To mute your microphone in Windows 10, right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sounds. On the Recording tab, double-click your microphone, open the Levels tab, select the microphone button so it shows a red mark, and select OK. To turn the mic off completely, select Start > Settings > System > Sound > Device properties and check Disable.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 26, 2026.
Windows 10 has no built-in keyboard shortcut to mute the mic. In a call or meeting app, the app’s own mute button is the quickest option, and some keyboards and headsets have a mute key or switch.
Mute the microphone on the Levels tab
- Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sounds. You can also select Start > Settings > System > Sound > Sound Control Panel.
- Select the Recording tab, then double-click your microphone.
- Select the Levels tab.
- Select the microphone button next to the volume box. A red mark means the mic is muted.
- Select OK.
To unmute, open the same tab and select the button again so the red mark goes away.
Turn the microphone off completely
Disabling the mic stops every app from using it until you turn it back on.
- Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Input, choose the microphone, then select Device properties.
- Check Disable.
To turn it back on, go to Settings > System > Sound > Manage sound devices, select the mic under Input devices, and select Enable.
Block apps from using the microphone
- Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
- Turn off Allow apps to access your microphone to block all Microsoft Store apps, or turn off single apps in the list.
- Turn off Allow desktop apps to access your microphone to block desktop apps too.
This is also the first place to look if your mic seems muted and you didn’t mute it.
Mute shortcuts in common apps
- Microsoft Teams: Ctrl + Shift + M.
- Zoom: Alt + A.
- Discord: Ctrl + Shift + M.
- Google Meet in a browser: Ctrl + D.
These only work while the app is open, and some only when its window is selected. Check each app’s settings if a shortcut doesn’t work, since you can often change it.
If the microphone still picks up sound
- People still hear you in a call. The app may be using a different microphone, such as a headset or webcam mic. Check which mic the app uses in its audio settings and mute that one.
- The mute button on the Levels tab is missing. Some drivers hide it. Use Disable in Device properties, or turn off microphone access for apps instead.
- The mic unmutes by itself. Some apps change the mic level when they start. Turn off automatic microphone adjustment in the app’s settings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my mic is muted?
Open Settings > System > Sound and speak. If the bar under Test your microphone doesn’t move, check the Levels tab, the Disable box, and the privacy switches above.
Why is my mic too quiet after I unmute it?
The volume may be low. See how to turn up mic volume in Windows 10.
How do I test the mic after turning it back on?
See how to turn on and test your microphone in Windows 10.
Does muting in Windows also mute me in apps?
Yes. If you mute or disable the mic in Windows, apps can’t hear it at all. The app’s own mute button may still show you as unmuted, so check both before you speak.
Is there a physical way to mute?
Many headsets have a mute switch on the cable or ear cup, and some laptops have a mute key, often F4 or F8 with a crossed-out microphone icon. Unplugging a USB mic also works.
If others can’t hear you even when the microphone isn’t muted, see how to fix a microphone not working in Windows 10.
Microsoft’s guides are How to set up and test microphones in Windows and Windows camera, microphone, and privacy. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: How to unmute your mic in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.