How to set up and test a new microphone on Windows 10 and 11
If you want to set up and test your microphone on Windows, where do you start? For most USB microphones, including the Logitech Blue Yeti, Windows often finds, downloads, and installs the microphone drivers automatically.
However, if you want to know how to set up a new microphone on Windows 10 or Windows 11, it’s relatively easy to set up and test a microphone, just follow this guide.
Enable microphone on Windows 10
First you need to make sure your microphone access is enabled to use it on Windows 10. Follow these steps.
1. Open settings by using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcuts.
2. Go to privacy.
3. In the left pane of privacyunder App Permissionsclick microphone.
4. Click change under “Allow access to the microphone on this device”.
5. Microphone access for this device should be on. If it’s off, turn it on to enable your microphone on Windows 10.
As you may have noticed, you can also choose if you want Allow apps to access your microphone.
When enabled, you can choose which Microsoft Store and all desktop apps have access to your microphone.
Enable microphone on Windows 11
The process to enable your microphone on Windows 11 is almost identical to the process on Windows 10. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Open settings by using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcuts.
2. Click Privacy & Security in the left pane.
3. sub App Permissionsclick microphone.
4. Rotate the access to the microphone Turn on to enable microphone access on Windows 11.
Like Windows 10, Windows 11 lets you choose which apps you want to give access to your microphone at the bottom.
Located below the access to the microphone toggle, you can turn on (or turn off) Allow apps to access your microphone and choose which apps you will regularly use with your microphone.
Install a microphone on Windows 10
After enabling microphone access, you need to make sure Windows knows which device you want to use.
Follow these steps to install a new microphone or recording device that you want to use.
1. Open settings by using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcuts.
2. Click system.
3. Click sound from the left pane and select the microphone or recording device you want to use Choose your input device drop down menu below Entry.
Device does not appear in this list? click Troubleshooting to try to fix the problem.
Install a microphone on Windows 11
If the microphone or recording device is physically connected to your PC, follow these steps:
1. Open settings by using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcuts.
2. Go to System > Sound.
3. sub Entryclick to select the microphone or recording device you want to use Choose a device to speak or record list of devices.
If your microphone or recording device does not appear in this list, you can click add device to add a new device.
Test a microphone on Windows 10
Now that microphone access is enabled and your microphone is installed, it’s time to give it a try! If you need to test an already installed microphone, follow these steps.
1. Open settings by using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcuts.
2. Go to System > Sound.
3. a soundgo to Entry and under Test your microphonelook for a blue bar that fills as you speak into the microphone or other installed recording device.
4. If you don’t see any activity in the blue bar below Test your microphoneclick Troubleshooting to try to fix your microphone.
Test a microphone on Windows 11
1. Open settings by using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcuts.
2. Go to System > Sound.
3. a soundgo to Entry and select the device you want to test. and click the arrow that appears to go to the microphone or recording device properties.
4. Under input settingsgo to Test your microphone and click Start exam.
5. Speak into your microphone or recording device and you should see input volume (blue bar) rise and fall with your voice. click stop testing when done.
6. You should see the results of your last test after clicking stop testing.
If you don’t see movement in the blue bar, you may need to continue troubleshooting your audio device. Make sure the audio device is securely connected to your computer. A loose contact can often be to blame.
Having trouble with your microphone or other audio devices on Windows 10 or Windows 11? Let us know in the comments!