Windows 11 · Windows

Fix low microphone volume in Windows 11

Source-checked About 10 minutes

Answer

Select the correct microphone, raise Input volume, run a recording test, and update or reinstall the audio driver if the level remains low.

Guide steps5 steps
  1. Check connection and placement
  2. Select the input
  3. Raise and test the level
  4. Repair detection issues
  5. Test normal speech
  6. If it still does not work

Check connection and placement

Reconnect the microphone, check its hardware mute control, and place it at the recommended distance.

Select the input

Open Settings > System > Sound > Input and select the intended microphone.

Raise and test the level

Increase Input volume, select Start test, speak normally, then stop and play the recording.

Repair detection issues

Allow microphone access, run the recording troubleshooter, and update or reinstall the audio driver if Windows still records too quietly.

Test normal speech

Run the Windows input test again while speaking at a normal distance and volume. If Windows records clearly but one app remains quiet, select the same microphone and adjust its input level inside that app.

Video walkthrough

If it does not work

  • Use the Windows input test while speaking at normal volume, then repeat the same sample inside the affected app. A good Windows test with a quiet app recording points to that app's input selection or level.
  • If the microphone is quiet in every app, test its cable or wireless connection and another known-good input before installing the PC or microphone maker's matching driver. Avoid boosting the level until speech clips.
Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.

Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.

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