Loudness Equalization on Windows 11: where it is, why it is missing and the alternative
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Loudness Equalization sits among the enhancements of your output device, but only if your audio driver offers it. If the option is missing or not enough for you, AudioBalance evens out the volume of the whole PC automatically, without that driver option.
Where is Loudness Equalization in Windows 11?
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Scroll down and click More sound settings. The classic “Sound” window opens.
- On the “Playback” tab, select your output device and click Properties.
- Open the Enhancements tab, tick Loudness Equalization and confirm with “OK”.
The setting applies to this one device only. If you switch to headphones, a headset or the TV, you have to set it there again, if the driver offers it. On Windows 10 the “Sound” window looks the same, and you also reach it from the sound settings.
Why is Loudness Equalization missing?
The tick box does not come from Windows alone but from the audio driver. If the driver does not offer it, the option is missing, or the whole “Enhancements” tab is. Common reasons:
- Newer Realtek or DCH drivers: with them the tab is often missing. The feature then sometimes lives in the Realtek Audio Console or in an app from Dolby, DTS or Nahimic, or it does not exist at all. On Microsoft Q&A users ask how to get the option back.
- USB, HDMI and Bluetooth devices: some do not offer the option.
- The new Windows 11 Settings: there is no switch of its own there. Per device you only find “Audio enhancements” with “Device Default Effects” or “Off”.
We found no sign that Microsoft has removed or replaced the feature in Windows 11 (as of October 2026).
What Loudness Equalization does and does not do
According to Microsoft, Loudness Equalization is meant to keep the perceived loudness of different sources more even, for example for films at night. Since Windows Vista it works in a single pass, block by block: it reacts fast to loud parts and lets go slowly afterwards. Microsoft itself says it does not equalize fully and deliberately leaves some difference.
- In its favour: it is part of Windows, costs nothing and needs no extra program.
- Limits: very large differences are not evened out completely, and dynamic music can lose its character, writes PC-WELT.
- Tied to the device: it only applies to the device where you switch it on, and only if that device's driver offers it.
The alternative: AudioBalance
AudioBalance is a Windows app that evens out the volume of your whole PC automatically. It needs no driver option: with VB-CABLE by VB-Audio it sets up a virtual audio path, regulates the sound there and passes it on to your real device.
| Windows Loudness Equalization | AudioBalance | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Enhancements of the output device | Its own app for Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit |
| Requires | A driver that offers the option | VB-CABLE for Auto Level, without VB-CABLE only Limit Only |
| Applies to | The one device where you switch it on | The sound of the Windows default output, on the device you choose |
| Measurement | According to Microsoft, perceived loudness modelled on human hearing, block by block; fast reaction, slow release | Loudness to ITU-R BS.1770-4 |
| Settings | One tick box | Auto Level or Limit Only, modes Light, Normal and Strong |
| Content detection | None mentioned | Custom AI models for film, games, music and speech, local |
| Delay | Not stated | About 0.2 seconds (AudioBalance about 100 ms, VB-CABLE about 90 ms) |
| Price | Part of Windows | Free during the open betaFree for 7 days, then a license: one‑time from €14.99 or from €1.49 a month. Beta users get 50% off their first one‑time purchase. |
If Loudness Equalization is there on your PC and it is enough for you, you need no extra program. AudioBalance is worth it when the option is missing, when you often switch devices or when you want to choose how strongly it regulates. More on that: Normalize volume on Windows.
Good to know
- One level for all apps together: AudioBalance regulates the combined sound of all apps, not each app on its own.
- Voice chat is not regulated: AudioBalance deliberately does not regulate voice chat such as Discord. Your teammates stay as loud as you set them.
- Exclusive mode and fixed devices: Programs that use exclusive audio mode or pick an output device themselves bypass AudioBalance.
- About 0.2 seconds of delay: That is how much later the sound arrives. Bluetooth headphones add their own delay.
- Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit: Installing needs administrator rights.
Is Loudness Equalization missing on your PC? Try AudioBalance with your next film or game.
Install from Microsoft Store Or download the installer directlyFree during the open beta, no activation needed. Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit.
Try it free for 7 days. Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit. See pricing
Sources
All information as of October 2026.
- Microsoft Learn: Loudness Equalization DSP (page updated on 18 July 2025)
- Microsoft Q&A: accepted answer of 9 June 2023 on the missing tab, “How do I get loudness equalization back?” of 10 December 2024
- PC-WELT, Arne Arnold, 19 February 2025: guide to normalizing the volume on Windows (German)
- PCWorld, 11 March 2025: How to keep app volumes consistent in Windows 11 (English version of the PC-WELT article)
- Pureinfotech, 13 February 2023: turning on Loudness Equalization on Windows 11
- Admin365.Blog, 29 July 2026: Loudness Equalization on Windows 11
- AudioBalance: delay according to the terms, § 10; setup according to the quickstart (in German)
Read on
- Normalize volume on WindowsWhat Windows offers itself and how AudioBalance evens out the sound automatically.
- Tools comparedAudioBalance next to FxSound, Voicemeeter, Equalizer APO and others, with sources.
- Questions and answersSetup, Discord, delay, privacy and price.
- About AudioBalanceWho builds the app and by which principles.