To send your microphone straight to your speakers in Windows 11, open the classic Sound settings (Settings > System > Sound > More sound settings), go to Recording, open your microphone’s Properties, and on the Listen tab tick Listen to this device. Choose the speakers or headphones under Playback through this device and click OK. Use headphones if you can: a microphone next to speakers can cause loud feedback, and there’s a small delay.
Quick Answer
More sound settings > Recording > microphone Properties > Listen > tick Listen to this device > choose playback device > OK.
Steps to Hear Your Microphone
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Scroll down and click More sound settings.
- On the Recording tab, double-click your microphone.
- Open Listen and tick Listen to this device.
- Choose the output under Playback through this device, then click Apply.
Tips for Clean Sound
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Howling feedback | Use headphones, or lower speaker volume and move the mic away |
| Noticeable delay | Normal with this method; audio interfaces with direct monitoring avoid it |
| Too quiet | Levels tab: raise the microphone level |
| Background hiss | Lower mic boost, or turn on noise suppression if your device offers it |
Troubleshooting
- Microphone not listed: Right-click in the Recording tab and tick Show Disabled Devices.
- Wrong mic in use: See setting the default microphone.
- Volume keeps changing: See stopping the microphone auto-adjusting.
- Output problems: See changing audio output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this record my voice?
No. It only plays the microphone through your speakers. Use a recording app to save audio.
How do I turn it off?
Untick Listen to this device and click Apply.
Can I use it as a karaoke setup?
It works for casual use, but the delay makes it tricky for singing. Direct monitoring hardware is better.
Summary
- Open More sound settings.
- Open the mic’s Properties > Listen.
- Tick Listen to this device and pick the output.
- Use headphones to avoid feedback.
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.