Steps to Eliminate Static Noise from Your Microphone on Windows 11

Step 1: Run the Audio Troubleshooter

To initiate the audio troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key, then select Settings.
2. Go to System, and click on Troubleshoot.
3. Access Other troubleshooters.
4. Click the Run button beside Playing Audio.

Step 2: Disable Audio Enhancements

Disabling any audio enhancements may help reduce static noise. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu. Type Change system sounds and select it from the suggestions.
2. In the Sound window, navigate to the Playback tab.
3. Right-click your active audio device and select Properties.
4. In the Enhancements tab, check the box for Disable all enhancements and click OK.

Step 3: Reinstall Audio Drivers

If static noise persists, reinstalling the audio drivers may help:

1. Press the Windows key, type Device Manager, and open it.
2. Expand the section for Sound, video, and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device and select Uninstall device.
4. Confirm the action, then restart your PC to automatically reinstall the drivers.

Step 4: Update Audio Drivers

Keep your audio drivers up to date by following these steps:

1. Open Device Manager via the Windows key and the search bar.
2. Expand Sound, video, and game controllers, then right-click your audio device and choose Update driver.
3. Select Search automatically for drivers and proceed with any updates.
4. Once updated, restart your PC.

Step 5: Roll Back Previous Audio Driver

If issues began following an update, rolling back may restore performance:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Audio inputs and outputs.
3. Right-click your audio driver and select Properties.
4. Click Roll Back Driver and follow the prompts.

Step 6: Uninstall Recent Windows Update

In some cases, a recent update may cause audio issues:

1. Open Settings using the Windows key.
2. Navigate to Windows Update and click on Update history.
3. Scroll down and select Uninstall updates under Related settings.
4. Choose the latest update and click Uninstall.
5. Restart your computer and check the microphone.

Step 7: Disallow App Controls

Restricting apps from taking exclusive control of your microphone may resolve static noise:

1. Search for Control Panel and open it.
2. Click on Hardware and Sound and select Sound.
3. In the Playback tab, right-click your audio output device and choose Set as Default Communication Device.
4. Access Properties from the bottom, navigate to the Advanced tab, and uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.

Step 8: Perform a System Restore

Restoring your system to a previous state might mitigate microphone issues:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Set View by to Large icons and click on Recovery.
3. Choose Open System Restore.
4. Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
5. Pick a restore point and finalize the process by clicking Finish.

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