Speaker too loud even when on 2% volume

[soccerz526]

I just purchased my new laptop that I use sparingly twice a week at one of my jobs and since purhcasing it, I've noticed an issue that has just got me more and more frustrated the more I've tried fixing it. My speaker, since day 1, has been way too loud. Like if I have my volume at 2% on my system, it will be loud as heck. It seems that the volume is controlled more from the website/video player volume setting rather than my own system and, although it's not too much of an issue, I have run into videos on YouTube that are way too loud even when I bring its volume down. If I use my headphones or any external sound devices, the system control seems to work once more. It's frustrating as I purchased this laptop for my job where I have to load a lot of videos to play for people in training and I have to reset the volume in the website or video player almost every single time, so our eardrums don't burst. 

As for fixes I've tried, I've tried almost everything from searching the issue online and trying a load of fixes suggested - including ones on this site. Here are the fixes I've tried off the top of my head:

• Uninstall and reinstall audio drivers (Realtek)
• Remove enhancements in speaker settings
• Used HP PC Hardware Diagnostics 
• Updated all drivers

I'm truly considering returning this laptop using my year warranty as it has become more of a hassle. If it helps, I did purchase this from Amazon Resale under Used - Like New. 

EDIT: I've since returned the product as I found more issues with it, like the fan, just to be too much for what it was worth. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @soccerz526 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for opening up about all that—you really gave that laptop a fair shot, and I can see how the speaker issue alone would be exhausting, especially when you're using it for professional training. 😞 Having to constantly adjust website volume settings while the system’s own volume controls barely register must’ve felt like walking a tightrope with sound.

Here are a few things you can try to resolve this:

Audio Driver Update: Ensure that your laptop's audio drivers are up to date. You can check for updates by going to Device Manager, finding your audio device under "Sound, video and game controllers," right-clicking it, and selecting "Update driver." Alternatively, you can visit the HP Support website to check for the latest drivers specific to your model.

Audio Settings Adjustment:

• Volume Mixer: Open the Volume Mixer by right-clicking the speaker icon in the system tray. Ensure that the volume levels for various applications are set appropriately.
• Enhanced Audio Features: In Windows, navigate to Sound settings (Settings > System > Sound), select "Advanced sound options," and check your output device properties. Ensure any enhancements or spatial sound features aren't amplifying the sound excessively.

Third-Party Software: Sometimes, third-party audio management software installed on your laptop might cause this issue. Check if any such software is present and adjust settings accordingly or uninstall if unnecessary.

Browser/Media Player Volume: Since you mentioned that the volume seems to be controlled more by the website or video player, ensure that the volume setting within those platforms is not set too high. Some browsers or media players have independent volume controls.

Balance and Equalizer Settings: Adjust the balance and equalizer settings from the sound control panel to see if this mitigates the excessive loudness.

These steps generally help in aligning the system volume with what you expect while using your device.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye