Have you ever wanted to hear your own voice through your headset while speaking? That’s exactly what mic monitoring does. It lets you listen to yourself in real time, so you know if your microphone is too loud, too quiet, or picking up background noise.
Mic monitoring is super useful for gaming, video calls, podcasting, or streaming—basically anytime you use a microphone. Windows 11 makes it easy to enable this feature, but it can be a little tricky if you don’t know where to look.
In this guide, I’ll walk you step by step on how to turn on mic monitoring in Windows 11, why you should use it, and what to do if it’s not working.
What Is Mic Monitoring?
Mic monitoring is a feature that allows you to hear your own voice through your headphones or speakers while using a microphone.
Think of it like a live audio preview—you get instant feedback on how you sound.
Why Use Mic Monitoring?
Mic monitoring isn’t just about hearing your voice—it solves a bunch of problems:
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Prevents you from shouting into the mic.
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Helps adjust volume levels in real time.
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Detects background noise or echo immediately.
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Makes gaming or streaming smoother.
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Reduces awkward “Can you hear me?” moments in calls.
Things You Need Before Enabling Mic Monitoring
Before diving into the steps, check these requirements:
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A microphone (built-in or external).
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A headset or headphones (recommended—otherwise, you’ll get echo through speakers).
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Windows 11 PC or laptop with audio drivers installed.
Step 1: Open Sound Settings
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to System → Sound.
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Under Input, make sure your microphone is connected and selected.
Step 2: Access Microphone Properties
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Scroll down and click More sound settings under Advanced.
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A new window called Sound will appear.
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Go to the Recording tab.
Step 3: Enable “Listen to This Device”
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Select your microphone from the list and click Properties.
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Go to the Listen tab.
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Check the box Listen to this device.
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Under Playback through this device, select your headphones.
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Click Apply → OK.
Now, you’ll hear your voice through your headphones in real time. 🎧
Step 4: Adjust Mic Monitoring Volume
If your voice sounds too loud or too soft:
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Stay in the microphone Properties window.
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Go to the Levels tab.
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Adjust the Microphone volume slider.
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Click Apply → OK.
Step 5: Test Your Mic Monitoring
Now that mic monitoring is on, test it:
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Speak into your mic while wearing headphones.
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You should hear your own voice.
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Adjust volume if it feels uncomfortable.
Alternative Method: Enable Mic Monitoring via Control Panel
Some users prefer the classic Control Panel route:
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Press Windows + R, type
control, and hit Enter. -
Go to Hardware and Sound → Sound.
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Follow the same steps: Recording → Properties → Listen tab.
How to Turn Off Mic Monitoring
If mic monitoring gets annoying:
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Go back to the Listen tab in Microphone Properties.
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Uncheck Listen to this device.
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Hit Apply → OK.
Troubleshooting: Mic Monitoring Not Working?
Sometimes mic monitoring doesn’t work right away. Here’s how to fix it:
1. Check Audio Drivers
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Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right-click your audio device → Update driver.
2. Select the Right Playback Device
Make sure your headset is chosen under Playback through this device.
3. Use Headphones, Not Speakers
Speakers cause feedback loops—always use headphones.
4. Enable Microphone Access
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Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.
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Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone.
Mic Monitoring with Gaming Headsets
Many gaming headsets (Razer, HyperX, SteelSeries, Logitech, Corsair, etc.) have built-in mic monitoring. If Windows settings don’t work, check the brand’s companion software:
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Razer Synapse
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Corsair iCUE
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Logitech G Hub
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SteelSeries GG
These apps often have dedicated sidetone (mic monitoring) options.
Mic Monitoring vs. Sidetone: What’s the Difference?
You’ll often see the word sidetone used instead of mic monitoring. They’re basically the same—sidetone is just the headset manufacturer’s version of it.
Best Practices for Using Mic Monitoring
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Always use closed-back headphones to avoid echo.
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Keep the volume at a comfortable level.
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Test your mic before online meetings or streams.
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Combine mic monitoring with noise suppression for best results.
When Should You Avoid Mic Monitoring?
Even though it’s useful, there are times when you might want to keep it off:
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If you find it distracting while gaming.
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When using speakers instead of headphones.
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If you’re already monitoring through streaming software like OBS.
Conclusion
Turning on mic monitoring in Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or just want to check your mic levels, this feature can make your audio experience much smoother.
All it takes is a few clicks in the Sound settings to enable “Listen to this device” and adjust your playback device. If it doesn’t work, updating drivers or using your headset’s companion app usually fixes the issue.
So next time someone says, “Your mic is too loud!”, you’ll already know—because you can hear yourself! 🎤🎧
FAQs
Q1: Does Windows 11 have built-in mic monitoring?
Yes, Windows 11 has mic monitoring under the Listen to this device setting.
Q2: Why can’t I hear myself after turning it on?
Make sure you selected headphones under Playback through this device.
Q3: Can I use mic monitoring with Bluetooth headphones?
Yes, but there may be a slight delay (latency). Wired headphones work best.
Q4: What’s the difference between mic monitoring and echo?
Mic monitoring is intentional feedback, while echo happens accidentally due to speakers.
Q5: Do all headsets support mic monitoring?
Most wired headsets do, but for wireless ones, it depends on the brand and software.