Windows 10: Loudness Equalization not fixing loud peaks in sound after Nov 2019 and post updates

I have had this problem where every time I updated Windows, my Loudness Equalization would not work like it did and would allow a lot of variance in sound, specifically allowing much higher peaks of volume than before to the point it causes headaches. Because this was consistent, I would just rollback the update every time Windows forced me to update. However this last rollback caused more issues elsewhere, and with the version I had being unsupported, I decided I might as well just update and try to fix the issue since rolling back broke more stuff anyways.


I have the enhancement available in the sound device properties. It just does not seem to be working. Whether I have it on or off, the sound from various different sources i.e. YouTube, games, etc is unchanged and has extremely loud spikes. I am wondering if there is any way to actually check the enhancement for problems. I was going to try rolling back the sound device's driver but the option is unavailable.


If there is no real fix, as I have seen this being a common issue that is truly beyond annoying and frustrating, I was wondering if there is any alternatives that can do the same thing as the Loudness Equalization enhancement that will not break with every update that is released.


Thank you for your time.

:)

 

After KB4497934 Update, No Loudness Equalization

I installed the KB4497934 update today. Now, I can't find how to get into the Loudness Equalization as described at https://www.howtogeek.com/115656/3-ways-to-normalize-sound-volume-on-your-pc/
When I right click the speaker icon in the system tray, "Playback devices" has disappeared from the menu. I want to equalize the sound at the same level when I'm streaming radio stations instead of constantly having to turn the volume up and down. Is the
Loudness Equalization feature gone?

 

Can't find loudness equalization

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are unable to get proper audio output levels on certain videos.



Ideally, the level of audio depends on the type of file that you are playing. As you have mentioned that you are unable to find Loudness equalization, I would like to inform that certain audio devices and audio card does not provide the Audio Enhancements
options.



However, you may want to have a look at the Sound Control panel, and see if Loudness Equalization Enhancement is available. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + R, to open
   Run dialog box.
   
2. Type mmsys.cpl and click on
   OK.
   
3. Under Playback tab, double click on the sound device that you are using.
   
4. Click on Enhancements tab.
   
5. Select the checkbox for Loudness Equalization.
   
6. Click on OK.
   

If the issue persists, you may want to try updating the Audio drivers and check. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + X, and select
   Device Manager.
   
2. Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
   
3. Right click on the Audio
   device and select Update Driver.
   

Article for reference:
Update drivers in Windows 10.



We can try to use an alternate audio driver and see if that helps. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + X, and select
   Device Manager.
   
2. Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
   
3. Right click on Realtek Audio and select
   Update Driver.
   
4. Select Browse my computer for Driver Software.
   
5. In the next screen, select Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
   
6. Check the box Show Compatible Hardware and select
   High Definition Audio Device.
   
7. Click on Yes if you get any prompt.
   

If you do not see any change, you can use Update Driver option and Search automatically to revert to Realtek driver.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Earphone volume too loud or too quiet on Windows 10

Hi I'm having a weird problem on my laptop running Windows 10 Pro. The earphone volume is either too loud or too quiet, and seems to switch between these two upon every restart. When it's too loud, keeping it at 1/100 is equivalent to 20-30/100 when sound was normal, when it's too quiet, keeping it at 100/100 is equivalent to 10-20/100 when sound was normal. Already googled extensively and tried pretty much every suggestion I found with no results:

• Enable/disable loudness equalization in playback device settings
• Enable/disable Windows Sonic for headphones in playback device settings
• Check for errors in sound devices in device manager - no errors
• Update sound drivers - all updated
• Try different earphones - tried like 4 already, definitely not an issue with earphones
• Even tried system restore, still not fixed

Screenshot of device manager: https://i.stack.imgur.com/HKSzf.png

Does anyone know what else to try?