Check that your microphone is connected and recognized

Before you can use a microphone, your computer needs to see it. If you have a built-in microphone (common on laptops), it is already there. If you are using an external microphone — USB, 3.5mm jack, or wireless — plug it in or turn it on first.

On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "Open Sound settings". Scroll down to "Input" and look for your microphone listed under "Choose your input device". If it appears there, Windows recognizes it. On Mac, go to System Settings, then Sound, then Input — your microphone should show in the list.

If your microphone does not appear, try unplugging it and plugging it back in, or restarting your computer. If it still does not show up, the microphone may need a driver — software that lets your computer talk to the device. Check the manufacturer's website for your microphone model and read any drivers they offer.

Key Takeaways

  • Your microphone must be plugged in or powered on, and your operating system must recognize it in Sound settings before any program can use it.
  • Most programs that need a microphone — video calls, voice recording, gaming — will ask you to choose which microphone to use the first time you open them.
  • If your microphone is too quiet or too loud in a program, adjust the input volume in your operating system's Sound settings, not just in the program itself.
  • Test your microphone by opening Sound settings and speaking — you should see the input level bar move in response to your voice.

Set your microphone as the default input device

If you have more than one microphone connected, your computer picks one as the default. Most programs will use the default unless you tell them otherwise. To change which one is default on Windows, go to Sound settings, find your microphone under "Input", and click it, then click "Set as default".

On Mac, open System Settings, go to Sound, click Input, and select your microphone from the list — the one you click becomes the default. If you only have one microphone, it is already set as default and you can skip this step.

Adjust the input volume so you are not too quiet or too loud

Even if your microphone is recognized, it may be set to a volume that is too low or too high. On Windows, in Sound settings under Input, you will see "Input volume" with a slider. Speak into your microphone at normal volume and watch the bar next to the slider — it should move noticeably but not max out. If it barely moves, drag the slider to the right. If it jumps to full when ready, drag it left.

On Mac, in System Settings under Sound and Input, look for "Input level" — the same rule applies. Speak at normal volume and adjust the slider so the level bar responds clearly without hitting the top. A good target is somewhere in the middle to upper-middle range.

Some programs also have their own volume controls for the microphone. If you sound quiet in a video call even though your system volume is set correctly, check the program's settings — it may have its own input slider that is turned down.

Test your microphone before you use it for something important

The easiest way to test is to open Sound settings and speak — you should see the input level bar move. On Windows, you can also open the Voice Recorder app (search for it in the Start menu), hit the record button, speak for a few seconds, stop, and play it back to hear how you sound. On Mac, open QuickTime Player, go to File, select "New Audio Recording", hit record, speak, stop, and play it back.

If you are about to join a video call, most programs let you test your microphone before you enter the meeting. In Zoom, for example, you can click "Test Speaker and Microphone" before you join. In Microsoft Teams, click your profile picture, go to Settings, then Devices, and you will see a "Make a test call" option. Use these — they take 30 seconds and catch problems before your meeting starts.

Choose your microphone in the program you are using

When you open a program that uses your microphone — Zoom, Discord, OBS, a web browser for a video call — it usually asks which microphone to use the first time. Click the dropdown menu and select your microphone from the list. The program will remember your choice next time.

If the program does not ask, look in its settings. In Zoom, click your profile picture, go to Settings, then Audio, and you will see "Microphone" with a dropdown. In Discord, click the gear icon for User Settings, go to Voice & Video, and select your microphone under "Input Device". In Google Meet or other browser-based calls, click the three dots in the bottom right during a call, go to Settings, and choose your microphone under Audio.

If a program is using the wrong microphone, change it in that program's settings, not in your operating system — the program's choice overrides the system default.

Troubleshoot if your microphone is not working in a specific program

If your microphone works in Sound settings but not in a program, the program may not have permission to use it. On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings, Privacy & Security, Microphone, and make sure the toggle is on. Then scroll down and turn on the toggle for the specific program that needs the microphone.

On Mac, go to System Settings, Privacy & Security, Microphone, and you will see a list of programs. Make sure the program you want to use has a checkmark next to it. If it is not in the list, the program has never asked for permission — try opening it and allowing access when it prompts you.

If permission is already on and the microphone still does not work, try closing the program completely and opening it again. If that does not help, restart your computer. If the microphone works in other programs but not one specific one, the problem is usually with that program, not your microphone — try updating it or reinstalling it.

Use an external microphone for better sound quality

Built-in microphones on laptops and monitors pick up keyboard noise, fan noise, and background sound. If you record videos, stream, or take a lot of video calls, an external microphone will sound noticeably better. USB microphones like the Audio-Technica AT2020USB or Blue Yeti plug directly into a USB port and work when ready — no drivers needed on most computers.

Headset microphones (the kind with a boom arm attached to headphones) are good for video calls and gaming because they sit close to your mouth and reject background noise. 3.5mm jack microphones are cheaper but need a working headphone jack, which many newer computers no longer have.

Wireless microphones need to be charged and paired with your computer, which adds a step, but they give you freedom to move around. Test any external microphone in Sound settings before you rely on it for something important — some work perfectly on one computer and not at all on another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my microphone show up in Sound settings but programs say it is not there?

The program probably does not have permission to use your microphone. On Windows, check Privacy & Security settings and turn on the microphone toggle for that specific program. On Mac, go to Privacy & Security, Microphone, and make sure the program is checked. If it is not listed, open the program and allow access when it asks.

How do I know if my microphone is actually recording sound?

Open Sound settings and speak — you should see the input level bar move up and down with your voice. If it does not move at all, the microphone is not being recognized. If it moves but barely, increase the input volume slider. You can also record a short test clip in Voice Recorder (Windows) or QuickTime (Mac) and play it back to hear how you sound.

Can I use two microphones at the same time on one computer?

Your computer can have multiple microphones connected, but most programs will only use one at a time — whichever you set as default or choose in that program's settings. Some advanced recording software like OBS lets you use multiple microphones in the same project, but standard programs like Zoom or Teams will only pick one.

What should I do if my microphone is too quiet even after I turn up the volume?

First, check the input volume slider in Sound settings and move it higher. Second, check the program's own microphone settings — it may have a separate volume control that is turned down. Third, move closer to the microphone when you speak. If it is still too quiet, the microphone itself may be low-quality or damaged — try a different microphone to compare.

Do I need to install drivers for my microphone to work?

Most USB microphones work without drivers on Windows and Mac. If your microphone does not show up in Sound settings after you plug it in, check the manufacturer's website for your specific model — they may have drivers available. Restart your computer after installing drivers. If it still does not work, try a different USB port.