Volume Control (keyboard or mouse) Not Adjusting Volume Unless at 0%, then is Muted

[junebugg22nc]

I have an HP Pavilion 15 Laptop PC with Windows 11 (64 bit & I7 Intel).  I use a HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W with HDMI Adapter. And since Dec of 2023 I have used external speaker (SW209 36W 2.0 HiFi Computer Speakers).  Also, use an Arteck wireless kayboard and external HP monitor (HP E24mv G4 FHD Conferencing Monitor).  This monitor has built in sound bar.  I have my audio out set to the external speakers.

Up until a month or so ago I have not had any issues.  But when I try to adjust the volume with the volume buttons on the keyboard or the mouse to adjust the volume, there is no change to the volume unless I move the slider to 0% and then speakers will mute.  If on a webpage watching a video that has volume control, that will adjust the volume.  If I set my audio output to the laptop speakers or the monitor's sound bar, then the volume adjustments do work.

There is sound coming out of the speakers, but the volume will not adjust.  The speakers do not respond when using the physical buttons on the speakers as well.  

All drivers have been validated and are using the most recent driver updates/firmware.  All Windows updates are current.  Troubleshooters results states that no issues are found and devices are working correctly.

Any suggestions to regain keyboard/mouse volume control with these external speakers?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @junebugg22nc,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your laptop!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try these steps:

Check Default Audio Device

Ensure that your HP Pavilion 15 laptop is using the correct audio output device.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Sound.
3. Under Output, make sure your external speakers (SW209 36W 2.0 HiFi Computer Speakers) are selected as the default audio device.

Update Audio Drivers

Ensure that the audio drivers are up to date.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
3. Right-click on your audio device (e.g., Realtek Audio) and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.

Update System and Docking Station Firmware

Check for any updates to your system BIOS, HP Thunderbolt Dock firmware, and Windows updates.

1. Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.
2. Enter your HP Pavilion model number and look for any available BIOS or Thunderbolt Dock updates.
3. Apply any updates and restart your laptop.

Check Volume Mixer Settings

Verify that the settings in the Volume Mixer are configured correctly.

1. Right-click the Speaker icon in the taskbar and select Open Volume Mixer.
2. Ensure that the volume levels for all applications and devices are set appropriately.

Adjust Sound Settings in Control Panel

1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound > Sound.
2. Select your external speakers and click Properties.
3. Under the Levels tab, ensure the volume is set to an appropriate level.
4. Check the Enhancements tab and disable all sound effects to see if it resolves the issue.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[junebuggnc]

Thanks for the reply.  I have tried all of these except the last one.   On Win 11 where is the control panel, I thought that went away....

So none of the instructions provided have solved my issue.

[zoey7886]

@junebugg22nc, Thanks for hanging in there — I know how frustrating it can be when something as simple as adjusting the volume becomes a daily battle.

You're absolutely right, Windows 11 has tucked Control Panel away a bit, but it's still there! Just hit the Start button and type Control Panel — it should pop right up.

From there:

Go to Hardware and Sound > Sound

Right-click your external speakers > Properties

Under the Levels tab, make sure the volume is up

Then check the Enhancements tab — try disabling all sound effects

But based on what you’ve described — the volume slider doing nothing until it hits mute, and the speaker’s physical buttons not working — it’s possible that the speakers are bypassing system control altogether.

These HiFi speakers might be acting like a digital audio device with fixed gain, which means Windows can’t control their volume — only the software (like a web player) can. This would explain why browser volume works, but keyboard/mouse/system sliders don’t.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,