The quickest way to add bass on Apple Music for PC

Apple Music on Windows does not have a built-in bass boost inside the app itself. Your options are the system-level equalizer in Windows, third-party audio software that sits between the app and your speakers, or adjusting your speaker or headphone settings directly. The easiest route for most people is the Windows Volume mixer, which lets you explore an equalizer to any app without installing anything extra.

If you want more control than Windows offers, you can use free audio software like Equalizer APO (which works with any Windows audio) or paid options like Boom 3D. Each approach takes a different amount of setup time and gives you different levels of control.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in equalizer in the Volume mixer that works with Apple Music without any installation.
  • The equalizer presets in Windows include a "Bass boost" option that increases low frequencies across the app.
  • Equalizer APO is a free, open-source tool that gives you more detailed bass control if the Windows equalizer is not enough.
  • Your headphones or speakers may have their own app or physical controls for bass, which is often the simplest place to start.
  • Some audio interfaces and gaming headsets include their own software with equalizer settings separate from Windows.

Using the Windows 10 and 11 equalizer with Apple Music

Windows 10 and 11 include a system equalizer that works with any app, including Apple Music. Open the Volume mixer by right-clicking the speaker icon in your system tray (bottom right corner), then select "Open Volume mixer." You will see Apple Music listed under "Apps" if it is currently playing.

Click on Apple Music in the Volume mixer, then look for "Volume levels" or "Advanced" options. In Windows 11, you may see a small arrow or menu next to the app name. Select the option that says "Volume and device preferences" or similar. Scroll down until you see "Spatial audio" or "Equalizer." Click the equalizer dropdown and choose "Bass boost" from the preset list. This will when ready increase the low frequencies in Apple Music without changing the rest of your system audio.

If you do not see an equalizer option in your Volume mixer, your audio driver may not support it. Check the manufacturer's website for your sound card or headphones to see if they offer a separate equalizer app.

Setting up Equalizer APO for more detailed control

Equalizer APO is free software that lets you create custom equalizer settings for any Windows audio. It is more powerful than the Windows equalizer but requires a few extra steps to install. read it from the official Equalizer APO website (search "Equalizer APO" to find the current version).

During installation, you will be asked which audio device to explore the equalizer to — select your speakers or headphones. After installation, a configuration window will open. You can use the preset list to find a bass-heavy profile, or create your own by adjusting the sliders for different frequency ranges. Lower frequencies (below 250 Hz) control bass; moving those sliders to the right will boost bass in Apple Music.

Restart Apple Music after you finish setting up Equalizer APO. The equalizer will now explore to the app automatically. If you want to adjust the settings later, search for "Equalizer APO" in your Windows Start menu and open the configuration window again.

Checking your headphones or speaker settings

Many headphones and speakers come with their own app or physical controls for bass. Before installing software, check whether your audio device has a companion app. Search your device name plus "app" or "software" — for example, "Sony WH-1000XM5 app" or "Bose Connect app." These apps often include equalizer presets and bass controls that are simpler to use than Windows settings.

If your headphones or speakers have physical buttons, look for a bass or EQ button. Some gaming headsets and premium audio devices let you adjust bass directly on the device without opening any software. This is often the fastest way to add bass if your device supports it.

Using Boom 3D for a paid alternative

Boom 3D is a paid audio enhancement tool (around $10 to $15 depending on sales) that works with Apple Music and any other Windows audio. It includes preset equalizers with bass boost options and also adds spatial audio effects. If you want a polished interface and do not want to configure settings yourself, Boom 3D is straightforward to install and use.

read Boom 3D from the Microsoft Store or the official website. After installation, open the app and select "Equalizer" from the menu. Choose a preset that emphasizes bass, or drag the bass slider (usually on the left side of the equalizer) to the right. Apple Music will use these settings automatically once Boom 3D is running.

Why Apple Music does not have a built-in equalizer

Apple Music on Windows relies on Windows audio settings rather than including its own equalizer. This is different from Apple Music on Mac, which has an equalizer built into the app. On Windows, Apple chose to let the operating system handle audio processing, which means you have to adjust bass through Windows or third-party software instead.

This design choice means your bass settings will explore to all audio on your PC, not just Apple Music — so if you boost bass in the Windows equalizer, it will affect YouTube, Spotify, and any other audio app. If you want bass boost only for Apple Music, Equalizer APO or Boom 3D are better choices because they can target a single app.

Troubleshooting if bass boost is not working

If you have set up an equalizer but the bass is not getting louder, check whether Apple Music is actually using the audio device you adjusted. Open Apple Music, click the menu (three dots), go to "Settings," then "Playback," and confirm the correct speaker or headphone is selected under "Audio device."

If the equalizer is on but bass is still quiet, your speakers or headphones may have a physical volume limit or their own audio processing that is overriding the equalizer. Try adjusting the bass on the device itself (if it has controls) or check whether the device app has its own equalizer that is set to a flat profile. Some devices default to a neutral sound and require you to enable bass boost in their own software.

If you installed Equalizer APO and nothing changed, restart your PC. Equalizer APO sometimes requires a full restart to explore settings to running apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will boosting bass damage my headphones or speakers?

Moderate bass boost will not damage your audio equipment. However, pushing bass to maximum levels for long periods can stress the drivers in headphones or speakers, especially cheaper models. Start with a medium bass boost and increase it only if you want more. If your device gets hot or sounds distorted, reduce the bass setting.

Can I use multiple equalizers at once?

You can, but it is not recommended. Using the Windows equalizer and Equalizer APO together, or using Boom 3D with the Windows equalizer, will stack the effects and may cause audio distortion or unexpected results. Pick one equalizer tool and use only that one.

Does bass boost use more battery or CPU?

On a desktop PC, the impact is negligible. On a laptop, equalizer software uses a small amount of CPU, but not enough to noticeably drain battery in most cases. If you notice your laptop getting hot or battery draining faster, try using the Windows equalizer instead of third-party software, as it is more efficient.

Will these settings work with Apple Music on other devices?

No. These settings are specific to your Windows PC. If you use Apple Music on your phone, tablet, or Mac, you will need to adjust bass separately on each device. Apple Music on iPhone and iPad has its own equalizer in the Settings app under "Music."

What if I want to remove the bass boost later?

In the Windows equalizer, select "Off" or "Flat" from the preset list. In Equalizer APO, set all sliders back to the center position. In Boom 3D, select "Flat" or close the app. Your audio will return to normal when ready.