How to Adjust the Speaker Volume Using the Computer Keyboard

You're watching a video on your computer when suddenly audio comes blaring through your speakers. The good news is, you don't need a remote control to adjust the loudness. You can easily control the volume using volume buttons on your keyboard or volume up and down keyboard shortcuts.

Whether you have a Mac or a PC, the volume control button is in the same place. The key for volume control on Windows 7 and Windows 10 machines is on the top row just right of the center on Windows-connected keyboards. On a Mac, they are on the upper right side of the top row, next to the power button.

If you own a desktop computer, the volume controls can vary in location. They should be located on the upper row of keys on all keyboards, though. If you have a specialized keyboard like the ones designed for gaming, you may be challenged to track down the volume button, but it's typically denoted by a speaker icon.

Some newer MacBooks come with a Touch Bar, which is above the top row of keys on the keyboard. On these keyboards, the volume control is on the right end of that bar. Just tap the button to raise or lower the volume.

If you're looking for a shortcut key for volume control in Windows 7 or 10, you can use an alternate method – the Notification Center or Action Center. The Notification Center has been a part of Microsoft Windows operating systems for years, but the company gave it a new look for Windows 10. If you have Windows 7, it is called the Notification Center, but in Windows 10, it's called the Action Center.

If you prefer a volume up and down keyboard shortcut to get to this center, you can press the Windows key + A in Windows 10 or Windows key + B in Windows 7. You can also get there by clicking on the appropriate icon on the right end of the taskbar. However, you need to add the volume control icon to the Action Center before you can use it.

For adding volume control for Windows 10, press Windows + I and choose Settings > Sound. If you're interested in a shortcut key for volume control for Windows 7, click on the up arrow on the taskbar where your notifications appear and add volume as an option if it isn't there already.

Mac users can also use an alternative to the keyboard volume buttons. Look for an audio icon in the menu bar in the top right corner of your screen. It may not be there by default, but you can easily add it. Once it's there, you can adjust the volume at any time by clicking on it and moving the slider.

To add the volume control button to your Mac menu bar, go to System Preferences and click Sound > Output and check the box next to Show volume in menu bar.

If you try to use the volume up and down keyboard shortcut and it still doesn't work, you may need to check your system's audio settings to make sure something isn't disabled. You can also tweak your audio preferences under audio settings. In Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound to get to your audio preferences.

For Mac users whose keyboard volume control isn't working, audio settings are under System Preferences, which is available by clicking on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen. Choose Sound > Output and move the volume slider to the desired position. Also, make sure the mute button is unchecked.