Background noise in your microphone can be frustrating during calls, recordings, or meetings. It can make your voice unclear and distract others. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers several ways to reduce or eliminate this issue.
This guide will walk you through simple steps to fix microphone background noise on your Windows 11 PC. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, these instructions are easy to follow.
By the end, you will understand how to adjust settings and improve your audio quality for a clearer microphone experience. Let’s get started.
These tips apply to built-in microphones as well as external headsets and USB microphones.
Quick Note: Before You Begin
- Ensure your microphone is properly connected to your PC. Loose connections can cause static and noise.
- Check if your microphone is not physically damaged or dirty, which can affect sound quality.
- Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date. Updates sometimes fix audio driver issues.
- Close other applications that might be using the microphone to avoid conflicts.
Step 1: Adjust Microphone Volume and Sensitivity
Sometimes, background noise is caused by your microphone being too sensitive or set at a high volume level. Lowering these settings can reduce unwanted sounds.
- Click on the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
- Go to System > Sound.
- Under Input, select your microphone device from the dropdown menu.
- Click on Device properties.
- Use the slider under Volume to lower the microphone input level. Start around 50% and test your sound.
- Speak and listen for background noise. Adjust the volume slider until the noise decreases without making your voice too quiet.
Why this helps: A high microphone volume picks up more background sounds, while lowering it focuses on your voice.
Step 2: Enable Noise Suppression in Windows 11
Windows 11 includes a built-in noise suppression feature that filters out background noise automatically.
- Open Settings again.
- Navigate to System > Sound.
- Under the Input section, select your microphone.
- Click on Noise suppression.
- Choose On to enable noise suppression.
Why this helps: Noise suppression uses software algorithms to reduce sounds like keyboard clicks, fan noise, or static.
Step 3: Disable Microphone Boost
Microphone Boost is a setting that increases microphone volume but can amplify background noise as well.
- Right-click the Speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sound settings.
- Scroll down and click More sound settings under the Advanced section.
- In the new window, go to the Recording tab.
- Select your microphone device and click Properties.
- Go to the Levels tab.
- Find Microphone Boost and set it to 0 dB or disable it.
- Click OK to save changes.
Why this helps: Boosting the mic volume can introduce static or amplify background noise, so turning it off can improve clarity.
Step 4: Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause microphone issues. Updating or reinstalling drivers can fix these problems.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Audio inputs and outputs section.
- Right-click your microphone device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers. If Windows finds an update, it will install it.
- If no updates are found, you can try uninstalling the device by right-clicking and selecting Uninstall device. Then restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.
Why this helps: Proper drivers ensure your microphone hardware works correctly with Windows.
Step 5: Use Third-Party Noise Reduction Software (Optional)
If built-in Windows features are not enough, you can try third-party software to reduce background noise.
- Krisp: A popular noise cancellation app that works with most communication software.
- NVIDIA RTX Voice: For users with NVIDIA graphics cards, this tool uses AI to reduce noise.
- Voicemeeter: A virtual audio mixer that can apply noise gate filters.
Why this helps: These tools offer more advanced noise reduction options and can significantly improve your microphone quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is there background noise even when I’m in a quiet room?
Your microphone might be too sensitive or picking up electrical interference. Adjusting volume settings or enabling noise suppression usually helps.
How can I test if my microphone is working correctly?
Go to Settings > System > Sound > Input and speak into your microphone. The input level bar should move as you talk.
Will updating Windows 11 fix microphone issues?
Sometimes, yes. Windows updates often include driver and bug fixes that improve audio device performance.
Can external microphones reduce background noise better than built-in ones?
Generally, yes. External microphones often have better hardware and noise-canceling features.
Is it okay to disable Microphone Boost?
Yes, disabling Microphone Boost can reduce static and noise, especially if your mic volume is already sufficient.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and still experience background noise, consider the following options:
- Try a different microphone: Your current microphone might be faulty.
- Contact your PC manufacturer’s support: They may have device-specific solutions.
- Visit the official Microsoft support page: https://support.microsoft.com/windows
- Consider professional repair: Hardware problems may require expert assistance.
Conclusion
Background noise in your microphone can often be fixed by adjusting simple settings in Windows 11. Starting with volume control, noise suppression, and disabling microphone boost usually solves most problems. Keeping your audio drivers updated is also essential for smooth microphone performance.
For more advanced noise reduction, third-party tools can provide extra help. Remember to check hardware connections and consider using better microphones if needed.
By following these steps, you can enjoy clearer audio and reduce distractions in your voice communications.