How To Reduce Background Noise On Mic In Windows 11: A Simple Guide

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6 min. read

Published on November 3, 2025

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Background noise can be a real nuisance when you’re trying to record audio or participate in online meetings on Windows 11. Whether it’s the hum of your computer fan, keyboard clicks, or sounds from your surroundings, unwanted noise can make your voice sound unclear and unprofessional. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers several built-in tools and features to help minimize or eliminate background noise from your microphone.

This guide will walk you through the most effective methods for reducing background noise on your microphone in Windows 11. By adjusting your audio settings, utilizing noise suppression features, and implementing a few simple hardware and software tweaks, you can significantly improve the clarity of your audio and ensure you’re heard loud and clear.

How Can I Reduce Microphone Background Noise in Windows 11?

Adjust Microphone Input Volume

The first step to reducing background noise is to ensure your microphone’s input volume is properly adjusted. Setting the volume too high can amplify unwanted sounds.

Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Go to Sound Settings: Click on “System,” then select “Sound.”
Select Your Microphone: Under the “Input” section, choose your microphone from the dropdown menu.
Adjust Input Volume: Look for the “Input volume” slider. Start by reducing the volume to around 50% and test your microphone. Gradually increase the volume until your voice is clear without clipping or distortion.

Enable Noise Suppression Features

Windows 11 includes built-in noise suppression features that can automatically filter out background noise.

Open Sound Settings: Follow steps 1-3 from the previous section to access your microphone settings.
Access Microphone Properties: Click on your microphone under the “Input” section.
Find the “Enhancements” Tab: In the Microphone Properties window, navigate to the “Enhancements” tab.
Enable Noise Suppression: Check the box next to “Noise Suppression” or “Noise Reduction” (the exact wording may vary depending on your audio driver).
Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

Use Noise Gate Software

A noise gate is a software tool that automatically mutes your microphone when it doesn’t detect any sound above a certain threshold. This can be very effective in eliminating background noise during quiet periods.

Download and Install Noise Gate Software: There are several free and paid noise gate applications available, such as Audacity (free) or Krisp (paid).
Configure the Noise Gate: Open the noise gate software and select your microphone as the input device.
Set the Threshold: Adjust the threshold setting until the noise gate mutes your microphone when you’re not speaking, but opens quickly and smoothly when you start talking.
Apply the Noise Gate: Configure your recording or communication software (e.g., Zoom, Discord) to use the noise gate as your microphone input.

Optimize Your Recording Environment

The environment where you record or communicate can significantly impact the amount of background noise picked up by your microphone.

Choose a Quiet Location: Select a room that is as free from noise as possible. Close windows and doors to minimize external sounds.
Reduce Echo: Place soft materials such as blankets, pillows, or acoustic panels around your recording area to absorb sound reflections and reduce echo.
Minimize Vibration: Ensure your microphone is placed on a stable surface to minimize vibrations that can be picked up as noise. Consider using a shock mount.

Update Your Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can sometimes cause issues with noise cancellation and audio quality.

Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Expand “Audio Inputs and Outputs”: Find your microphone in the list and right-click on it.
Update Driver: Select “Update driver” and choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
Restart Your Computer: After the driver update is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Additional Hardware Considerations

Investing in better hardware can also significantly improve your audio quality and reduce background noise.

Use a Dedicated Microphone: Built-in laptop microphones often pick up more noise than dedicated USB microphones.
Consider a Pop Filter: A pop filter can help reduce plosive sounds (e.g., “p” and “b” sounds) that can be mistaken for noise.
Use Headphones: Headphones prevent your microphone from picking up sound from your speakers, reducing echo and feedback.

Comparison of Noise Reduction Methods

Here’s a quick comparison of the methods discussed, to help you choose the best approach for your needs:

Method	Pros	Cons
Input Volume Adjustment	Simple, built-in, no additional software required.	May not eliminate all noise, requires manual tweaking.
Noise Suppression	Built-in, automatic noise reduction.	Can sometimes distort voice, may not be effective in all situations.
Noise Gate Software	Effective at eliminating noise during quiet periods.	Requires additional software, can sound unnatural if not configured properly.
Environment Optimization	Improves overall audio quality, reduces noise at the source.	Requires physical changes to your recording environment.
Driver Updates	Can resolve driver-related audio issues.	May not always find a newer driver.
Hardware Upgrades	Significant improvement in audio quality, reduces noise more effectively.	Can be expensive.

Achieving Clear Audio

By implementing these strategies, you can dramatically reduce background noise on your microphone in Windows 11, ensuring clear and professional-sounding audio for all your recordings and online communications.

FAQ

How do I test my microphone in Windows 11? Go to Settings > System > Sound > Input, select your microphone, and speak into it. The “Input level” indicator should move as you speak.

Why is my microphone picking up so much background noise? Common causes include high input volume, a noisy environment, outdated drivers, or a low-quality microphone.

Can I use noise suppression in Zoom or other meeting apps? Yes, most meeting apps have built-in noise suppression features in their audio settings.

What is a pop filter and how does it help? A pop filter is a screen placed in front of the microphone to reduce plosive sounds (“p” and “b” sounds) that can cause audio distortion.

Is it better to use a USB microphone or the built-in microphone? A USB microphone generally provides better audio quality and reduces background noise compared to a built-in microphone.