Are you having problems with playing the sound on your computer? Would you like to record audio, but the recording volume is lower than expected? If you need to make adjustments in that department, it’s time to check Windows 10 sound settings.
This guide will reveal six methods to open sound settings in Windows 10. You’ll see how easy it is to manage volume, input, and output devices and change the desired settings. If you are ready, check out these ways to adjust audio on Windows 10 and pick your favorite!
Method 1. Open Sound Settings in Windows 10 via Search
If you are a new Windows user, you’ll find this a simple way to access the sound settings. The latest version of this operating system features a search field in the taskbar on the bottom. The Search option is active by default, so you should notice it as soon as you check out the taskbar.
All that you should do is type Sound Settings in that field. Even the first word will be sufficient as the system will show the available options immediately. You’ll notice that there are shortcuts to managing sound devices and other audio-related options.
If you want to access the Sound Settings main screen, click on the icon at the top. It shouldn’t take more than a second to enter the app. Here’s how the main screen will look:
From here, it should be easy to make the desired audio adjustments.
Method 2. Open Sound Settings in Windows 10 via the Sound Icon on Taskbar
The second method is also offered by the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. The only difference is that your focus should now be on the right section of the taskbar. Among other information, you’ll notice the Sound icon that will look like below:
Use your mouse or laptop touchpad to navigate the cursor to this icon. Once it hovers over it, use right-click to open the Sound menu.
That menu will offer the following options:
You’ll find the Sound settings option on the top, so it’s easy to click it and access that menu. However, it’s possible to access some other audio-related options from this place. If you have sound problems, want spatial sounds, or need to use a volume mixer, this is also a fast-access way of entering those adjustments.
Method 3. Open Sound Settings in Windows 10 via the Run Command Window
Experienced Windows users are surely aware of the Run command window. It serves to run a variety of apps, and Sound Settings aren’t an exception.
You can open the Run window by doing one of the following:
- Type “Run” in the Search field in the taskbar.
- Press Win + R on your keyboard.
Regardless of the method chosen, the following screen will appear:
The command to type is “mmsys.cpl.” Press Enter, and it shouldn’t take more than a second for the settings to load.
Now, there’s an important difference when using this method. You won’t enter the actual audio settings. Instead, this is the way to secure direct Sound Control Panel Windows 10 access. Here is how that panel looks:
You can change many audio-related settings here. That includes modifying playback and recording devices and performing other adjustments. The odds are you’ll find everything you need in this control panel, so don’t hesitate to explore it.
Method 4. Open Sound Settings in Windows 10 via Command Prompt
The command prompt is another way of accessing the Sound control panel in your Win 10 operating system.
Here’s how to open the command prompt in Windows 10:
- Use the Search option in the taskbar and type “command prompt.”
- Open the Run window by pressing Win + R. Type “cmd” and press Enter.
The following prompt will show up on the screen:
Next, type “mmsys.cpl” and press Enter. Be patient while the system executes the command and opens the Sound panel.
Method 5. Open Sound Settings in Windows 10 via Settings
The next way of accessing Sound adjustments in Windows 10 is to use the actual Settings app. There are multiple methods of opening Settings in Windows 10, but these are the simplest:
- Press the Notification icon in the bottom-right of the taskbar to open the menu. From there, click on All Settings.
- Use the search field and type Settings. Click on the app to open it.
Once you run this app, you’ll see the following screen:
Audio settings are a part of the system adjustments. Click on the upper left option to access it.
The system will open Display options by default. To access the Sound settings, use the left-hand menu.
Method 6. Open Sound Settings in Windows 10 via Control Panel
If you are an old-fashioned Windows user, you might appreciate Control Panel more than the actual Settings app. You can use it to access Sound adjustments in Windows 10, but you need to open the control panel first.
Do that from the Run window (Press Win + R, and then type Control Panel), or use the taskbar search option.
This is the screen that will load:
Next, click on Hardware and Sound, and you’ll see an entire submenu dedicated to audio options.
FAQs About Sound Settings in Windows 10
What Adjustments Can I Make in the Sound Settings on Windows 10?
The main screen allows you to pick input and output devices, adjust volume, and troubleshoot audio problems. From the Sound Settings, you can also access the Audio control panel and other helpful options.
How to Change the Speakers to Use on Windows 10?
Once you enter the Audio settings Windows 10 menu, you’ll find “Choose Your Output Device” at the top. Click on it to open the dropdown menu and choose the desired speakers.
My Sound Is Not Working. What Can I Do?
Here are some suggestions on how to fix sound issues:
- Check the cables to ensure everything is connected properly.
- Update audio drivers.
- Install the latest Win 10 updates.
- Restart your computer.
- Check Sound Settings to see if the volume is okay and the speakers are recognized. You can use an Audio troubleshooter if necessary.
Conclusion
Whether you want to watch movies, listen to music, or record audio, optimal Sound Settings are imperative. Windows 10 offers multiple methods to access audio-related adjustments. This article presented the most commonly used ways, and they all take less than a minute. If you have a sound issue or want to adjust audio, don’t hesitate to use these methods to set everything to your preferences!
