How to check the microphone on the computer

Most desktop and laptop computers are equipped with built-in microphones for recording and transmitting sound. If the PC does not have such equipment or its quality is not good enough, connect an external recording device. When using a new device or software, check the microphone and configure it.

First, let's see if there is a built-in microphone on your computer. To do this, open the "Control Panel" in Windows, go to the "Equipment and Sound" section, select "Sound".

In the "Sound" window that appears, select the "Record" tab. It lists all the devices available now, as well as those that were previously installed with their own drivers. Built-in microphone works default. If it is marked with a green check mark, then you can use it. To find out the details of the device, click the "Properties" button. If there is no information about the default microphone, it means that on your computer it is missing or the operating system does not see it due to the lack of necessary drivers.

Check the built-in microphone will help you listen to the Listen in the "Properties" section. Mark the "Listen to this device" item and click OK. After that, start saying if the computer reproduces your voice - everything is in order with the microphone. Then, in the same place, remove the check mark.

Make sure the microphone is running, you can use the Windows Record or Sound Recorder function. To find this program, go through the "Start" menu in "Programs" → "Standard". Turn on the entry, tell me several phrases, save the file at a convenient place for you, and then listen to it. If the sound recorded - the microphone works.

To check the external microphone, connect it to the computer through the corresponding connector. Headsets with headphones and budget karaoke microphones are connected via a jack or mini-jack with an adapter. Professional recording devices are connected by a special plug to an external sound card or directly via USB. If the microphone is connected correctly, your computer will show a confirmation notification.

All of the above methods are suitable for checking the external microphone. At the same time, in the "Record" tab, select the model of your device, and not embedded. To check, you can also use the program for professional sound recording. For example, cross-platform and free Audacity.. Make sure the record goes exactly through the external device. If the microphone is connected to a computer, but there is no sound, check the inclusion button on the microphone itself.

If you are planning to use a microphone for conversations through Skype, it is logical to check it in this program. To do this, log in, click on the top panel "Tools", select "Settings" → "Sound Setup", device model and say a few phrases. If the microphone works, located just below the indicator is highlighted green.

To check your external or built-in microphone, you can always use the instruments of the operating system, as well as third-party programs. If you are not sure that the device works, make a test sound record.