Your volume resets after a restart most often because the audio driver reinitializes on boot and reapplies a default level, a startup app or utility sets its own volume, or a corrupt sound setting fails to save. Loudness equalization and per-app volume rules can also override your choice. Updating the driver, checking startup apps, and disabling enhancements usually stops the reset.
Why this happens
- Driver reinitializing: On boot the audio driver loads and can reset the master or app volume to a default, especially with buggy or generic drivers.
- Startup apps: Audio utilities, streaming apps, or vendor sound software can set volume when they launch at login.
- Corrupt settings: A damaged audio configuration or user profile may fail to store your level.
- Loudness equalization: This enhancement can normalize levels and appear to change your volume.
- Fast Startup: On Windows, Fast Startup can restore an inconsistent state that affects saved volume.
Is this normal?
Occasional resets after a major update are normal, but volume resetting on every restart is not. It usually points to a driver, a startup app, or a corrupt setting.
Does it cause any problems?
The issue is inconvenience and the risk of a sudden loud or silent start. It does not harm your hardware, but a high reset level can be jarring, especially with headphones.
How to fix or check it
- Update or reinstall the audio driver from your PC maker's support site rather than a generic one, since a buggy driver is a common cause.
- Windows: Open Task Manager, Startup apps and disable audio utilities or vendor sound software that may set volume at login, then restart and test.
- Windows: In More sound settings, open your device's Advanced or Enhancements tab and turn off loudness equalization.
- Windows: Disable Fast Startup under Control Panel, Power Options, Choose what the power buttons do, then fully shut down and boot to test.
- Check the app volume mixer for the affected app, since per-app volume can reset separately from the master level.
- Mac: Confirm no login item is adjusting sound in System Settings, General, Login Items, and reset the sound settings by toggling output devices.
- If nothing helps, create a new user profile and test, since a corrupt profile can cause settings not to save.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my volume jump to 100 after every reboot?
A driver resetting to default or a startup app forcing full volume is the usual cause. Update the driver and disable audio utilities at startup to stop it.
Does loudness equalization change my volume?
It can appear to, since it normalizes loud and quiet sounds to a consistent level. Turning it off in the device's advanced settings often restores predictable volume.
Could a corrupt setting be the reason?
Yes. If settings never save, a corrupt audio configuration or user profile may be to blame. Testing on a fresh user profile helps confirm this.