How to improve PC sound with 8 simple tips

Audio is an essential element for anyone who uses a computer to listen to music, watch movies or even participate in online meetings. However, PC sound quality is not always ideal. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve your PC's sound, whether by adjusting settings or using additional equipment. Here, we'll show you 8 simple tips that can make all the difference in audio quality.

If you are facing issues like distorted sound, noise or very low volume, there is no need to worry. With a few changes to your software settings or small adjustments to your hardware, you can improve your computer's sound experience. And best of all: you don't need to be a technology expert to apply these solutions. Check out our tips below and transform the way you hear sounds on your PC!

Update audio drivers

Audio drivers are programs that help the operating system communicate correctly with your PC's sound hardware. When drivers are out of date, compatibility issues can arise that directly affect sound quality. Therefore, one of the simplest ways to improve your PC's sound is by checking and updating these drivers.

To do this, follow these steps:

• Access the Windows “Device Manager”.
• Find the “Sound, video and game controllers” option.
• Right-click on the audio device and select “Update driver”.

This action can fix crashes, add sound performance improvements, and ensure compatibility with the latest system updates.

Adjust system audio settings

Windows' default sound settings are not always the best for sound quality. To improve the sound of your PC, it is interesting to explore the configuration options available on the system. Here are some steps you can take:

• Open Windows sound settings by right-clicking the volume icon located on the taskbar.
• Select “Open Sound Settings” and then “Device Properties”.
• In “Additional device properties”, go to the “Enhancements” tab and activate options such as “Sound intensity equalization” or “Surround sound virtualization”, depending on what is most suitable for your type of use.

These settings can provide a richer, more detailed sound experience, especially when watching movies or listening to music.

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Use audio equalization software

Another excellent way to improve PC sound is to use equalization software. These programs allow you to adjust different audio frequencies, which can be particularly useful for those who want to customize the sound quality according to their preferences.

Some popular equalization software include:

• Equalizer APO: A free, advanced graphic equalizer for Windows.
• Boom 3D: Paid software that offers audio enhancements and immersive 3D sound.
• FXSound: An option to automatically improve audio quality with different profiles.

When using these programs, you can adjust the bass, treble and midrange, achieving a more balanced and pleasant sound.

Check your media player settings

In addition to system settings, the media players you use to play music or videos also have sound adjustments. Software like VLC, Windows Media Player or Spotify have equalization and volume control options that can be adjusted.

For example, in VLC Media Player, you can access the “Effects and Filters” option and adjust the audio equalization according to the type of music you are listening to. This way, you can extract the maximum sound quality from these players, without having to make major modifications to the system.

Use external speakers or quality headphones

If you've already adjusted every possible setting and are still not satisfied with the sound quality of your PC, it might be time to invest in better quality external speakers or headphones. Speakers built into notebooks, for example, generally do not offer an immersive sound experience.

External speakers or headphones with good frequency response, such as models from renowned brands, can drastically improve audio quality. For those looking for a more complete experience, investing in noise-cancelling headphones or speakers with surround sound support can make all the difference.

Disable unnecessary sound effects

Windows offers some sound effects that, in certain situations, can impair sound clarity. Effects like “Spatial Sound” or “Enhanced Audio” are not always useful for all types of content. Therefore, disabling them can be an effective way to improve your PC's sound.

Follow these steps to disable these effects:

• Right-click the sound icon on the taskbar.
• Choose “Sound Settings”.
• In “Device Properties”, disable any enhancements or sound effects that are active.

This can result in purer, less distorted audio, especially when listening to music or making video calls.

Physically clean the audio outputs

Whether on a notebook or desktop, dust and dirt can accumulate in audio outputs, such as headphone ports and speakers. This can directly impact the sound quality, causing distortions or even a reduction in volume.

To avoid this, periodically clean the audio outputs using a soft cloth or a brush specifically for electronics. In the case of connectors, such as those for headphones, you can use a small amount of compressed air to remove dust that accumulates inside the ports.

Use a USB audio amplifier or DAC

A USB audio amplifier or DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) can be an excellent solution for those who want to further improve the sound quality on their PC. These devices serve to improve audio quality, offering greater sonic clarity and precision than the computer's standard audio output.

The DAC, for example, performs a superior conversion of digital sound to analogue, which results in more refined audio quality. These devices are ideal for those who listen to music in high definition or need clearer sound during calls or broadcasts.