How to Boost or Increase Microphone Volume in Windows

Is your Microphone causing you some trouble? Maybe the voice has diminished while you were calling your friends on Skype or Discord. Do you want more clarity but don’t know how to get it done?

There can be countless reasons why the microphone isn’t working. It could be daunting, even perplexing, to try and pinout all these problems. Therefore, this guide will tell you everything about microphone boost on a Windows OS. Get the clarity you deserve and be audible to your friends once again.

This guide will cover every aspect like microphone volume level adjustment, microphone boost option, device properties, and so on. It will help you solve most virtual and hardware problems and manage microphone volume levels:

microsoft windows 10 audio feature for microphone boost

Boost Microphone Levels  – Microphone Properties

The first option for you is to use the built-in audio settings and volume control option. You can adjust the microphone volume from there. All you need to do is:

  • Go to the taskbar in the bottom-right corner.
  • Find a Volume/Sound Icon and Right-click on it. Select ‘Sounds.’
right click sound settings in taskbar windows 10
  • It will open a new window. Find the Microphone option and click on Microphone Properties.
right-click for microphone properties window 10 settings
adjust mic levels without boosting default sounds  recording tab
  • You can increase or decrease the microphone level from there. This is according to the natural settings and capabilities.

Check the advanced tab for any other valuable audio setting

Boost Microphone Volume At Maximum Yet Too Quiet

active test process mic levels desktop related issues

Before you boost the level, it would be better to check the input and system. There can be countless reasons for a microphone volume to be quiet even after having maximum levels. Even after you’ve tried microphone boost in Windows 10 or 7, there is seemingly no fix. Here are some of the common issues:

1. Faulty Hardware Problems

First, you need to ensure that you have working hardware. If it is a new Microphone, you can plug it into other systems and see if it works. If it doesn’t, then get it replaced. Older microphones are more prone to malfunctioning and damage. So, check for them to see if they are working while connected.

2. Built-In Microphone Volume Controls Increase Immediately

Check the Microsoft Windows Recorder or some other audio tool. Are you getting the right boost level for the Microphone in the recording? See if the volume is fine there. If it is, then it could be a problem with the application you’re using. For example, the voice may be low on Skype or Discord calls.

If that’s the case, it might be due to built-in settings. You will have to access the microphone property window of these apps. They have settings for a customized experience. Check them out by visiting their respective support, if you don’t know where to look.

This should help you with fixing the Microphone volume problems. 

3. Placement Of The Microphone

Sometimes, we underestimate the range of a Microphone. Indeed, new microphones are more sensitive, but you should check in case. Make sure that they are closer to your mouth when you speak to see if they are working optimally. 

Run a test by recording from the active microphone device. 

4. Incompatible Hardware

Not every microphone works on any operating system or device. If you’re using a phone’s headset on a PC, it can malfunction. Often, the high power output causes them to break down eventually. So, make sure that you have compatible hardware. Even if your headphones have a microphone, the windows might not pick it up if you’re using the jack. You can’t use a single jack for sound input and output. Unless the hardware/device supports it.

5. Driver Updates

If you’ve checked all the above-given solutions but still can’t seem to find a way out, check for drivers. Often, driver updates are the primary reason for a device malfunction. If you check for a microphone driver update, you will find that you can use it better.

If you can’t find Microphone boost, and other essential commands, update the drivers. You can also reinstall the drives to give it a go. Always make sure to check the latest version.

How to increase Maximum Volume Beyond 100% in Windows 10 – Microphone Boost

Windows 7 and Windows 10 come with a brilliant new addition to the array of settings. The Microphone Boost option allows you to increase the volume of your microphone. Thus, you can be more clear with impeccable audio quality. It is a useful tool for various voice-related tasks. Remember that Windows 10 has a mic booster that works better than Windows 7.

If you have a Microphone that you recently bought but it doesn’t seem to have enough sound input, check this out. All you need to do is:

  • Use the above-given options to access the Microphone properties window.
  • There, you will see the ‘Additional Device Properties’ option, or something similar.
additional device property in the sound input or audio input windows 10
  • Click on it and you will have a new window appear. From the options, find the Levels tab.
devices quality microphone boost features
  • There you can see Microphone Boost to use it. All you need to do is use the boost slider to adjust the microphone level.

The general rule of thumb is to boost up to +40dB. This is suitable without tearing the voice or ruining the quality.

If you can’t find Microsoft Boost, it is likely that you have an outdated driver. Some older Microphones also don’t support Microphone boost.

How To Stop Microphone From Auto-adjusting In Windows 10

This can be the reason why your Microphone boost or any other adjustment isn’t working. Often, a third-party application, like Skype and Discord, can adjust settings. It is automated and changes Microphone when you’re using the app. But, sometimes the settings stay that way even after you exit the app.

You can use these steps to disable any third-party app from altering your Microphone:

  • Press the Windows + R button on the keyboard to launch the RUN program. Type ‘mmsys.cpl’ and press Enter. You can run as Administrator if you’d like.
Microsoft Run to shortcut input device screen
  • This will open the Sound window. From there, select the Recording devices options and find the Microphone. It should be the one you use.
right-click press properties for drivers features mic
  • Click on properties. Now, in the Microphone Properties window, find the Advanced Tab. Find Exclusive mode. Uncheck ‘Allow Applications To Take Exclusive Control Of This Device.’
mic properties screen feature settings
  • First, Apply the changes, and click OK. Then restart your computer. See if this fixes the problem.

There’s another way. You can search for ‘Microphone Privacy Settings’ on Windows 10. There, you will find a list of apps that have access to your microphone. You can disable the apps that you don’t want the Microphone for. It is also a great way to enhance privacy. But remember, if you disable Skype and others here, you won’t be audible in calls.

So, you can also check these to see if they are already disabled. If so, enable them.

The Wizard Could Not Start Microphone In Windows 10

Did you get this abrupt Microphone error? There’s nothing you can do with the Microphone Boost option, or anything else unless you fix this first. Here are the quick solutions for you

1. Reinstall The Driver And Reconnect Microphone

The first option is to try and change the port of your microphone and see if that works. If it doesn’t, then uninstall the driver from the device manager. Reinstall the driver and see if that solves the problem.

mic drivers device manager screen

2. Run The Audio Troubleshooter

Almost every device setting in Windows 10 comes with a standalone troubleshooter. You can access it by accessing the Microphone properties window. From there, you can find the audio troubleshooter. It will fix any baseline issues with the hardware.

windows troubleshooter for audio and recording

3. Is the Microphone Enabled?

Access the audio settings and go to the Microphone properties window. If you can’t find it, then you probably have other audio settings. From there, see if you have a mic disabled. Sometimes, a third-party app or some system malfunction could’ve done it for you. So, just enable it again by right-clicking on it.

right-click mic settings disable device

4. Select The Right Microphone

Use the same steps as the third solution and access the Microphone properties windows. It could be ‘Recording devices.’ Check to see if you have selected the right device. If not, then change the mic device. Restart the PC and it should work just fine.

mic list on windows audio and sound property

Use A Third Party Software For Microphone Boost

boosting default sound settings app volume and sound quality preference

Windows 10 Microphone Boost option is similar to the third-party tools. It helps you boost microphone volume. You don’t have to rely on any third-party software for the task. Thus, you reduce the risk of malware and viruses, among other things. 

But if you’ve tried all the fixes and can’t find the Microphone boost option, you can use this as a last resort. Try to stick to authentic or credible tools to boost Microphone levels. There are many great calibration tools people use, including voice changers. Many of these come with various quality features, drivers, and much more.

select audio device windows 10

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Increase My Mic Gain?

Most mics come with a gain option installed in them. You can use it to change the Microphone levels and boost the volume. Some come with software or tool that you can install in the system. Once installed, you can use it to process different levels for the Mic. 

Is Microphone Boost The Same As Gain?

No. It is not the same as gain but it does solve many problems people face with microphone volume level settings. Many other tools like Realtek, also come with a booster slider option. A Microphone Boost option is an attempt from Microsoft to reduce the need for third-party tools. 

How To Amplify Your Computer Mic?

You can boost the microphone volume on Windows 10 by accessing audio settings. Generally, device properties have all the solutions for you.  If you can’t find the boost option there for the sound or audio, try advanced tabs. Either way, you can only amplify the mic level of any device to a specific range. 

How To Boost Microphone Volume On Windows 10?

You can use the new feature of the Microphone boost option and boost slider. If you can’t find the sound levels tab, reinstall the drivers first.  Realtek is a great choice for you to boost microphone levels immediately. 

Meet the Author

Abdul Rahim has been working in Information Technology for over two decades. Learn how Abdul got his start as a Tech Blogger , and why he decided to start this Software blog. If you want to send Abdul a quick message, then visit his contact page here.