A microphone enables users to engage in online meetings, communicate with loved ones via Skype or Zoom, and even use speech recognition. Users occasionally connect their microphones and find it is not working. On top of that, nobody seems to be able to tell whether the microphone on Windows is even functional. Continue reading to learn how to test the microphone in Windows if you are experiencing similar problems.
How to Test Microphone on Windows PC
You can follow these three steps to test the microphone on Windows 11/10
- Install Microphone
- Test Existing Microphone
- Troubleshoot Microphone
Read on to get a detailed description of how to get started.
1] Install Microphone
First, we must ensure that the microphone is plugged in or connected to Bluetoothh before we can set it up. Also, make sure to install any related OEM driver. Most of the time, Windows automatically finds and installs the necessary drivers. If this does not work, you might need to look for the exact drivers on the manufacturer’s website and install them. You can also use third-party services to download drivers.
How To Install a New Microphone (Wired)
Ensure that the microphone is connected to the computer. The 3.5mm audio connector often works for both sound output and microphone input if you use a Windows laptop. Therefore, you should attach the connected microphone to your laptop’s headphone jack. Also, keep an eye out for the Microphone icon near the ports.
- Click Win + I to open Settings.
- Click on System. On the next page, on the left pane, you will find the option Sound.
- On the Sound page, click on Choose your input device list under Input and choose the microphone you want to use.
- Also, by moving the Master volume slider, you can increase or decrease your microphone volume based on your requirements.
How To Install a New Microphone (Wireless)
You can easily connect your wireless mic by opening Settings and pairing the Bluetooth wireless microphone with your Windows PC to set it up. Here is how you approach it.
- Check whether your Bluetooth microphone is turned on to pairing mode. Next, launch the Settings app by pressing Win + I on your keyboard.
- On the Settings page, choose System > Sound.
- Navigate to Input by scrolling down.
- Here, next to Pair a new input device, click Add device.
- Your PC’s Bluetooth pairing window will open.
- In the pop-up box, select Bluetooth.
- Your wireless microphone will display if the pairing mode is activated. Next, click on your wireless microphone and follow the on-screen directions to pair the microphone.
- Ensure the wireless microphone is set as your default microphone under the Input option.
2] Test Existing Microphone
Windows 11
- Use the keyboard shortcut Win + I to launch Settings
- On the System menu page, choose Sound from the right pane.
- Scroll down and click Microphone under Input.
- Next to Test your microphone, click the Start test button under Input settings.
- Once you begin speaking, an indication displaying the voice response will appear. Click Stop test after you are done.
Windows 10
- Ensure that the microphone is connected to the computer.
- Click Win + I and click on System. On the next page, on the left pane, you will find the option Sound.
- On the Sound page, under Test your microphone, look for the blue bar that rises and falls when you talk into your microphone. Your microphone is functioning correctly if the bar is moving.
- If the bar is not moving, choose to Troubleshoot to fix any underlying problems that will fix your microphone.
This approach will not tell you how you sound; it will simply tell you whether Windows is picking up your microphone.
3] Troubleshoot Microphone
Run the Get Help app’s automated audio troubleshooter first before starting. Get Help automatically performs diagnostic tests and applies the proper fixes for most audio problems.
Run a troubleshooter if the Get Help app cannot fix your sound or audio problem. This program automatically recognizes and fixes audio problems that could be preventing you from recording sound on your computer.
How to start the audio troubleshooter?
- Click Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot settings page, and click on the Other troubleshooter option.
- Scroll down and click on the Recording Audio option from the given list.
- Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to solve the problem.
Conclusion
You can enhance the microphone sound without downloading any external applications. Thus, you can rapidly test a microphone on Windows 10/ 11 by following the above procedures. Check for system and device driver updates if you are still facing issues.
How To Use Voice Recorder To Test Your Microphone?
Using the pre-installed program Voice Recorder or Sound Recorder is another easy method of testing the microphone on Windows. The built-in Windows Sound Recorder tool can be used to record conversations, lectures, and other audio. This program was once known as Sound Recorder. To start the procedure:
- Launch the Voice Recorder tool from the Start menu.
- After the program launches, select Yes to grant it access to your microphone.
- At this point, press the large Record button in front of you to begin recording.
- After recording, press the Stop button to stop the recording.
You can see all of your recordings on the left pane of the application.
How To Get My Computer To Recognize a New Microphone?
Typically, Windows OS recognizes the connected devices on its own. If your microphone does not function after being connected to your computer, one of the following possibilities could exist:
- The battery in your microphone might be dead.
- The driver could be damaged.
- Your microphone may not be working correctly.