How to Boost Microphone Volume on PC or Mac

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Tested

• Using Windows
|
• Using Mac
|
• Expert Q&A

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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.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows

1. 
   1
   Find and right-click the speaker icon on your taskbar. This button is located next to the date and time information in the lower-right corner of your desktop. A menu will pop up.
2. 
   2
   Click Recording devices on the menu. This will open a new window, and show a list of all the audio input hardware connected to your computer.
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3. 
   3
   Select your microphone on the Recording list. Find the microphone you're using on the list here, and click on it.
4. 
   4
   Click the Properties button. This button is in the lower-right corner of the Sound window. It will open your microphone's settings in a new window.
5. 
   5
   Click the Levels tab. This button is between Listen and Advanced at the top of the window.
6. 
   6
   Drag the Microphone Boost slider to the right. This will boost your microphone's input volume to a higher decibel level.

   • You can see the amount of boost you're adding in decibels (dB) to the right of the slider here.
7. 
   7
   Click the OK button. This will save your new microphone settings, and close the microphone window.
8. 
   8
   Click the OK button in the Sound window. This will save your new audio settings, and close the Sound window.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Mac

1. 
   1
   Click the Apple icon on your menu bar. This button looks like a black Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your screen. It will open a drop-down menu.
2. 
   2
   Click System Preferences on the menu. This will open your System Preferences in a new window.
3. 
   3
   Click Sound in System Preferences. This option looks like a speaker icon on the System Preferences menu. It will open your computer's audio settings.
4. 
   4
   Click the Input tab. This button is located next to Sound Effects and Output at the top of the Sound window.
5. 
   5
   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.
6. 
   6
   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.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

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

  

  Efficient IT Services
  IT Support Expert

  Efficient IT Services is an IT support service provider based in Anderson, South Carolina. They provide proactive, reliable residential IT services and local IT support for businesses in Anderson, 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.

  

  Efficient IT Services

  IT Support Expert

  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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