Windows 7: Fix microphone noise - how it works

If you connect a microphone in Windows 7, you will often hear annoying noise when recording sound. But you can fix that quickly, because the problem is usually not with the microphone.

Change microphone properties and fix annoying noise

First, make sure that your microphone is properly connected and that the noise is not coming from the cable itself. Then you can improve the audio quality like this:

1. Right-click on the sound icon in the task bar on the right.
2. In the opened menu, select the "Recording devices".
3. Right-click on the microphone in question in the device list and select "Properties".
4. Under the "Level" tab, lower the control to approx. "+2.0 dB".

Another cause: microphone amplification

The micron gain setting can also be to blame for the noise.

1. Follow the first three steps of the first section.
2. In many cases you will also find the section "Microphone amplification" under the "Level" tab.
3. Also lower this control to reduce the noise.

Tip: microphone too quiet? How to fix the problem

The noise in your sound recordings should now be gone. Also read how to remove noise from your old recordings. Alternatively, you can also use a good DSLR microphone.