These days, Windows 10 users often have to juggle multiple microphones: there could be one built into a PC, one on a webcam, on a headset, and maybe a podcasting microphone. With so many to choose from, here’s how to tell Windows which microphone to use by default.
You can also set a default microphone in some apps
Before we start, it’s worth noting that some apps (like Zoom for example) allow you to select your microphone device in the app and that choice will work independently of the Windows system sound settings.
You can also assign which microphone to use per app using a hidden menu in Settings. But if you want to set your default microphone system wide, just follow the steps below. Any app that uses the default Windows microphone (that’s the default option for most apps) will use it.
RELATED: Set sound output per app in Windows 10
How to choose your default microphone using settings
You can easily select your default microphone in Settings. First, open “Settings” by clicking the “Start” menu and selecting the gear icon on the left. You can also press Windows + i to quickly open it.
You can also right-click on the speaker icon in the notification area on the right side of your taskbar and select ‘Open sound settings’. Windows opens the “Sound settings” screen.
In the “Settings” window, click “System”.
On the “System” screen, click “Sound” in the sidebar menu.
Scroll down to the “Input” section on the “Sound” screen. From the ‘Choose your input device’ drop-down menu, select the microphone you want to use as your default device.
After you select a device from the drop-down menu, Windows will use that device as your default microphone. Then close “Settings” and you are good to go.
How to choose your default microphone using the control panel
You can also set your default microphone with the classic control panel. You can access it from the speaker icon in your system tray, which is located on the other side of your taskbar, opposite the Start menu.
Right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray and select “Sounds” from the menu that appears.
In the “Sound” window that appears, click the “Record” tab.
Then you will see a list of recording devices recognized by your system, including microphones. Select the microphone you want to use as default from the list and click the “Set as default” button.
After that, the selected microphone will have a green check mark in the list to indicate that it is set as your default recording device. The listing also includes the words “Default Device.”
Click “OK” and the “Sound” window will close. If you ever need to change your default microphone again, select ‘Sounds’ from the speaker icon in the system tray.
Good luck with your new podcast!