Computer volume drops when USB deviced plugged in

This is really an odd issue. When I close the laptop (I use it on a docking station; it doesn't leave the docking station when this issue occurs) or when I open iTunes, the volume output on the machine drops.

Not the Windows volume bar itself. That stays the same. But the volume output by a program (like Winamp, but its happened with games too, so it's not app specific) drops. Not the volume control on those apps, but the output volume drops.

A quick restart of the quiet app fixes the issue. But it happens every time I close the laptop or open iTunes.

This is very odd, and I'm stumped. Any ideas?

Justin

Posted 2011-03-22T17:53:28.933

Reputation: 886

What all cases does this happen in? when you insert USB devices, close the lid, or open iTunes? – jcrawfordor – 2011-04-10T21:04:47.307

Answers

104

Under "Sound" in Control Panel, try the Communications tab. If it's set to change the volume, Do nothing may fix your problem.

Alec

Posted 2011-03-22T17:53:28.933

Reputation: 1 056

Yayyyy Superuser! Yayyyy Alec! Seriously Microsoft, dumb dumb dumb default settings. – Lester Peabody – 2014-07-04T17:57:30.017

1Interesting, didn't know that setting existed. Thanks. It stopped happening on it's own, so I can't confirm this. – Justin – 2011-04-16T20:36:16.033

I had the same problem, and this solution worked perfectly. Thanks! +1 – pehrs – 2011-04-21T09:20:33.750

9This was exactly it. What a horrible default setting! – danieltalsky – 2011-08-30T18:56:08.633

2thanks, first result in google, quick and easy solution. thank you. – cpbills – 2012-09-30T21:13:10.717

Thanks for posting this solution, I have been annoyed by this forever, never knew there was a solution. – KoKo – 2012-12-01T04:37:10.507

Just had the same issue. Superuser rocks. – Keltari – 2012-12-16T07:39:58.667

2But what if I like this feature and don't want to completely disable it, just don't want the volume to change on USB connect/disconnect, but still drop on Skype calls, is that possible? – Konstantin Pereiaslov – 2013-11-20T15:45:49.783

The feature that @Alec suggested to disable might be very useful in some situations. When somebody calls you on Skype, for example. Another way to fix the problem without app restart:

Right click on Volume button (located somewhere in the right bottom corner of your screen).
Click -> Open Volume Mixer.
Manually increase the volume for problematic application.

Alex

Posted 2011-03-22T17:53:28.933

Reputation: 143