How to check the microphone on a Windows PC

The microphone allows users to participate in online meetings, communicate with loved ones via Skype or Zoom, and even use speech recognition. Users connect their microphones from time to time and find that they don’t work. Also, no one seems to be able to tell if the microphone is working on Windows. Keep reading to find out how to test your microphone in Windows if you’re having similar issues.

How to check the microphone on a Windows PC

You can follow these three steps to test your microphone on Windows 11/10.

1. Install microphone
2. Checking an Existing Microphone
3. Troubleshooting the microphone

Read on for a detailed description of how to get started.

1] Install the microphone

First, we must ensure that the microphone is connected or connected to Bluetooth before we can set it up. Also, be sure to install any appropriate OEM driver. In most cases, Windows automatically finds and installs the necessary drivers. If that doesn’t work, you may need to find 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)

Make sure the microphone is connected to the computer. The 3.5mm audio jack often works for both audio output and microphone input if you’re using a Windows laptop. Therefore, you should connect the connected microphone to your laptop’s headphone jack. Also notice the microphone icon next to the ports.

How to install a new microphone (wireless)

You can easily connect your wireless microphone by opening Settings and pairing your Bluetooth wireless microphone with your Windows PC to set it up. Here’s how you approach it.

• Check if your Bluetooth microphone is in pairing mode. Then launch the Settings app by pressing Win + I on your keyboard.
• On the settings page, select System > Sound.
• Go to Login by scrolling down.
• Here, next to Connect a new input device, click Add device.
• The Bluetooth pairing window on your PC will open.
• Select Bluetooth from the pop-up window.
• Your wireless microphone will be displayed if pairing mode is activated. Then click on your wireless microphone and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your microphone.
• Make sure the wireless microphone is set as the default microphone in the Input section.

2] Checking the existing microphone

Windows 11

• Use the keyboard shortcut Win + I to launch Settings
• On the System menu page, select Sound in the right pane.
• Scroll down and tap “Microphone”in the “Input”section.
• Next to Test Microphone, click the Start Test button under Input Options.
• As soon as you start speaking, an indication will appear showing the voice response. Click “Stop Test”when finished.

Windows 10

• Make sure the microphone is connected to the computer.
• Press Win + I and click System. On the next page, in the left pane, you’ll find the “Sound”option.
• On the Sound page, under Microphone Test, look for the blue bar that rises and falls when you speak into the microphone. Your microphone works correctly if the band is moving.
• If the bar is not moving, select Troubleshoot to fix any underlying issues that will help fix your microphone.

This approach won’t tell you how you sound; it will just tell you if Windows is picking up your microphone.

3] Microphone troubleshooting

Before launching, run the automatic audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Get Help automatically performs diagnostic tests and applies the correct fixes for most audio problems.

Run the troubleshooter if the Help app is unable to fix an audio or audio issue. This program automatically recognizes and fixes audio problems that may prevent you from recording audio on your computer.

How do I run the audio troubleshooter?

• Press Win + I to open settings.
• Go to the System > Troubleshoot page and click on Other Troubleshooter.
• Scroll down and click on the “Record Audio”option from the given list.
• Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

You can improve your microphone sound without downloading any external apps. So you can quickly test your microphone on Windows 10/11 by following the above procedures. Check for system and device driver updates if you’re still facing issues.

How to use the voice recorder to check the microphone?

Using the preinstalled Voice Recorder or Sound Recorder is another easy way to check your microphone in Windows. The built-in audio recording tool in Windows 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 launching the program, select Yes to grant it access to your microphone.
• At this point, press the large record button in front of you to start recording.
• After recording, click the “Stop”button to stop recording.

You can see all your entries on the left panel of the application.

How do I get my computer to recognize the new microphone?

Windows normally recognizes connected devices on its own. If your microphone is not working after connecting to your computer, there may be one of the following reasons: