How to adjust the audio format in Windows 11 to improve quality

If you use your PC to listen to music, play games, watch movies, or make video calls , sound problems can seriously ruin the experience. Unintelligible dialogue, tinny explosions, flat songs… and all this despite having speakers or headphones that, on paper, seem good.

The good news is that Windows 11 comes loaded with options for adjusting the audio format and enabling enhancements that make a huge difference if you know where to tweak them. Many are a bit hidden, and others depend on your hardware, but with some patience, you can significantly improve your computer's sound without spending a penny (and if you want to take it a step further, I'll also tell you which hardware is worth it).

Properly configuring the output device in Windows 11

The first step to improving sound quality is ensuring Windows is using the correct device and with the proper settings . Whether you have a monitor with a headphone jack, expensive gaming headphones, or external speakers, choosing the wrong device can ruin the sound.

In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Sound . In the Output section , you'll see a list of available devices: built-in speakers, USB headphones, monitor output, etc. Always select the device you actually use (for example, your dedicated headphones) and don't leave a monitor output selected just because it's connected via HDMI or DisplayPort.

On the same screen, you can tap Device Properties (or the arrow to the right of the output device) to access more settings. From here, you can change the device name, adjust the overall volume, and see if there are any manufacturer-specific options , such as custom control panels or additional effects.

If you prefer more traditional control, you can scroll down to More sound settings . This will open the old Windows "Sound" window, where the Playback tab will again display the list of devices. It's very useful to right-click on your main output device, mark it as the Default Device , and then go to Properties for further fine-tuning.

Additionally, within the modern Windows 11 settings, you have the Volume Mixer . This tool allows you to adjust the volume of each application separately , which is very useful if a game is excessively loud compared to your browser or music player.

Adjust sampling rate and bit depth

One of the most important settings for improving audio is the device's default format , which is the combination of sample rate (in kHz) and bit depth (16, 24 bits, etc.) that Windows uses to send sound to your sound card, DAC, or speakers. You can read more about how sample rate works and how to change it.

From the classic Sound window , go to the Playback tab , select your main device, and click Properties . Then go to the Advanced tab . There you will see a drop-down menu with different combinations such as "16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)" or "24 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality)."

For most users, a good option is to use 24-bit, 48000 Hz , which is the standard for much video and gaming content and typically offers less distortion and more dynamic range than 16-bit options. If you have lossless music files or listen to a lot of high-quality content, you can also try 24-bit, 96000 Hz, provided your hardware supports it without dropouts or noise.

Keep in mind that choosing a higher value doesn't always guarantee a dramatic improvement , especially if your speakers or headphones are basic. Even so, it's worth experimenting: try different settings, play music or a game you're familiar with, and stick with the setting that gives you the least background noise and the most clarity.

If you start hearing clicks, delays, or strange distortion when you change the format, it's most likely that your sound card or drivers aren't comfortable with that sample rate. In that case, lower it one step until the sound is clean and stable.

Enable (or disable) Windows 11 audio enhancements

Windows 11 includes a number of built-in audio enhancements that can significantly change how sound is perceived: bass boost, virtual surround sound, loudness equalization, etc. Depending on your hardware and preferences, these can be a great help… or ruin the quality if they aren't properly adjusted.

To access them, return to the old Sound window , go to the Playback tab , select your audio output (speakers, headphones, soundbar, etc.), and then go to Properties > Enhancements tab . Here you'll see a list of effects that you can enable or disable individually.

One of the most common features is Bass Boost (sometimes listed as "Bass Enhancement"), which adds punch to low frequencies when your speakers or headphones are weak in that area. Activating it can make movies or music sound fuller, although overdoing it can result in a muddy jumble of bass.

You might also find virtual surround sound options and some form of loudness equalization . These enhancements attempt to create a 3D effect or maintain a more consistent volume across different sounds, and can sound great in games or movies, but sometimes they detract from the accuracy of critical music.

One important detail: some users have noticed that, on their specific computers, the general Windows "Audio Enhancements" feature significantly worsens the sound quality , making it sound muffled or compressed. In these cases, going to Settings > System > Sound > your output device > Properties and unchecking the Audio Enhancements option has been key to restoring clear audio.

Ideally, with your usual music or game playing, try both the enhancements enabled and disabled , checking and unchecking each box and applying the changes. Stick with the combination where the sound is most natural, without extra distortion, excessive bass, or muffled dialogue.

Enable spatial sound in Windows 11

Another interesting feature is spatial sound , which attempts to simulate a 3D environment around your head, especially designed for headphones. Windows 11 offers several technologies, the two most common being Windows Sonic for Headphones and Dolby Atmos.

To activate it, return to your output device properties and go to the Spatial Sound tab . In the dropdown menu, you'll find the Windows Sonic for Headphones option , which is free and comes integrated with the system. You may also see "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" or other third-party solutions if you have installed their corresponding software.

Windows Sonic provides a basic virtual surround sound effect that, in many games and some movies, is quite noticeable when pinpointing footsteps, gunshots, or ambient sounds around you. It's not magic, but for a free app, it's usually worth trying with your headphones.

Dolby Atmos, on the other hand, is a paid technology that requires downloading the Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store and, in most cases, a license. In return, it offers more advanced and realistic spatial positioning , especially if you frequently watch content and play Atmos-compatible games.

Some users say they don't notice much difference, or that they simply don't like spatial sound for music because it can significantly alter the original mix. The key is to try it in the scenarios it's designed for (gaming, movies) and turn it off when you want to listen to pure stereo music.

Improve input audio: microphones and stereo

It's not just the output that matters: microphone quality and how Windows handles it also have a significant impact on video calls, streams, and recordings. Windows 11 allows you to adjust both the format and some specific enhancements for input devices.

You can use the Win + Q shortcut to open the search box and type mmsys.cpl to directly open the Sound window . This time, go to the Recording tab . Here you'll see your microphones and any stereo mixes or special inputs offered by your sound card.

If your device supports a feature called Stereo or "Stereo Mix," enabling it can capture system audio as an additional input, improving sound quality when sharing audio in video calls or recordings. However, activating this mode may limit the audio input, so it's not ideal for all situations.

In your microphone's Properties , you'll again find an Enhancements tab . From there, you can enable or disable audio enhancement effects , such as noise reduction , echo cancellation, and others that vary depending on the manufacturer. Again, it's wise to test with and without these enhancements to see if they actually clean up your voice or, conversely, compress it and make it sound more artificial.

In the microphone's Advanced Options tab, adjust the default input format (for example, 16-bit, 44100 Hz or 16-bit, 48000 Hz). This is usually sufficient for voice, but using a format consistent with your recording software and your needs (podcast, streaming, etc.) helps avoid conversion and synchronization issues.

Update drivers and check the hardware

There's little point in fiddling with settings if your audio hardware or drivers are outdated or incorrectly installed. Often, the absence of the "Enhancements" tab, sound cuts, or missing formats are simply due to a driver issue.

To check the overall status of your computer, you can press Win + Q , search for msinfo32 , and open "System Information." There you'll see a summary of your hardware, which can be helpful if you need to ask for support or compare it to the requirements of specific sound software.

Regarding the drivers, open Device Manager (you can find it in the Start menu). Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section and check if any of the audio devices have a yellow triangle or an exclamation mark . This indicates a problem with that driver.

If you encounter problems, right-click on the device and select Update driver . You can let Windows search automatically, but ideally, you should download the latest drivers from the website of your motherboard, sound card, or headphone manufacturer and then install them manually.

Additionally, it's a good idea to check Windows Update by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking Check for updates . Microsoft sometimes releases audio packages or patches that fix compatibility issues that directly affect sound quality or stability.

If after all that you still don't see the enhancements tab or notice strange errors, it might be a good idea to consult your laptop or motherboard manual , because some models manage audio through proprietary software and there are features that are only enabled when you install their specific panel.

Use the Windows 11 audio troubleshooter

When the sound isn't working as it should and you can't find the reason, Windows 11 includes a fairly useful audio troubleshooter to detect typical configuration errors.

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot , then tap Other troubleshooters . There you'll see an entry called Audio . Tap Run and let the wizard check your devices and settings.

This wizard can automatically change the default device , reactivate disabled outputs, adjust the volume, or suggest specific steps if it detects something unusual with the hardware or drivers.

It's not foolproof, but it works very well as a first filter when, for example, you've changed headphones, connected a new monitor with integrated audio, or Windows has decided to use the wrong output after an update.

Audio settings within your apps and games

Beyond what you do in the system, many applications have their own internal sound settings that can make as much or even more of a difference than what you adjust in Windows.

Media players, streaming platforms, video calling programs, and, of course, games, usually include equalizers, quality settings, sound modes, and specific output options. If you ignore these menus, you may be listening to everything at a lower quality than the maximum available.

On music streaming services, go to the Audio Quality section and always select the best available quality , both for streaming and offline downloads. In some cases, download and streaming quality are set independently, so check both.

On video platforms or home theater systems, enable the most advanced audio format they offer (for example, Dolby Atmos tracks or 5.1 surround sound ) if your computer and Windows configuration support it. This is closely related to spatial sound and ensuring the output format is correctly configured in your system.

In games, pay attention to the audio menu: many allow you to choose between stereo, surround sound, headphones, home cinema , and other modes. Selecting "Headphones" mode when using headphones usually improves the mix, while "Speakers" or "5.1" may be intended for systems with multiple physical channels.

Choosing the right format and quality for your audio files

There's a factor that's sometimes forgotten: the quality of the audio file or stream you're playing . It doesn't matter if you configure the system perfectly; if the source file is bad, it's going to sound bad, no matter what.

Lossy compressed formats like MP3, OGG, or AAC remove some of the original audio information to save space. Depending on the encoding bitrate , the loss can be almost imperceptible or devastating to the quality.

A 128 kbps MP3 typically sounds flat, with harsh highs and little depth, while a 320 kbps MP3 offers fairly decent quality for most users. Even so, if you really want to get the most out of your headphones and your Windows 11 setup, it's best to opt for lossless formats like FLAC, ALAC, or WAV.

To give you an idea, the typical maximum quality of an MP3 (320 kbps) is far from what a FLAC file equivalent to an audio CD offers, which is around 1411 kbps . In WAV, where there is practically no compression, you can reach even higher rates, especially in high-resolution audio.

Beyond a certain point, increasing the bitrate or resolution further doesn't always translate into an audible improvement , especially if your equipment isn't high-end. However, lowering the bitrate or resolution too much makes a noticeable difference, so avoiding low-quality MP3s and opting for reliable sources is essential for a good listening experience.

Influence of the streaming service and quality settings

If you use streaming services to listen to music or watch series, the platform you choose and how you configure it greatly influences the final quality that reaches your ears.

Some services prioritize compatibility and low data usage, offering typical MP3 quality that, while sufficient for everyday use, doesn't take full advantage of a good sound system. Others, like Tidal, Apple Music, or Qobuz, offer CD quality and even high-resolution audio , which works very well with high-resolution output formats in Windows 11.

In any case, always go into your service's audio settings and select the highest quality option . Keep in mind that if you're listening via Bluetooth with basic wireless headphones, you might not experience the full potential of that extra quality because the Bluetooth codec itself limits the data flow.

If you use wired headphones, a good DAC, or decent speakers, the difference between a low-resolution stream and a high-resolution one can be very noticeable . It's also advisable to enable options like Dolby Atmos within the service when there are albums or movies mixed in this format and your Windows system is capable of playing them.

A practical tip: many services allow you to set streaming and download quality independently . Make sure both are set to the highest level if your connection and storage allow it.

Equalizers and additional software to customize the sound

If, after tweaking the Windows settings and your apps, you're still not entirely happy, you can always use a software equalizer to shape the sound to your liking.

In Windows 11 there are very popular programs such as Equalizer APO , FXSound or Boom3D that allow you to manually control the different frequency bands , apply predefined profiles (music, movies, games) and create custom configurations for your headphones or speakers.

Thanks to these equalizers, you can, for example, boost the bass if your headphones are too flat, enhance the treble to make vocals brighter, or simply correct annoying peaks in certain frequencies. The key is to do it in moderation so you don't end up doing more harm than good.

Many of these programs operate at the system level, meaning all applications benefit from the tuning . However, keep in mind that the more filters and processing you apply in the chain, the greater the chance of introducing latency or minor distortions if the hardware is already at its limit.

Ideally, you should combine a good audio format setting in Windows 11 with a gentle equalization profile, rather than trying to fix everything with extreme equalizer settings. This will maintain a balance between quality and customization.

When software isn't enough: DACs, speakers and headphones

There comes a point where, no matter how much you fine-tune the settings in Windows 11, the limit is set by your speakers, headphones, and your PC's internal audio circuitry . If your integrated sound chip is very basic or your speakers are low-end, the next step involves investing in some hardware.

A highly recommended first step is to acquire an external DAC (digital-to-analog converter) . These devices connect to the computer via USB and convert the digital signal into an analog signal much more accurately than most integrated chips, reducing noise, interference, and distortion.

Even using the same speakers or headphones, a good DAC typically offers a significant increase in clarity and instrument separation . Furthermore, many include a small headphone amplifier that allows you to drive demanding headphones more easily than the PC's built-in output.

DAC prices vary considerably: from models around €100 , which already represent a clear improvement, to more advanced units costing several hundred euros. It's important to do your research, because not all DACs offer the same quality or features.

If you already have a good DAC or plan to use one, the next logical step is to invest in higher-quality speakers or headphones . There's no point in sending perfect audio from Windows 11 if it ends up coming out of tiny laptop speakers.

The advantage of an external DAC is that you can reuse old, high-quality speakers (for example, from a mini hi-fi system) and give them a second life by connecting them to your PC. This opens the door to using sound systems not originally designed for computers, with very interesting results.

In terms of price, desktop speakers for around €50 already offer a respectable improvement over integrated speakers, and from there the price range is enormous. The important thing is to find a balanced combination of DAC, amplifier (if needed), and speakers or headphones.

If after optimizing the audio format, improvements, spatial sound, apps, and streaming service, you still feel that the equipment falls short, it's probably time to upgrade to better sound hardware.

Ultimately, properly configuring the audio format in Windows 11, only using enhancements when they add value, activating spatial sound in appropriate scenarios, keeping drivers up to date, using high-quality files or streams, and, if necessary, reinforcing everything with a good DAC and better speakers or headphones, allows you to turn any PC into a highly competent machine for music, movies, games, and calls, without getting bogged down in technicalities but by paying attention to each link in the chain.