Do you have a bunch of microphones connected to your Windows system? If yes, then I can understand how confusing it would be to manage all the input devices. However, Windows lets you select a default Microphone for all your apps and the system. As a result, there is no need to switch between microphones again and again. So the question is, how to change the default microphone in Windows? (Applies to Windows 10, Windows 11, and any other version of Windows)
These days, there are lots of devices that act as a microphone. For instance, your system might have a default microphone, or it could be your headphone, webcam, or a dedicated microphone. And switching between these devices can be a time-consuming job.
However, apps like Zoom lets you select your output and input devices. But wouldn’t it be better if you could change the microphone once and it will work across all your apps? And to do so, you can follow this guide.
How to Change Default Microphone in Windows 11/10
Changing the default microphone in Windows is a pretty straightforward job. And there are a couple of ways to do it.
For instance, you can change the default microphone by going to the settings, control panel, and other ways. So let me mention all the available methods one by one:
- Windows Settings.
- Control Panel.
- System Tray.
So let’s just quickly go ahead and have a look at all these methods one by one:
1] Using Settings
Windows Settings offer full-fledged audio and microphone control.
- Open Windows Settings using Win + I
- Then go to System and select Sound
- Now use the input dropdown menu to select one of the Microphones to set it as the default microphone.
Also, use the Test your Microphone option to ensure that the microphone you have selected is working.
2] Using Control Panel
You can also use the classic Control Panel to change the default microphone in Windows. Here are the steps:
- At first, click on the Windows search bar and type down Control Panel.
- Next, launch Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sounds.
- Navigate to Sound and click on the Recording tab from the top.
- Over here, you will see a list of all the available microphones on your Windows PC.
- Select the microphone that you want to use and click on the Set default option.
- Finally, click on Apply and Ok, and you are good to go.
3] Using System Tray
While Control Panel methods work seamlessly, it is quite a lengthy process. Instead, you can use the System Tray to speed things up. And for this, you can follow the below steps:
- At first, right-click on the Sounds icon from the system tray.
- Then go to Sounds from the menu.
- After that, go to the Recordings tab and select the microphone you want to set as the default device.
- Finally, click on Set Default > Apply and Ok to complete the process.
How to Set Up a Microphone on Windows?
First of all, connect your microphone to the appropriate port on your System. Once Windows detects your Microphone, check if any driver installation is required. If yes, then install the necessary drivers. If not, go to Settings > System > Sound and select your microphone under the Input menu.
How to Turn Off the Microphone in Windows?
At first, right-click on the sounds icon from the system tray, then go to Sounds > Recordings. Now right-click on the microphone that you want to turn off. And then select Disable. Also, to turn the microphone on, follow the same steps and click on the Enable option.
How to Lower My Mic Sensitivity in Window?
Right-click on the sounds icon from the system tray, then go to Sounds. After that, click on the Recording tab and double-click on the microphone. Then go to the Levels tab and use the option to adjust mic sensitivity.
How to Re-Enable a Microphone in Windows?
If your Microphone is not listed, right-click anywhere in the Recording tab, and select Show Disabled Devices. Once you find your microphone, right-click to enable it, and then set it as the default Microphone.
How to Tell If My Laptop Has a Built-in Microphone
Go to Windows Settings > System > Sound and then locate the Input section. If you have a Microphone, one will be selected as the default. You can also click on the Test your Microphone link and then speak to ensure it’s working.
How to Fix a Quiet Microphone in Windows?
The software or settings limit some Microphones input or voice-taking capacity. If your Microphone is picking up voice, but it feels low, then read our guide on increasing Microphone Boost.
So that was a quick answer to how to change the default microphone in Windows question. Now go ahead and check the methods and see if they are working out for you or not.