7 Ways to Change the Volume in Windows, both on PCs & Tablets

Have you ever asked yourself what's the fastest way to change the sound volume on a Windows 7 or Windows 8 device? I did and I realized I could not answer this question. Therefore I've done my best to identify all the methods that can be used to change the volume, without installing any third party apps. Here are seven ways to change the system volume on any Windows PC, laptop or tablet. Don't hesitate to experiment and choose the methods that work best for you.

1. Use the Volume Icon in the Notification Area (Windows 7 & Windows 8)

The classic way of changing the volume is to use the Speakers icon on the Desktop, found on the right side of the taskbar. Click or tap on it and the Speakers slider is shown.

This slider sets the sound volume for the operating system and all applications that are running. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8 also allow you to change the sound level for the individual applications that are running. In the Speakers slider, click or tap the Mixer link.

This opens the Volume Mixer with several slides: one for your speakers and the general system sound and one for each of the applications that are running. You can move any of the available sliders to change the sound volume.

2. Use the Volume Mixer Through the Control Panel (Windows 7 & Windows 8)

The second method involved opening the Volume Mixer in a different way. Open the Control Panel. Then, go to Hardware and Sound.

In the Sound category, look for the link that says "Adjust system volume".

Click or tap on it to open the Volume Mixer.

3. Use the Volume Mixer Shortcut from our Collection (Windows 7 & Windows 8)

As expected, you can also create a shortcut for the Volume Mixer and place it on the Desktop, the taskbar or the Start screen.

If you want to download the shortcut, you'll find it in our collection of Windows shortcuts.
You can also create a shortcut yourself and pointing it to "C:\Windows\System32\SndVol.exe".

4. Use the Volume Keys on Your Multimedia Keyboard (Windows 7 & Windows 8)

If you have a PC or laptop with a multimedia keyboard, chance are you will find some keys for setting the volume in Windows.
Below you can see how these keys look on a Microsoft keyboard.

If you have a gaming keyboard you might not have these keys on it but you can configure any key so that it raises or lowers the sound volume in Windows.

5. Use the Volume Slider on Your Speakers (Windows 7 & Windows 8)

The most obvious way to change the volume is to use the appropriate volume button or slider on your speakers. If you have a PC, this will be one of the fastest ways to change the system volume.

6. Use the Volume Buttons on Your Tablet (Windows 8 only)

If you have a tablet with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, like Microsoft Surface, then you will find physical buttons for changing the volume on the left side of the device.

On other tablets these buttons will be positioned differently but they should be available.

7. Use the Volume Slider in the Settings Charm (Windows 8 only)

This method is also just for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. It works best for tablet users but PC users can use it too.
Open the charms and click or tap Settings.
On the bottom of the Settings charm you will see several icons, including the Speakers.

Click or tap on it and the Speakers slider is shown. You can set the system volume by moving the slider upwards or downwards.

This slider changes the volume for the operating system and all running apps.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to change the sound volume in Windows 7 and Windows 8. If you know others, don't hesitate to share them using the comments form below.