Microphone Too Quiet in Windows 11? Raise the Level and Turn On Microphone Boost
Your microphone works, but you’re far too quiet — people on calls keep asking you to speak up.
Why: Windows sets the input level conservatively, and many mics need a software gain bump. The fix is to raise the Input volume and, if your hardware offers it, switch on Microphone Boost.
Fix 1: Raise the input volume and test
- Go to Start → Settings → System → Sound.
- Under Input, click your microphone to open its properties.
- Under Input settings, click Start test, speak normally, then Stop test and Play to hear the sample.
- Drag the Input volume slider up and test again until the playback is clearly audible.
Fix 2: Turn on Microphone Boost
If the input slider is already near the top and you’re still quiet, add hardware gain:
- In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel and open it.
- Go to Hardware and Sound → Sound, then the Recording tab.
- Double-click your microphone, open the Levels tab.
- Set Microphone to around 50 and raise Microphone Boost (try +10.0 dB to +24.0 dB), then click OK.
A good starting point is Microphone at 50 with Boost around +24.0 dB. Some mics don’t have a Boost slider — in that case just use the Microphone slider. Too much boost adds hiss, so back it off if the audio gets noisy.
Fix 3: Check you picked the right mic and aren’t muted
Headsets often expose two inputs. Back in Settings → System → Sound → Input, confirm the device you’re actually speaking into is selected and that the Test your microphone bar moves left to right when you talk. If the line doesn’t move at all, Windows isn’t hearing that device — pick the other input or check the mic’s physical mute switch.
FAQ
No Microphone Boost slider appears. Not every mic or driver exposes one — use the Microphone slider on the Levels tab instead, and consider moving closer to the mic.
It’s loud but distorted/clipping now. You’ve pushed Boost too high. Lower it a few dB until speech is clear without crackle.
Sources: Microsoft Support — Fix microphone problems · Microsoft Support — How to set up and test microphones in Windows