Our Proven Ways To Fix Windows 11 Volume Slider Not Working

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Arsalan Shakil

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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The Windows 11 volume slider not working is a minor but commonly occurring problem. Upon searching further, I found that the issue is not only limited to Windows 11, but Windows 10 users have been facing the same problem on their computers. However, it is a minor error, and I tested a few fixes that quickly restored its functioning.

Method Difficulty Rating

Restart Audio Services

First, I made sure that the Windows Audio Service, which is responsible for handling audio devices on the PC, was enabled to launch automatically as soon as the PC started. Then, I restarted the service to remove any glitches affecting its performance, leading to sound and control issues on the computer. Use the following instructions carefully.

1. Launch Run Box: Open the Run box with Windows+R > Type services.msc > Enter.
2. Head To Windows Audio: Scroll down Windows Audio service > Click on it.
3. Change Startup Type: In the General tab, make sure the Startup Type is set to Automatic. If not, change the settings > Apply.

   

4. Restart The Service: Return to the previous window > Highlight Windows Audio > Press Restart option on the top left corner of the screen.

   

5. Restart Other Services: Repeat the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and Remote Procedure Call services.

This is an official troubleshooting method posted on Microsoft Support to troubleshoot sound and audio hassles.

Disable Absolute Volume

The Absolute Volume feature lets you control the sound on connected Bluetooth speakers or headphones via the volume slider. Some users can misjudge this as if the slider is not working to adjust the PC sound. Turn it off in the Windows Registry so the volume slider solely controls the computer’s audio.

1. Enter Run Code: Execute regedit in the Run box.
2. Navigate To Relevant Section: In the address bar, search for

   Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Bluetooth\Audio\AVRCP\CT

3. Choose DWORD: Now, click on DisableAbsoluteVolume.

   

4. Modify DWORD Value: Keep the Value Data to 1 > OK > Restart PC.

   

Use ExplorerPatcher

I installed ExplorerPatcher, an open-source software through which I could apply Windows 10 looks and features on my Windows 11 and use the older version of the volume slider. For me, it was more of a temporary fix until the problem was properly addressed and resolved. However, some users prefer integrating it into their PCs for regular usage.

Final Words

During my research, I noticed that it is a prevalent error occurring in many PCs/laptops, as users have been complaining about it in Lenovo and HP Support forums. While some of them eliminated the issue by updating/reinstalling the audio drivers, others never found a good solution to it.

On the other hand, I stumbled upon a few alternatives to resort to when the Windows 11 volume slider is not working. For instance, I used the in-app audio settings to control the sound levels, which is available in almost all music apps, like YouTube and Spotify.

Furthermore, pressing the keyboard volume buttons to adjust the audio levels also worked on my end. However, not all keyboards may have such options.

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Arsalan Shakil

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

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