How to Control the Volume If the Volume System Icon Is Deactivated

The volume control determines the volume level output by your speakers.

Although most Windows XP, Vista and 7 users enable the volume control in the operating system's system tray, users may opt to turn off the volume control. In these cases, the user must adjust the system volume or enable and disable mute via the Control Panel. Some Windows applications may provide separate volume control sliders adjacent to the master system volume control when you access the volume control in the Control Panel.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," then "Control Panel."

2. Click "Hardware and Sound" in Windows 7 and in Windows Vista. Click "Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices" in Windows XP.

3. Click "Adjust system volume" under "Sound" in Windows 7, "Audio Devices and Sound" in Windows Vista or "Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices" in Windows XP.

4. Adjust the volume slider to the desired position.

5. Close the volume properties box.

References

• Microsoft: Tips for Fixing Common Sound Problems (Windows Vista)
• Microsoft: Sound Cards FAQ (Windows 7)

Resources

• MaximumPCGuides.com: Enable the Volume Control in Windows 7
• Microsoft: Volume Icon Is Not Displayed in the Notification Area. . .