speaker problem

keith slack 5 Reputation points
2026-11-02T18:51:16.7433333+00:00

only right speaker working quite low brand new laptop

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-02T18:51:33.44+00:00

    For a new Windows 11 laptop with one speaker very quiet, start with these checks in order:

    1. Check output and volume mixer
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Output, make sure the correct speaker device is selected.
      • Select Volume mixer.
      • Make sure System and the affected app are turned up and not muted.
    2. Turn off audio enhancements
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Output, select the audio device.
      • Set Audio enhancements to Off and test again.
    3. Change the audio format
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Output, select the audio device.
      • Select Advanced.
      • Under Default format, choose a different format and test audio.
    4. Set the speaker as the default playback device
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Select More sound settings > Playback.
      • Right-click the speaker device and select Set as default.
    5. Run the automated audio troubleshooter
      • Run the audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
      • It automatically runs diagnostics and attempts to fix sound problems.
    6. Update or reinstall the audio driver
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the audio device and select Update driver.
      • Restart the PC.
      • If the issue continues, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from the device manufacturer’s website.
    7. If this is a Surface device, also check for physical obstruction
      • Make sure nothing is blocking the speaker openings, including decals or screen protectors.

    If only the right speaker still works and the other side remains very quiet after these steps on a brand new laptop, that points to a possible hardware issue.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 90,560 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-02T19:41:52.3933333+00:00

    Hi, @keith slack

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. What is the laptop's make and exact model?
    2. Does the issue happen only with the built-in speakers, or do headphones also have the same problem?

    I’m asking because this will help determine whether the issue is related to the laptop's speakers, Windows sound settings, or the audio driver.

    In the meantime, please check the following:

    • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
    • Select your laptop's speaker under "Output".
    • Check the left and right audio balance and make sure both are set to the same level.
    • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio and make sure "Mono audio" is turned off.
    • Check that the volume is turned up.

    Since this is a brand-new laptop, a hardware issue is also possible. If the left speaker remains silent after checking these settings, the manufacturer may need to inspect it under warranty.

    Click “Add comment” to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  3. Emma1-N 14,905 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-05T06:53:24.47+00:00

    Welcome keith slack,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that on your new Windows 11 laptop, only the right speaker seems to work and the sound is quite low.

    To help narrow down the issue:

    • Is the left speaker completely silent, or is it just much quieter than the right one?
    • Has the issue been there since you first set up the laptop, or did it start after a Windows update or after installing an app?

    In the meantime, you can try these steps:

    1, Run the speaker channel test

    • Press Windows + R, type mmsys.cpl, and press Enter.
    • On the Playback tab, select your laptop speaker and click Configure.
    • Select Stereo, then click Test, and listen for a tone from both the left and the right speaker.

    2, Roll back the audio driver

    • Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
    • Expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click the audio device, and select Properties.
    • On the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver if it's available, then restart the laptop.

    3, Install optional and firmware updates

    • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
    • Install any audio, chipset or firmware updates listed there, then restart.

    Looking forward to your update.

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