How to Enable External Microphone in Windows 10

Are you frustrated with your default Windows 10 microphone that doesn't work? Or maybe you just got yourself a new external microphone and want the freedom to choose which microphone to use. If this sounds like you, we've got good news.

This article will show you how to change the default microphone in Windows 10 to be available all the time, no matter what program you are using.

Method 1: Set Default Microphone From the Sound Control Panel

You can change the default microphone in Windows 10 through the Control Panel. To do so;

1. Open the Start Menu and type "control panel" in the search bar, and then press "Enter." Alternatively, press the ''Windows+X'' keys to launch the Quick Access Menu, and then click on "Control Panel." The control panel should then pop up on the screen.
   
2. Click on "Hardware and Sound."
   
3. Select "Manage audio devices" from the "Sound" submenu.
   
4. Click on "Recording." You'll see Windows' inbuilt microphone (Realtek Audio) with a green checkmark next to it. That's your default microphone. Any other microphones attached to your system will be listed.
   
5. Select the mic you'd like to use, right-click on it, and then select "Set as Default Device."
   
6. Click on "Ok" to save your new settings. After that, the microphone you've selected will have a green checkmark beside it. The words "Default Device" will also appear right below it.
   

Any microphones previously attached to your PC will also be listed under "Recording," but the "Set as Default Device" option will be inactive.

Method 2: Set Default Microphone From Settings

You can also bypass the Control Panel and set your default microphone from settings. Here are the steps:

1. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner.
   
2. Scroll down the alphabetized list and click on "Settings." As with many modern devices, the settings icon is shaped like a gear.
   
3. After the settings window opens, select "System."
   
4. Select "sound" from the navigation pane on the left.
   
5. Under "Input," click on the dropdown arrow and then select the microphone you'd like to set as your default sound input tool.
   

And voila! Windows 10 and its apps will now hear you loud and clear with your new default microphone. Unlike in the first method, however, any external mics will only be in the dropdown list if they are currently attached to your PC.

Method 3: Use Advanced Sound Options

To change the default microphone using this method:

1. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner.
   
2. Scroll down the alphabetized list and click on "Settings."
   
3. After the settings window opens, select "System."
   
4. Select "sound" from the navigation pane on the left.
   
5. Scroll down to "Advanced sound options."
   
6. Click on "App volume and device preferences."
   
7. Under "Input," click on the dropdown arrow and then select the microphone you'd like to set as default.
   

How to Enable a Microphone in Windows 10

Long gone are the days you had to download an additional program to record an audio or video file or even capture memories over a video chat. Windows 10 comes with an inbuilt microphone. You can even use it with Cortana, the intelligent Windows assistant that helps you find files, search for information online, and even answer questions about what's happening in the world. However, using the inbuilt mic (or any other external mic attached to your PC) is impossible until it has been enabled.

You can enable a microphone in Windows 10 in several ways:

Use Device Properties

To enable your microphone using the "Device Properties" tab:

1. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner.
   
2. Scroll down the alphabetized list and click on "Settings."
   
3. After the settings window opens, select "System."
   
4. Select "sound" from the navigation pane on the left.
   
5. Under "Input," click on "Device properties." This will open a device management section.
   
6. Uncheck the box next to "Disabled."
   

Go to Manage Sound Devices

You can also enable a microphone through the "Manage sound devices" tab. Here's how:

1. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner.
   
2. Scroll down the alphabetized list and click on "Settings."
   
3. Click on "System."
   
4. Select "sound" from the navigation pane on the left.
   
5. Under "Input," click on "Manage sound devices." This will open a new window with a list of all your input and output devices.
   
6. Under "Input devices," click on the microphone you'd like to set as default and then click on "Enable."
   

Use Device Manager

1. Open the Start Menu, type "Device Manager" in the search bar, and press "Enter."
   
2. Double-click on "Audio inputs and outputs."
   
3. Right-click on the microphone and then click on "Enable."
   

How to Disable a Microphone in Windows 10?

People are often concerned about their internet privacy. This is an understandable concern, and Windows 10 has some features that can help you maintain your privacy while videoconferencing or browsing. Disabling your microphone is one of them.

There are several ways to disable your microphone. Let's see how each works:

Use Device Properties

To disable the microphone through the "Device properties" tab:

1. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner.
   
2. Scroll down the alphabetized list and click on "Settings."
   
3. After the settings window opens, select "System."
   
4. Select "sound" from the navigation pane on the left.
   
5. Under "Input," click on "Device properties."
   
6. Check the box next to "Disabled."
   

Go to Manage Sound Devices

To disable the microphone through the "Manage sound devices" tab:

1. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner.
   
2. Scroll down the alphabetized list and click on "Settings."
   
3. Click on "System."
   
4. Select "sound" from the navigation pane on the left.
   
5. Under "Input," click on "Manage sound devices."
   
6. Under "Input devices," click on the microphone you'd like to deactivate and then click on "Disable."
   

Use Device Manager

1. Open the Start Menu, type "Device Manager" in the search bar, and then press "Enter."
   
2. Double-click on "Audio inputs and outputs."
   
3. Right-click on the microphone you'd like to mute and then click on "Disable."
   

Record Audio Like a Pro

A quality microphone can be the difference between a successful video conference call and a barely audible session that doesn't get the work done. The mic also comes in handy when you want to issue voice commands to Cortana, the official voice assistant for Windows 10. Sticking with the pre-installed mic is always an option, but the sound quality could be poor or garbled. Changing the default microphone can help you to discover the best recording tool for your needs. And thanks to this article, you know how to go about it.

Have you had trouble using the microphone on your Windows PC? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Enable External Microphone in Windows 10

Source: https://www.alphr.com/how-to-change-the-default-microphone-in-windows-10/

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