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Volume Button Not Working on Windows 10: Solved
Resolve the volume issue with these easy but efficient methods
12 min. read
Updated onSeptember 18, 2024
updated onSeptember 18, 2024
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Sound problems are common in almost every version of Windows, including Windows 10 and 11. But this time, we have something a little different. It turns out that the Windows 10 volume control is not working from the Taskbar.
Some users reported online that they cannot open the Sound Control bar from the Taskbar in Windows 10, so we prepared a couple of solutions for this issue to help everyone who’s facing this problem.
What problems related to volume control can appear on Windows 10?
Sometimes issues with sound and the taskbar volume icon can occur. Speaking of cases, these are some of the problems that we’ll address in this article:
Why is my volume button not working on Windows 10?
You will findmultiple user reportswhere users have claimed they cannot launch volume control via the taskbar.
We dug up the internet and created a list of reasons, some of the most common causes that trigger this problem on Windows 10 PC.
Now that you know the common reasons preventing volume control from opening from the taskbar in Windows 10 let us check out the solutions.
Why is my volume slider on the Taskbar not working?
If your Taskbar volume control is not working, it might due to some glitches with the Audio Service. Restarting this service should fix the issue in this case.
Another known cause of the problem is an outdated sound driver. Updating or reinstalling your drivers should restore normalcy. We will show you how to do all these in detail in the ensuing section of this guide.
How can I fix the Windows 10 volume control not working?
1. Install new Sound Drivers
This solution only applies if, besides dysfunctional Sound Control, you also can’t hear any sound from your computer. If that’s the case, the sound driver is probably missing or corrupted.
1.1 Update your drivers automatically
Issues with your audio devices most often stem from problems with their respective drivers, either because they are broken, outdated, or missing altogether, in which case you need to do something.
Although manually updating them is a choice, it takes time, and there is a high chance you end up installing the wrong driver or one that isn’t the latest. That is when an excellent third-party tool can become helpful.
Outbyte Driver Updater
2. Reset the Audio Service
Some users who experienced this issue in previous versions of Windows told us that simply restarting the audio service does the trick, so that’s what we’re going to do here. To restart your Audio service, do the following:
3. Use a third-party audio enhancer
Another way to access your audio’s volume is using a substitute for volume control. Therefore, we present greatsound-enhancing softwarethat can do it, with many other capabilities.
Those apps enhance all the audio from your PC, including movies, music, recordings, game sounds, random systems sounds and alerts, and audio.
We’re talking about a good revolution here, with tremendous and feature-rich audio enhancer software. You won’t hear the same after using any of it. The volume control and other features are easy to use and accessible and can surprise you.
4. Perform an SFC scan
If the taskbar volume icon is not working, you might be able to fix it by performing an SFC scan. Sometimes your files might get corrupted, preventing the volume icon from working correctly.
After the SFC scan is finished, your files will be repaired, and the taskbar volume icon should start working again.
5. Run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
Sometimes you can fix this problem simply by running a Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. For example, if the volume icon on the taskbar is not working, you might be able to fix it by following these steps:
After the troubleshooter is finished, check if the problem still appears.
6. Reinstall audio drivers
Sometimes the taskbar volume icon isn’t working due to your drivers. Your drivers can become corrupted; the best way to fix them is to reinstall them.
Users suggest uninstalling the Speaker Audio device from theAudio inputs and outputssection and your audio device from the Sound, video, and game controllers section.
After that, you can click on Scan for hardware changes icon or restart your PC to reinstall the drivers. Once your drivers are reinstalled, the problems with the taskbar volume icon should be resolved entirely.
7. Check if your Audio Manager is enabled
Sometimes you might experience problems with audio because your driver software isn’t running. For example, if the taskbar volume icon is not working on your PC, you might want to check if your Audio Manager is enabled.
Once your PC restarts, check if the issue still appears. Remember that some audio devices don’t require Audio Manager to work, so if you can’t find Audio Manager on the list, this solution doesn’t apply to you.
8. End the SndVol.exe process
Many users reported that the SndVol.exe process could cause the issue. However, if the volume icon is not working on your PC, you might be able to solve the problem simply by ending the SndVol.exe process.
After ending the complex process, the issue should be resolved, and Volume Control will start working. However, remember this is just a workaround, so you’ll have to repeat it whenever this issue occurs.
9. Change the font size
According to users, this problem can appear due to your text size. However, your taskbar volume icon should start working again after applying the solution. Then, repeat the same steps and change the text size to the original value.
10. Disable or uninstall your antivirus
Many users reported that their antivirus software caused this issue. To fix the problem, you need to disable or uninstall your antivirus. If disabling the antivirus doesn’t help, you might have to uninstall it.
The best way to do that is to download a dedicateduninstaller tooland use it to remove your antivirus altogether.
Those specialized remover toolkits make uninstalling your software a piece of the cake. In addition, you will no longer need to search and uninstall the program through the Control Panel because the app will find and list every program you have.
In addition, it will ensure there are no leftover files that will clog your computer for no reason. Finally, you’ll be left with no program traces after the uninstallation, thus completely removing it from your computer.
After removing the antivirus, check if the issue is resolved. Many users reported that this problem was caused by Norton antivirus, but other antivirus tools can also cause this issue.
11. Restart the Windows Explorer process
If the taskbar volume icon is still unavailable, you might be able to fix it with this workaround. According to users, you can fix this problem simply by restarting Windows Explorer.
After Windows Explorer restarts, the problem should be resolved. However, remember that this is just a workaround, so if the problem reappears, you’ll have to repeat this solution.
Bonus: Windows 10 volume control is not working for headphones
While the volume control icon not working can affect everything sound-related, a few users reported this issue only affected their headphones.
If that’s also your case, you might want to try these troubleshooting steps to isolate the issue. Here it goes!
What can I do if the volume control is not working on Windows 11?
For more solutions on thevolume control not working on Windows 11, you can check out our dedicated guide to help you resolve the problem.
How do I get the volume buttons to work on my laptop?
That’s about it; we hope these solutions helped you to solve the Windows 10 volume slider issue.
While the long list of solutions might discourage some users from trying to fix this problem by themselves, rest assured that the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
We’re sure you’ll manage to the volume button not working in Windows 10 issue quickly and enjoy a clear and pristine audio experience on Windows 10.
Also, if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, reach out to the comment section below, and we’ll surely assist you further.
More about the topics:Windows 10 Guides
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
Reviewed byVlad Turiceanu
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.More about Vlad ›
