Windows XP comes with many options to customize and control the volume and sound settings within the operating system. This allows the user to customize these settings to the ideal levels for comfortable listening at the computer. The procedures below are for changing the most common volume settings in Windows XP.

Volume Control Functions:
The volume control function in Windows XP allows the user to adjust the settings relating to the various volume controls on the system. These include bass, balance and treble. In addition, volume control can be used to adjust other levels such as system sounds, microphones, CD players and wave output.

To Access Volume Control Functions:

1. Start | All Programs | Accessories | Entertainment | Volume Control


2. Click on Options | Exit to close Volume Control

For additional information on how to use the Volume Control utility click the Help menu from within Volume Control.

Adjusting Additional System Volumes:
There are several volume control settings available in Windows XP. These settings allow the user to adjust and control the speaker, system and device volume on their systems. The procedures for accessing these controls are listed below.

Adjust the Speaker Volume:

1. Access the Control Panel - Start | Control Panel


2. Click Sound, Speech and Audio Devices


3. Under Speaker Settings, select Volume Tab. Click on Speaker Volume


4. Adjust the slider bar for each speaker to desired sound level


5. Click on the Move all slide indicators at the same time to adjust each slider bar together


6. Click OK

Adjust Volume for Multimedia Devices:

1. Access the Control Panel - Start | Control Panel


2. Click Sound, Speech and Audio Devices


3. Select Audio Tab and then Under Sound Playback click Volume


4. Adjust the Volume slider in the Master Out dialog box for the desired device


5. Click OK

Adjust System Volume Access:

1. Access the Control Panel - Start | Control Panel


2. Click Sound, Speech and Audio Devices


3. Under Device Volume, select the Volume Tab


4. Adjust the slider to desired sound level


5. Click OK

Volume Control Icon:
One of the icons missing by default in the taskbar in Windows XP is the volume control icon. This icon can easily be added to the taskbar to make adjusting the system volume quick and easy.

Add Volume Control Icon to Taskbar:

1. Access the Control Panel - Start | Control Panel


2. Click Sound, Speech and Audio Devices


3. Click on Sounds and Audio Devices


4. Click on Volume Tab


5. Check the Place Volume Icon in the Taskbar option


6. Click OK