To hear yourself through your microphone on Windows 10, open the classic Sound control panel, go to the Recording tab, open your microphone’s Properties, and on the Listen tab check Listen to this device. Choose your headphones under Playback through this device and click Apply. Use headphones, not speakers, or you’ll get loud feedback.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. The same steps work on Windows 11.
Quick Answer
Windows + R > mmsys.cpl > Recording > mic > Properties > Listen > check Listen to this device > Apply.
Turn On Listen to This Device
- Put on headphones.
- Press Windows + R, type mmsys.cpl, and press Enter. (Or Settings > System > Sound > Sound Control Panel.)
- Click the Recording tab, select your microphone, and click Properties.
- Open the Listen tab and check Listen to this device.
- Pick your headphones under Playback through this device and click Apply.
Uncheck the box when you’re done.
Why You Might Want It
| Use | Tip |
|---|---|
| Testing a new mic | Compare levels on the Levels tab |
| Hearing your voice on calls or streams | Many headsets and apps offer “sidetone” with less delay |
| Checking background noise | Adjust noise suppression in your call app |
For output devices, see how to set up speakers.
Use Your Headset’s Sidetone Instead
Many gaming and office headsets have a built-in feature called sidetone (sometimes “mic monitoring”) that feeds your voice back into the earcups with almost no delay. It’s handled by the headset’s own software, such as the companion app from Logitech, SteelSeries, Corsair, Jabra or Poly, rather than by Windows. Sidetone usually sounds more natural than Windows’ Listen feature because there’s no noticeable lag, so check your headset’s app before turning on Listen to this device.
Check Your Mic Without Hearing Yourself
- Input level meter: open Settings, System, Sound and speak; the Test your microphone bar should move with your voice.
- Record a test: open the Voice Recorder (Sound Recorder) app, record a few seconds, and play it back to hear exactly how others will hear you.
- Use the app’s test: Teams, Zoom and Discord all have a mic test in their audio settings that plays your voice back after you speak.
Keep It From Interfering With Calls
Listen to this device only plays your voice back locally; other people on a call don’t hear it twice. But if you use speakers instead of headphones, the call app may pick up your own playback and cause echo, so turn the feature off before meetings. If you need to hear yourself on a different device, such as through a TV or speakers, see playing your microphone through speakers.
Troubleshooting
- Echo or delay: Some delay is normal with this method. Use your headset’s sidetone feature if available.
- Loud squeal: Speakers are feeding back into the mic. Use headphones.
- No sound: Check mic privacy settings (Settings > Privacy > Microphone) and that the mic isn’t muted on the Levels tab.
Related: Play your microphone through your speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will others hear the playback?
No. It only plays on your chosen output device.
Does it affect recordings?
No. It doesn’t change what the mic records.
Summary
- Open mmsys.cpl > Recording.
- Mic Properties > Listen.
- Check Listen to this device and pick headphones.
- Uncheck it when done.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.