method 4: Turn on Loudness Equalization
Loudness Equalization evens out volume differences, making quiet sounds louder.
- Go to Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings.
- On the Playback tab, double-click Speakers.
- Open the Enhancements tab (on some systems, Advanced or a tab from the audio driver) and check Loudness Equalization.
- Click OK.
If you don’t see an Enhancements tab, your audio driver uses its own software instead. On Windows 11, Enhance audio on the Sound settings page may also affect this.
Method 5: Use HP’s audio app
Many HP laptops include an audio app, such as HP Audio Control, Bang & Olufsen Audio Control, or an OMEN audio panel, depending on the model and year.
- Search the Start menu for Audio Control or HP Audio.
- Try a Music or Movie preset instead of Voice, and raise the equalizer bands for mid-range frequencies, which makes voices clearer.
- If the app is missing, it may be available from the Microsoft Store or HP’s support site for your model.
Method 6: Update or reinstall the audio driver
- Open HP Support Assistant (preinstalled on most HP laptops) and run Updates, or download drivers from HP’s official support website using your laptop’s serial number.
- Or right-click Start > Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your audio device, and choose Update driver.
- If sound got quieter after an update, choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
- Restart the laptop.
Method 7: Run the audio troubleshooter
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run Audio (in newer versions, it may open the Get Help app). It checks for muted outputs, wrong devices, and driver problems.
Method 8: Boost volume in your browser or player
- Some media players, such as VLC, can go above 100% volume. Be careful: this can distort sound and strain the speakers.
- Browser extensions that boost volume exist, but only install ones from trusted developers.
Other things to check
- Speaker grilles – dust or a soft surface like a bed can muffle bottom-facing speakers. Use the laptop on a hard, flat surface.
- Communications setting – in More sound settings > Communications tab, choose Do nothing so Windows doesn’t lower volume during calls.
- External audio – for louder sound, use headphones, a USB or Bluetooth speaker, or HDMI audio to a TV.
- Hardware problems – crackling, buzzing, or one silent speaker may mean damaged speakers. Contact HP support if your laptop is under warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my HP laptop so quiet even at 100%?
Laptop speakers are small, and app volume, audio presets, or disabled enhancements can make them quieter. Try Loudness Equalization and HP’s audio app presets.
Can I make my laptop louder than 100%?
Windows doesn’t go above 100%, but Loudness Equalization and some media players can make audio sound louder. Pushing beyond the limits can cause distortion.
Why did my volume keys stop working?
The HP hotkey support software or driver may be missing. Update drivers with HP Support Assistant and check the Fn or action key setting.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.