If you've experienced fluctuations in audio levels while listening to music or streaming content on your PC (and let's face it, everyone has), you know how frustrating it can be. Loudness equalization is a handy tool in Windows 11 that can help with this situation.

What is Sound Equalization? With sound equalization, you can adjust the balance between different frequency components of audio output. However, there is no setting for sound equalization in Windows 11. The option for 'Equalizer' that used to be available in the previous iteration of Windows has now disappeared.

If your speaker supports it, you might have the option for 'Loudness Equalization,' which equalizes the loud and low-frequency audios by bringing them to a constant level. It uses the understanding of human hearing and reduces the difference between the perceived volume.

Enable Loudness Equalization

Enabling loudness equalization is an easy task in Windows 11. Simply follow these steps, especially if your device has RealTek audio device:

  1. Open the Settings app (Windows + I) on your Windows 11 PC.
  2. Click on 'System' from the menu on the left.
  1. Go to 'Sound' from the system settings that open in the right pane.
  1. Scroll down in the Sound settings and click the option for 'More sound settings'.
  1. A separate window for sound settings will open. In the Playback tab, your audio devices will be listed. Click on your speakers to select them, and then click the 'Properties' button.
  1. Switch to the 'Enhancements' tab in the Properties window.
  1. If 'Loudness Equalization' is available for your speakers, it'll appear in the list. Click the checkbox next to it to select it.
  1. Then, click the 'Apply' and 'OK' buttons. Loudness Equalization will be enabled for the selected device.

Loudness Equalization Missing?

If you don't have the option for Loudness Equalization in your Enhancement tab, try updating your audio drivers.

  1. Right-click the Start menu and select 'Device Manager' from the options.
  1. Go to the 'Sound, video, and game controllers' option and expand it.
  1. Then, right-click your computer's audio device and select 'Update drivers' from the menu.
  1. Select 'Search automatically for drivers' from the options.
  1. Windows will automatically search and install any drivers for your device if they are available.

If Windows updates the drivers, navigate to the settings in the above section and check if you have the 'Loudness Equalization' option now.

Use Third Party Sound Equalizer

If you want to enable Sound Equalization for your Windows 11 PC, even if your sound driver does not support it, you can use a third-party app.

There are many third-party apps available for Windows that you can download. Equalizer APO, RealTek HD Audio Manager (for users with RealTek audio drivers), etc., are some free options that are great for equalizing sound on your Windows 11 PC.

Loudness equalization is a handy feature in Windows 11 that helps balance audio levels and reduce fluctuations in volume, and you should be able to enable it with the simple steps outlined in this guide. However, not every audio device driver for Windows 11 supports it; check out a third-party equalizer app if your PC falls into the category.