Test the microphone - how it works

In this practical tip, we will explain how to test your microphone. We'll also help you set up your microphone correctly.

Instructions: Test the microphone in Windows

If you would like to make calls with friends via Skype or record your voice on a PC, you need a microphone. Laptops usually already have an integrated microphone, but computers need an external microphone. Windows already has the appropriate recording tools on board.

• Open the start menu and look for the "voice recorder". In older versions of Windows the tool is called "audio recorder".
• If you start the recording, you will immediately receive visual feedback as to whether the microphone is working. Then listen to the recording to see if everything works to your satisfaction.
• If the microphone remains silent, it may not be connected to the PC at all. Also check whether the microphone can be switched on and off using a switch.
• If the recording is still not working or the quality is not particularly good, you should set up the microphone for Windows. You can read how this works in the next paragraph.

Windows 10: Set up the microphone correctly

1. Open the "Control Panel" and click on "Hardware and Sound".
2. Select the "Sound" category and switch to the "Recording" tab above.
3. Check here whether your microphone is selected as the standard. If this is not the case, select it and click on "Set as default".
4. Then click on the "Properties" of the microphone and check whether there is a plus value under "Level". As a rule, an increase in the level is not necessary.
5. Then click on "Configure" in the "Recording" tab and there on "Start speech recognition".
6. Determine the type of your microphone and click on "Next".
7. In the following window, speak the text displayed and then click "Next". Your microphone is now set up correctly.

In the next practical tip, we will provide you with further tips that you can follow if your microphone stops working.

Video tip: Mac: Activate internal microphone