How to Adjust Microphone Level and Gain in Windows 10

If people on calls say you sound too quiet, too loud or distorted, the fix is usually the microphone level in Windows 10. Windows offers two related controls: the input level (the main volume slider for the microphone) and, on many laptops, a separate Microphone Boost setting that adds extra gain. This guide explains how to set both, check the result and correct the most common problems.

Before you start

Adjusting microphone volume is a local Windows setting. It does not require an online account or an external service, and the changes can be reversed at any time by moving the sliders back.

• Identify which input device you want to adjust: the built-in laptop microphone, a headset, a USB microphone or a webcam microphone. Each has its own level.
• Connect any external microphone before you begin so Windows lists it.
• Note the current slider positions so you can return to them if needed.
• Check whether your call or recording app adjusts the microphone automatically. Many apps have such an option, and it can override what you set in Windows.

Step-by-step instructions

Set the microphone level in Settings

• Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Open Sound settings, or go to Settings, then System, then Sound.
• Under Input, select your microphone in the Choose your input device list.
• Click Device properties below the list.
• Move the Volume slider to raise or lower the microphone level. On this page you may also see a Test button or a live meter you can use while speaking.

The layout differs between Windows 10 versions. Older builds may not show a volume slider in Device properties. If you do not see one, use the classic Sound panel described next, which works across Windows 10 versions.

Adjust level and gain in the classic Sound panel

• In Sound settings, open the Sound Control Panel link under Related settings. You can also press Windows key + R, type mmsys.cpl and press Enter.
• Open the Recording tab. Speak and watch the green bars next to each device to confirm which one is picking up your voice.
• Select your microphone and click Properties.
• Open the Levels tab.
• Use the Microphone slider to set the main input level.
• If a Microphone Boost slider is present, use it to add gain when the main slider at its maximum is still too quiet.
• Click Apply, then OK.

Microphone Boost is provided by the audio driver, not by every microphone, so it may be missing or labelled differently on your laptop. Boost raises everything the microphone hears, including background noise and fan hum, so raise it one step at a time and prefer the main slider first.

Optional settings worth knowing

• Advanced tab: the Default Format setting controls the sample rate and bit depth Windows uses for the microphone. Changing it does not make the microphone louder, but a mismatch with an app can cause problems, so leave it at the default unless you have a specific reason.
• Advanced tab: Exclusive Mode options allow an app to take full control of the device, which can include changing its level.
• Enhancements tab: if your driver provides it, this tab may offer noise suppression or similar processing. Available options vary by manufacturer.

Check the output

There is no single best microphone level for Windows 10, because microphones, distances and rooms differ. The practical goal is a level where your normal speaking voice moves the meter well up the scale without regularly reaching the very top. Peaks that hit the top of the meter are likely to sound distorted, while a meter that barely moves usually means you will sound quiet.

• Watch the meter in Sound settings or on the Recording tab while you speak at your usual volume and distance.
• Record a short clip with the Voice Recorder app and play it back to hear the actual result, including any background noise.
• On the Listen tab of the microphone properties, you can enable Listen to this device to hear the input through your output device. Use headphones to avoid feedback and turn the option off afterwards.
• Make a short test call in the app you actually use, since app processing can change how you sound.

Common problems and next steps

The level keeps changing by itself

This is usually caused by an app with automatic microphone adjustment. Turn that option off in the app's audio settings. On the Advanced tab of the microphone properties, you can also clear the option that allows applications to take exclusive control of the device, then test again.

The microphone is still too quiet

Confirm that the correct input device is selected in both Windows and your app. Set the main slider to its maximum, then increase Microphone Boost step by step if it is available. If there is no boost option, check the laptop manufacturer's audio software or an updated audio driver, which may expose additional gain controls. Moving closer to the microphone is often the most effective way to increase volume without adding noise.

The audio is distorted or noisy

Lower Microphone Boost first, then reduce the main slider until loud speech no longer reaches the top of the meter. To reduce background noise, try any noise suppression available in your app or the Enhancements tab, and move away from fans or other noise sources.

The meter does not move at all

Check that the microphone is not muted, disabled or unplugged on the Recording tab. Then open Settings, Privacy, Microphone and make sure microphone access is turned on for the device and for the app you are using. Some laptops also have a physical microphone mute key or switch, so check for one before reinstalling drivers.