An echo during calls or recordings in Windows 11 is often caused by speaker sound feeding back into the microphone, an input being monitored through the speakers, or the wrong audio device being selected. Test the simple causes before reinstalling drivers.
Reduce microphone echo
- Use headphones temporarily. If the echo disappears, sound from the speakers was probably reaching the microphone.
- Open Settings > System > Sound and confirm that the correct microphone and output device are selected.
- Lower speaker volume and move an external microphone farther from the speakers.
- Open the microphone’s additional sound properties and check whether a listening/monitoring option is sending the mic directly to your output device.
- Make a short test recording before changing anything else.
If the echo occurs in only one app
Check that application’s microphone, speaker, monitoring, and noise-control settings. Meeting and streaming apps can apply their own audio processing independently of Windows.
If every application has the problem, restart the PC and check the computer or audio-device manufacturer’s supported driver. Avoid installing random “audio fix” utilities. USB headsets and microphones should also be tested in another port, without an unnecessary hub, when possible.
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.
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