Windows 10 Microphone Level Keeps Changing (FIXED)

It’s not surprising that adding a new device to your Windows machine isn’t always smooth sailing. Even if it does, software issues or driver compatibility may introduce an unexpected problem in the future.

One that I just recently discovered is the microphone problem.

So far, the setup was easy and the device is working as it is supposed to. However, I noticed the microphone gain (sensitivity) isn’t consistent. Looking at the Recording settings, it’s clear that the level keeps changing without my intervention.

How this is happening is not terribly important. What you should be focusing more on is how to solve the problem.

Here, I have several solutions ranked from their respective probability of success (though individual cases may vary).

Solution 1: Stop apps from self-adjusting microphone level

This is the one that actually solved mine. Some apps may have access to adjust the gain level according to your environment. Thankfully, we can disable this setting on Windows 10. Here’s how.

1. Launch the Start menu and go to Settings. Alternatively, you may use the shortcut Windows+I.

2. Navigate to the System menu.

3. Head to Sound, and under the Input section, click Device properties.

4. Under Related Settings, click Additional device properties.

5. Go to the Levels tab menu. Then, you may adjust the microphone gain to the level you desired.

6. After that, move on to the Advanced menu.

7. Remove the marks from the Exclusive Mode. Then, hit OK.

To confirm the result, you can try restarting the device, then run some apps that use the microphone, and check if the gain level remains unchanged. Suffice to say, the solution should work in most cases.

But if it isn’t, then see the other solutions below.

Solution 2: Update your microphone driver

Sometimes, the finicky of a new device can be associated with the old driver that it comes with. Fortunately, the software problem can be resolved by updating its driver. Here’s how.

1. Search for “Device manager” on the Start menu, then open the program.
2. Expand the Audio inputs and outputs menu.
3. Right-click on the microphone device and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. Follow the process on the screen. Windows would download and install the new driver if it is available.

If Windows didn’t find any new driver, I encourage you to look for the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website or try updating it via a driver-updater program like Driver Booster.

Solution 3: Run the Troubleshooter

Granted it’s not always giving a fruitful result, but it has solved a number of my computer problems, so you might as well give it a try. Be sure you are connected to the internet.

1. Go to Start and navigate to Settings (or press Windows+I).
2. Head to System.
3. Navigate to the Sound menu on the left.
4. On the Input section, click Troubleshoot.
5. Select your microphone device and hit Next.
6. Follow the instructions and solutions from the screen.

Remember to restart your computer after applying a new setting. You might also want to try a different microphone input port if there is any.

I hope one of these solutions solves the problem or at the very least narrows down the issue. Let me know in the comment below!