How to Increase Microphone Volume in Windows and macOS

Make yourself louder with your internal or external mic

Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: February 27, 2026 Fact Checked

Using Windows

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Using Mac

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Using Third-Party Apps

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Using an External Mic

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Video

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Expert Q&A

This wikiHow teaches you how to increase your microphone's input volume to a higher level in your computer's settings, using Windows or Mac. We’ll also explain how to get the most out of your mic using third-party software, and how to adjust the volume on an external mic.

How to Increase Computer Mic Volume

In Windows, go to Start > Settings > System > Sound and select your mic, then adjust the Input volume slider.
On a Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound > Input, select your mic, and adjust the Input volume slider.
Check for mic volume controls in the settings of individual apps. You can also download third-party mic boosting software.
If you have an external mic, position it close enough to pick up your voice clearly. Adjust input volume and gain with the dials on the mic.

Section 1 of 4:

Using Windows

1
Open your PC’s Sound settings. Click the Start menu and select Settings > System > Sound.^{[1]
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2
Select your microphone in the Input section. This will display the properties for your chosen mic. If you’re using Windows 10, select your mic, then click Device Properties.^{[2]
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3
Adjust the Input volume slider. To test the mic and make sure it’s loud enough, click Start test and speak into the microphone. Click Stop test when you’re done, then click Play to listen to the recording. Keep adjusting the volume as needed.^{[3]
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- In Windows 10, click the Levels tab in Microphone Properties and adjust the Microphone and Microphone Boost sliders until you get the sound you want. Click OK when you’re done.

Section 2 of 4:

Using Mac

1
Open System Settings. Click the
Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen and select System Settings.
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Click Sound. It’s in the left-hand menu bar.
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Click the Input button. This is about halfway down the Sound menu, under the Output & Input section header.^{[4]
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Select your microphone on the Input menu. You'll see a list of all the audio input devices connected to your computer here. Find the microphone you're using, and click on its name. For example, to adjust the built-in mic on your Mac, select the option that’s called “[Computer Name] Microphone” and listed as “Built-in” under the Type header.
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Slide the Input volume slider to the right. This will boost the selected microphone's audio input to a higher level of volume.
- You can now speak to your microphone and check the Input level indicator here in order to see if your microphone's input is boosted.

Section 3 of 4:

Using Third-Party Apps

1
Check individual apps for mic volume controls. Many apps that use mics, such as Discord and Zoom, have their own audio input controls separate from your computer’s system controls. If you’re having trouble with the audio in a specific app, check the app’s local settings.
- For example, in Discord, click the gear icon at the bottom left corner of the app to open User Settings, then select Voice & Video from the sidebar. Make sure the Microphone Volume slider is turned all the way up and that you have the right mic selected from the dropdown menu.^{[5]
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- In Zoom, click your profile picture and select Settings > Audio. Adjust your mic volume with the Input volume slider under the Microphone header.^{[6]
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- Every app has its own layout, but you can typically find input volume controls in the app’s Settings or Preferences under Sound, Voice, or Audio.
2
Download a third-party mic boosting app. If your computer’s built-in mic settings aren’t cutting it, you can download a third-party app to make your microphone sound better. Many of these apps are free or offer a free trial. Here are a few popular options:
- Windows: Equalizer APO (free), VoiceMeeter (free with optional paid features)
- Mac: eqMac (basic version is free, but offers more features for a low monthly subscription fee), Audio Hijack (free trial, $69 one-time license fee to buy the full program)

Section 4 of 4:

Using an External Mic

1
Position your mic correctly. If you have an external mic, place it so it picks up your voice clearly and without distortion. Keep the mic about 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) from your face and angle it away slightly so you don’t “pop” on plosives (like P and B sounds). You can also improve sound quality by investing in a pop filter.
- Consider your environment, too. If possible, set up your computer and mic in a quiet room away from fans or other sources of background noise.
2
Adjust the input volume with your mic’s physical controls. Many external mics have their own volume and sound quality controls. Adjust the mic’s volume and gain control dials until you get the sound balance that works best for you.
3
Use specialized software for your mic if applicable. Some mics come with their own software, which might allow you to fine-tune your audio input in ways that you can’t with your computer’s audio settings. Check the manual that came with your mic for more information about whether special software is available and how to use it.

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What else can I do to boost the microphone volume on my PC?

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Efficient IT Services is an IT support service provider based in Anderson, South Carolina. They provide managed IT services and support for businesses in Anderson, Clemson, Greenville, and Upstate South Carolina. Their services include providing managed IT services, cybersecurity solutions, network systems support, and computer support services. The team is highly experienced and stays current on the latest training and relevant industry standard certifications (DELL, CCNA & CCNA Security) to provide the highest quality of service to customers. Efficient IT Services takes pride in its work and provides IT services to help its community and drive the local economy forward.

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Expert Answer

One simple thing you can do is check all your cords and plugs to make sure everything is fully connected. A loose cable can make your mic sound really quiet. You can also move the mic a little closer to your mouth or clean the mic grille to see if there's a dust buildup that's blocking the sound.

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