How to Change the Default Microphone and Recording Device in Windows

Before you start

The default microphone setting controls which input device Windows offers to apps when they request audio. The change is made locally in Windows Settings or the older Control Panel sound options; no online service or account is required. Have the microphone or headset connected before you begin so it appears in the input device list. If you are switching between a built-in microphone, USB device, or headset, connect the one you want to use and let Windows finish detecting it.

Step-by-step instructions

The exact path depends on your Windows version, but the setting controls the same default input device. Use the method that matches what you see on your PC.

Set the default microphone in Windows Settings

• 1. Open Start and select Settings.
• 2. Go to System, then Sound.
• 3. In the Input section, find the Choose a device for speaking or recording menu.
• 4. Select the microphone or input device you want to use.
• 5. Close Settings or continue to the input test below.

Set the default recording device in Control Panel

Some apps and legacy setups still follow the recording device selected in the classic Sound dialog. This method also shows devices that may be hidden from the simpler Settings list.

• 1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar notification area and select Sound settings, or open Control Panel and choose Sound.
• 2. Go to the Recording tab.
• 3. Right-click the microphone or input device you want to set as default.
• 4. Select Set as Default Device. If you also want it used for communications, select Set as Default Communication Device.
• 5. Select OK to apply the change.

To see disabled or disconnected recording devices, right-click an empty area of the list and enable Show Disabled Devices. You can then enable a device before setting it as default.

Change device properties without making it the default

If you only need to adjust one app, many video call and recording tools have their own microphone selection menu. That change applies to the app session and does not alter the Windows default input device. Check the audio or device settings within the app when you need a temporary override.

Check the output

In Windows Settings under System and Sound, speak toward the selected microphone and watch the Input volume indicator. If the bar moves with your voice, Windows is receiving audio from that input device. For a more complete check, use the Test your microphone option if your version shows it, or make a short test recording in your calling or recording app and play it back.

Quality depends on the device, its driver, and the app format. The input level is separate from format settings such as sample rate and bit depth. After changing the default device, adjust the input level only if the test shows the signal is too quiet or clipping.

Common problems and next steps

The new default is ignored by an app

An app may keep using the previously selected device if it has its own audio input setting or was already running when you made the change. Close and reopen the app, then check the app's microphone or audio input menu. If the app still uses the wrong device, select the correct one there or set it to use the system default.

The device does not appear in the input list

Confirm the device is connected and enabled in Windows. In the classic Sound dialog Recording tab, show disabled devices and enable the missing microphone if it is listed. If a USB device does not appear, try another USB port and let Windows install or finish detecting the device.

The microphone records too much background noise or too quietly

Open the device properties and check the input level. A high input level can make background noise more obvious; lowering it may help in a noisy room. Position the microphone closer when the signal is weak, and keep the level below the point where the test meter stays constantly at maximum.

Revert to the previous input device

Repeat either method and choose the earlier microphone or recording device. The change is reversible, so you can switch back at any time without deleting the other device.