Windows 11 Volume Slider Not Working [14 FIXES]

Windows 11 volume slider not working is a minor problem that can be resolved by restarting Windows Audio service and Windows Explorer, changing Scale settings, and more. 

Key Takeaways

• The volume slider may not function due to restrictive settings, outdated Audio drivers, or problematic hardware.
• To fix this issue, use the “Playing Audio” troubleshooter, turn off Absolute Volume, or restart Windows Audio Service.
• Remember to backup essential files and data if you decide to reset the computer.

Why Is Windows 11 Volume Slider Not Working?

We can note several reasons for the Windows 11 volume Slider problem, such as:

• Outdated Windows.
• Corrupt or outdated Audio drivers.
• Incorrect audio configurations on the computer.
• Restrictive Group Policies and Registry settings.
• Faulty hardware.

Also Read: How To Fix Google Drive Not Syncing On Windows 11

How To Fix Windows 11 Volume Slider Not Working?

You can carry out the following methods to fix the volume slider in Windows 11:

1. Verify Hardware.
2. Choose The Correct Audio Output.
3. Use Audio Troubleshooter.
4. Update Audio Drivers.
5. Reinstall Audio Drivers.
6. Roll Back Audio Drivers.
7. Perform SFC And DISM Scans.
8. Restart Windows Explorer.
9. Change Windows Audio Service Configurations.
10. Modify Scale Settings.
11. Update The Windows.
12. Disable Absolute Volume.
13. Do A System Restore.
14. Reset PC.

Important: Power cycle the PC before resorting to the more complicated solutions.

Verify Hardware

Ensure there are no faults with the connected audio devices, like speakers or headsets. Faulty hardware can prevent the volume slider from working efficiently. In addition, if you are using keyboard keys to control the slider, double-check that the keys are functioning and the problem does not lie in them. 

Choose The Correct Audio Output

The volume slider may fail to work because you have not configured the correct audio output device on the system. On the other hand, check out how we solved the crackling audio in Windows 11.

Make sure the output device is correctly chosen:

1. Head to the “System” section of the “Settings.”
2. Select “Output” from the right half of the screen.
3. Proceed with “Speakers.” Verify that the set audio device is the same as the one you want to use.

   

Use Audio Troubleshooter

Resort to the Audio troubleshooter in Windows 111 will help identify and resolve any recurring issues with the system audio.

Here are the steps to run an Audio troubleshooter:

1. In the “System” menu, choose “Troubleshoot” from the various options in this section.

   

2. Go with “Other Troubleshooters.”

   

3. Find “Playing Audio” and hit the “Run” button.

   

4. The Windows will start “Detecting Problems.”

   

5. Let the process search for and automatically fix the problems. It might also prompt you to fix the detected issue.

Update Audio Drivers

Another way to resolve the volume slider trouble is by updating the Audio drivers on your system. Using outdated drivers can restrict its features and configurations on your computer. Plus, you can either update the drivers automatically or use the manufacturer’s website.

Reinstall Audio Driver

Furthermore, you can completely reinstall the Audio drivers on your computer to clear out any glitches or temporary bugs within the drivers.

Perform a reinstall with the following steps:

1. Right-click on the “Windows” symbol on the “Taskbar.”
2. Choose “Device Manager” from the menu.

   

3. Expand “Sound, Video, And Game Controllers.”

   

4. Right-click on the relevant audio device and select “Uninstall Device.”

   

5. Make a mark on the box beside “Attempt To Remove The Driver For This Device” and press “Uninstall.”

   

6. Once done, restart the computer, which will automatically install a fresh set of Audio drivers.

Roll Back Audio Drivers

If the volume slider issue occurred after updating the Audio drivers in Windows 11, the installed updates were likely corrupt or faulty. Besides, read this guide on removing PIN in Windows 11.

Therefore, you can undo the driver updates with these steps:

1. Proceed with “Step 1 to Step 3” from the above fix.
2. Right-click on the connected device and choose “Properties.”
3. Open the “Driver” tab. If the “Roll Back Driver” option is clickable, proceed with this fix.

   

Perform SFC And DISM Scans

Alternatively, when facing this issue, we ran the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing And Management (DISM) scans on our computer. The sole purpose of these scans is to sort out and repair any corrupt or miscellaneous files on the system.

Run these codes one by one to repair corrupt system files successfully:

SFC/scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart Windows Explorer

Moreover, restarting Windows Explorer is a troubleshooting step that can help when the Windows’ features or the interface are not performing well. It refreshes basic Windows-related features to clear out any glitches or faults.

Resort to this method for restarting Windows Explorer:

1. Simultaneously, hold the “Ctrl+Shift+Esc” buttons on your keyboard. This will take you to the “Task Manager” menu.
2. Click on the “Processes” tab.
3. Navigate to “Windows Explorer” and highlight the task.
4. Press “Restart” in the dropdown.

   

Change Windows Audio Service Configurations

In addition, you can also modify a few settings for the Windows Audio service to resolve ongoing troubles with the volume settings.

Use the following instructions carefully:

1. Open the “Run” box with “Windows+R.”
2. Type “services.msc” and hit “Enter.”
3. Scroll down in this window to “Windows Audio” service and click on it.
4. Make sure the “Startup Type” is set to “Automatic” in the “General” tab. If not, change the settings and hit “Apply.”

   

5. Return to the previous window.
6. Highlight “Windows Audio” and press the “Restart” option on the top left corner of the screen.

   

Also Read: How To Fix Unmountable Boot Volume Error In Windows 11

Modify Scale Settings

While testing the solutions, we noted that changing the display scale size is an effective way of fixing the Windows 11 volume slider not working problem.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Come to the “System” tab of the “Settings” again.
2. Select “Display.”
3. Move to the “Scale And Layout” section and note the “Scale” setting.
4. Set it to “125%” if it is not already. In case it is “125%“, change it to “150%” or “100%“.

   

5. Check if the volume slider works now.

Update The Windows

Most importantly, you should look for any recent Windows updates that might be ready for installation on your computer when facing any errors or malfunctions with the system. So, update your Windows timely to avoid such problems.

Disable Absolute Volume

Editing the Windows Registry is also a possible workaround to resolve the problem. However, be careful while tackling the Registry Editor since it may cause the system to malfunction if configured incorrectly.

Precisely follow the method below to avoid mishaps:

1. Execute “regedit” in the “Run” box.
2. In the address bar, search for “Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Bluetooth\Audio\AVRCP\CT.”
3. Now, click on “DisableAbsoluteVolume.”

   

4. Keep the “Value Data” to “1” in the sub-box and hit “OK.”

   

5. Restart the system.

Do A System Restore

Running a System Restore is also a way to fix the Windows 11 volume slider not working. It takes the OS back to a certain point when the problem did not exist, hence undoing any recent changes you made.

These steps will help you in performing a System Restore:

1. Launch “Control Panel” using the “Search” box.

   

2. Go to “System And Security.”

   

3. Pick “Recovery.”
4. Select “Open System Restore.”
5. Choose “Next.”

   

6. Highlight the restore point dated before the volume slider issue happened and hit “Next.”

   

7. Press the “Finish” button.

   

Reset PC

Resetting the PC can be your last attempt at fixing this issue. However, note that there are two ways to go on with the reset. A soft reset keeps your data intact, while a hard reset wipes out all the installed apps and data and restores the computer to its default state.

What Are The Alternate Ways To Adjust Volume?

If the Windows 11 volume slider is not working, you can use the in-app audio settings to control the sound levels. YouTube, Spotify, and almost all apps have this control feature. Furthermore, you can also use the keyboard buttons (if present) to adjust the audio levels.

Important: Refer to Microsoft Support if the issue is still not solved.

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Arsalan Shakil

[Errors Troubleshooting Expert]

Arsalan Shakil (aka GuyThatDoesEverything on YouTube) is a PC Tech Enthusiast and Electronic Geek. With over 10+ years of experience in Electronics, he then decided to explore Software Engineering to design embedded products and automate existing hardware solutions. 

When he started tearing down old cameras to understand how they worked, he was shocked (literally, when he got zapped by a flash discharge capacitor), giving him the power (debatable) to fall in love with videography/photography. He also started making some fun videos that later became YouTube tech reviews.

Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in Electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping
• Majored in Software Engineering
• Research paper publication in IEEE for Embedded Military Uniform & LoRa WAN wireless technology
• Specialized in IoT Solutions
• PC Enthusiast & PC Modder

In his local region, he’s known to expose cheap PSU brands, often claiming fake certification or false claims on the box. He’s a true nerd and needed some friends in his life. Then he met some guys who work at Tech4Gamers, and they also came out to be equal nerds who suggested he join Tech4Gamers as a Hardware Expert.