To turn on sound equalization in Windows 11, open Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings, double-click your speakers or headphones, open the Enhancements tab, and check Loudness Equalization. The Enhancements tab only appears when your audio driver supports it. Many newer laptops don’t have it and put equalizer controls in the audio maker’s app instead.
How to Turn On Loudness Equalization
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Select System, then Sound.
- Scroll to Advanced and select More sound settings. The classic Sound window opens.
- On the Playback tab, double-click the device you listen through, such as Speakers or Headphones.
- Select the Enhancements tab.
- Check Loudness Equalization, then select OK.
Shortcut: press Windows key + R, type mmsys.cpl, and press Enter to open the classic Sound window directly. There are more ways in how to get to the Sound control panel in Windows 11.
Loudness Equalization evens out volume differences, so quiet dialogue gets louder and sudden loud sounds get quieter. It’s handy for movies and videos watched on laptop speakers, or for late-night listening.
Adjust the release time
On many drivers, selecting Loudness Equalization shows a Settings button or a Release Time slider. A short release time reacts quickly to volume changes, which some gamers prefer. A long release time changes volume more gradually and sounds more natural for music.
How to Use the Equalizer Enhancement
Some audio drivers include an Equalizer option on the same Enhancements tab. If yours does:
- Open the Enhancements tab as above.
- Check Equalizer.
- Choose a preset from the Setting menu, such as Bass, Rock, or Voice, or select the … button to adjust the sliders yourself.
- Select OK.
If There’s No Enhancements Tab
Some audio drivers leave the Enhancements tab out. If enhancements cause crackling or silence, turn them off; see how to fix no sound on Windows 11. On the laptop we tested, the Realtek speakers only show General, Levels, Advanced, and Spatial sound tabs.
In that case, try these options:
- Audio enhancements in Settings: open Settings > System > Sound, select your output device, and check the Audio enhancements menu under Advanced settings. It usually offers Device Default Effects or Off. Loudness Equalization and other enhancements only work when this isn’t set to Off.
- Your audio maker’s app: many PCs include an app such as Realtek Audio Console, Dolby Access, or the laptop maker’s audio app, which has an equalizer.
- Headphone apps: many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds have their own equalizer in a companion app.
Does Windows 11 Have a Built-In Equalizer?
Not a system-wide one. Windows 11 doesn’t include a graphic equalizer with sliders for bass, mids, and treble that works for every app, and Loudness Equalization is a single on-or-off setting. Your options are:
- The Equalizer enhancement, if your driver offers it (see above).
- The Media Player app: while music is playing, select the three-dot More options button in the bottom-right corner and choose Equalizer. It only affects audio played in Media Player.
- Your audio device maker’s app, which is the best choice for system-wide control.
Third-party equalizer apps also exist. If you try one, download it only from the developer’s official site or the Microsoft Store.
How to Turn Off Loudness Equalization
- Open the classic Sound window (Windows key + R, then mmsys.cpl).
- Double-click your playback device and open Enhancements.
- Uncheck Loudness Equalization and select OK.
Microsoft’s sound troubleshooting page also suggests setting Audio enhancements to Off in Settings if enhancements cause crackling or other audio problems.
If the Enhancements Tab Disappeared
If the tab used to be there, the audio driver probably changed, often after a Windows update. Try these steps:
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your audio device and select Update driver.
- If that doesn’t help, install the audio driver from your PC maker’s support site, which often restores the maker’s enhancements.
See how to install an audio driver in Windows 11 for the full steps. To balance volume between individual apps instead, use the volume mixer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my sound get quieter after turning on Loudness Equalization?
It lowers loud peaks along with raising quiet parts. Turn up the main volume a little, or turn the setting off if you prefer the original sound.
Does Loudness Equalization work with Bluetooth headphones?
Only if the driver for that device shows the Enhancements tab. Many Bluetooth headphones don’t, so use the headphone maker’s app instead.
Is Loudness Equalization good for gaming?
Some players like it because quiet sounds, such as footsteps, get louder. It also flattens loud effects, so try it with a short release time and turn it off if the sound feels unnatural.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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