How to Check if Your Microphone is Working on a Laptop or PC?

Introduction

Not sure if you can be heard in Zoom, Discord, or during recording? Before blaming your device, you should check if your microphone is working. This can be done in several ways — using Windows built-in tools or through online tests, such as DoCam.io.

Quick Solution

  1. Test your microphone online.
    Go to DoCam.io → "Test Microphone" section → allow access and say a few words. If the level indicator moves — everything is working.
  2. Check sound settings in Windows.
    Win + I → System → Sound → Input → say something and watch if the volume indicator moves.
  3. Check settings in the required application.
    Zoom, Discord, and Skype often select a different microphone source by default.

Detailed Guide

1. Testing via DoCam.io Website

This is the quickest and safest method:

  1. Open https://docam.io.
  2. Click Test Microphone.
  3. Allow the site to access your microphone.
  4. If you see the indicator moving — your microphone is working correctly.

If the site doesn't request access — perhaps the browser has already denied microphone use. Check settings (🔒 → Allow microphone).

2. Testing in Windows 10/11

  1. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound.
  2. Scroll down to the Input section.
  3. Select a device (for example, "Microphone — Realtek Audio" or "USB Mic").
  4. Say something — if the level bar moves, sound is passing through.

3. Testing via Device Manager

If the device doesn't appear:

  1. Press Win + X → select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Audio inputs and audio outputs section.
  3. Make sure the microphone is in the list and not marked with ⚠️.

4. Testing in Applications

Zoom: Settings → Audio → Test Microphone → say something.
Discord: Settings → Voice & Video → Test Microphone.
Telegram Desktop: Settings → Devices → Microphone.

5. Recording Test

Open the Voice Recorder app → make a short recording → play it back. If there's sound — the microphone works, if not — check input settings or drivers.

Tips

  • Use only one active input device (disable virtual microphones).
  • If the microphone is too quiet — open Control Panel → Sound → Recording → Properties → Levels and increase the volume.
  • External USB microphones don't require a separate driver — just plug in and select the device.
  • Test your microphone before important calls on DoCam.io.

Conclusion

Done! Now you know how to quickly check your microphone on a laptop or PC. If there's a signal in Windows or on DoCam.io, the problem is not with the device but with the application settings.

Before a meeting, make sure your microphone is working — test it on DoCam.io.