To turn up the mic volume in Windows 10, right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Open Sound settings. Under Input, choose your microphone and select Device properties, then drag the Volume slider up. For more, use Microphone Boost on the Levels tab in the Sound Control Panel.
Test your mic as you go. The bar under Test your microphone moves when Windows hears you. On Windows 11, you can also hear yourself on your mic through headphones while you adjust the level.
Applies to: Windows 10 with a built-in, USB, or headset microphone. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Turn up the volume in Sound settings
- Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Open Sound settings.
- Under Input, choose your microphone.
- Select Device properties.
- Drag the Volume slider up, then speak and watch the test bar.
Use Microphone Boost
- Right-click the speaker icon and select Sounds.
- Select the Recording tab, then double-click your microphone.
- Open the Levels tab.
- Set Microphone to 100, and raise Microphone Boost, for example to +10.0 dB.
- Select OK.
Too much boost adds hiss and background noise. Raise it one step at a time.
If there’s no Microphone Boost slider, your mic or driver doesn’t offer it.
Check the right microphone is selected
In the Recording tab, speak and watch the green bars. The mic that moves is the one Windows hears. Right-click it and select Set as Default Device.
Check the app’s mic settings
Apps like Teams, Zoom, and Discord have their own microphone and volume settings. Open the app’s audio settings and pick the same mic, then turn its input volume up.
If the mic is still quiet
- Move closer. Built-in laptop mics are far from your mouth. A headset helps a lot.
- Check privacy settings. In Settings > Privacy > Microphone, make sure apps are allowed to use it.
- Turn off enhancements on the Enhancements or Advanced tab if the sound cuts in and out.
- Update the audio driver. See how to update all drivers on Windows 10.
- Stop apps from changing the level. If the volume keeps dropping on its own, turn off the automatic mic volume option in your app, such as Automatically adjust microphone volume in Zoom. You can also clear Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device on the mic’s Advanced tab.
- Run the troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters and run Recording Audio.
- Lower the boost if it hisses. Too much Microphone Boost adds background noise. Try a lower boost with the volume at 100.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my mic so quiet on calls?
The app may be using a different mic or its own low volume. Check the app’s settings as well as Windows.
What’s the difference between mic volume and Microphone Boost?
Volume raises the level up to 100. Boost adds extra gain on top, which also raises noise.
How do I make my speakers louder instead?
See how to make sound louder in Windows 10.
Why is my Bluetooth headset mic so quiet?
When you use the mic, many Bluetooth headsets switch to a hands-free mode that has lower sound quality. Windows lists it as a separate Headset device. Turn its volume up the same way. A wired or USB headset usually sounds clearer on calls.
How can I test my mic level?
Open the Voice Recorder app, record a few words at your normal voice, and play them back. If you sound quiet, raise the volume or boost and try again.
If Windows doesn’t hear your mic at all, see how to turn on and test your microphone in Windows 10.
To test your level in a real recording, see how to record audio in Windows 10.
To mute the mic or turn it off completely, see how to mute your microphone in Windows 10.
Turning up Microphone Boost can make background noise louder too. See how to reduce background noise on a mic in Windows 10.
To record your voice on Windows 11, see how to record audio in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s guide is How to set up and test microphones in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
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.