Devices Mute and Unmute Microphone in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you different ways on how to mute or unmute the microphone in Windows 11.

A microphone is considered a sound input device in Windows 11.

You can mute (off) or unmute (on) your microphone as needed without changing the microphone's volume level or having to enable or disable the microphone device.

Some apps (ex: Snipping Tool) may have their own microphone mute (off) or unmute (on) setting or button to use.

Starting with Windows 11 build 26100.8728 (RP 24H2) and build 26200.8728 (RP 25H2) for Insiders, Windows now keeps the microphone mute state in sync between the audio mixer and the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for a more consistent experience with Bluetooth headphones with mute buttons or indicators.

The actual key you press on the keyboard may vary per manufacturer. Not all keyboards will have a microphone key or switch available.

You may need to have a supported app in use for mic mute.

1 Press the Microphone key on the keyboard to toggle mute or unmute. (see screenshots below)

You may need to have a supported app in use for mic mute.

1 Press the + Alt + K keys on the keyboard to toggle mute or unmute.





1 Open the Game Bar (+G).

2 Click/tap on the Settings (gear) icon on the Home Bar. (see screenshots below)

3 Click/tap on Mic off or Mic on in Settings to toggle mute or unmute.







1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Sound on the right side. (see screenshot below)



3 Under Input, click/tap on the Mute microphone or Unmute microphone button for Volume. (see screenshots below)






1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Sound on the right side. (see screenshot below)



3 Under Advanced, click/tap on All sound devices. (see screenshot below)


4 Under Input devices, click/tap on the microphone you want to mute or unmute. (see screenshot below)


5 Under Input settings, click/tap on the Mute microphone or Unmute microphone button for Input volume. (see screenshots below)






1 Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Sound icon (control mmsys.cpl,,1).

2 In the Recording tab, double click/tap on the input device (microphone) you want to mute or unmute. (see screenshot below)


3 Click/tap on the Levels tab, click/tap on the volume icon to toggle mute on or off, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshots below)


4 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)



That's it,
Shawn Brink