Ever hopped on a Zoom call or recorded audio only to realize your microphone is picking up every little background noise—like your keyboard clicks, fan humming, or even your neighbor’s dog? Annoying, right?

The good news is that Windows 11 comes with built-in tools and settings that can help you cut down on background noise. Plus, you can use third-party apps for an even cleaner sound. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to reduce background noise on mic in Windows 11, step by step.

Table of Contents

Why Does Background Noise Happen on Microphones?

Before fixing the problem, let’s quickly understand the cause. Background noise usually comes from:

Environmental sounds (traffic, fans, people talking).
Hardware issues (low-quality mics pick up more noise).
Mic sensitivity settings (too high sensitivity means capturing unwanted sounds).
No noise suppression enabled in Windows.

Think of your mic like a sponge—it soaks up not just your voice but everything else around you unless you filter it.

Method 1: Enable Noise Suppression in Windows 11

Windows 11 has a built-in noise suppression feature that can automatically reduce background noise during calls.

Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Sound.
Under Input, choose your microphone.
Scroll down and look for Audio Enhancements.
Toggle Noise Suppression (sometimes called Background Noise Reduction).

Now Windows will automatically filter out unwanted noise in real time.

Method 2: Adjust Microphone Settings Manually

Fine-tuning mic properties can also help.

Right-click the Speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sound settings.
Under Input, click on your mic.
Scroll down and select Advanced settings.
Adjust Input volume so your voice is clear but not overly sensitive.
Disable Listen to this device (to avoid feedback).

This ensures your mic is optimized for your voice only.

Method 3: Use Control Panel Enhancements

For more detailed noise control:

Open Control Panel (search in Start menu).
Go to Hardware and Sound > Sound.
Under the Recording tab, right-click your mic and select Properties.
In the Levels tab, reduce microphone boost if it’s too high.
In the Enhancements tab, check Noise Suppression or Echo Cancellation (if available).

This can drastically reduce static and background sounds.

Method 4: Reduce Noise in Communication Apps

Most video call and streaming apps have built-in noise suppression. Here’s how to enable them:

Zoom

Go to Settings > Audio.
Enable Suppress background noise and set it to Auto or High.

Microsoft Teams

Go to Settings > Devices.
Under Noise suppression, choose High.

Discord

Go to Settings > Voice & Video.
Turn on Noise Suppression (Krisp).

These app-level settings are perfect for meetings or online gaming.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Noise Reduction Software

If Windows settings aren’t enough, consider third-party tools:

Krisp – AI-powered noise cancellation, great for meetings.
NVIDIA RTX Voice – Excellent if you have an RTX graphics card.
Voicemeeter Banana – Advanced audio mixer for streamers.
Audacity (for recordings) – Lets you apply noise reduction filters after recording.

These tools give you pro-level noise control, especially if you’re recording podcasts, streaming, or gaming.

Method 6: Physical Fixes for Better Audio

Sometimes the best solutions are outside the software.

Use a better mic – External USB mics are far superior to built-in laptop mics.
Get a pop filter – Cuts down on harsh breathing or “popping” sounds.
Use noise-canceling headphones – Prevents mic from picking up system audio.
Choose a quiet environment – Close windows, turn off fans, or add soft furnishings to absorb echo.

It’s like soundproofing your digital space.

Method 7: Update Audio Drivers

Old or corrupted drivers can cause static and background noise.

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Audio inputs and outputs.
Right-click your microphone and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

This ensures your mic is running at its best.

Method 8: Disable Other Recording Devices

Multiple active microphones can create interference.

Open Control Panel > Sound > Recording tab.
Right-click and Disable any unused mics.
Keep only your primary mic enabled.

This makes sure Windows isn’t confused about which mic to prioritize.

Quick Tips to Reduce Background Noise

Keep your mic close to your mouth.
Lower mic sensitivity in settings.
Speak clearly and consistently.
Avoid typing directly near the mic.

Small changes can make a huge difference.

Conclusion

Reducing background noise on your mic in Windows 11 isn’t complicated—you just need the right mix of Windows settings, app-level noise suppression, and sometimes third-party tools. Whether you’re on a Zoom call, gaming on Discord, or recording a podcast, these methods will make your audio sound cleaner and more professional.

Remember, the goal is to make your voice the star and cut out everything else. With a few tweaks, you can say goodbye to distracting background sounds for good.

FAQs

1. Does Windows 11 have built-in noise cancellation?
Yes! Windows 11 has a Noise Suppression feature under Sound settings for supported devices.

2. Why does my mic pick up background noise even after enabling suppression?
It could be due to mic sensitivity being too high or poor mic quality. Lower the input volume or upgrade your microphone.

3. What’s the best free tool to remove mic noise?
Krisp (free plan) and Audacity (for recordings) are excellent free options.

4. Can I completely eliminate background noise?
Not always, but you can drastically reduce it using a combination of software and physical fixes.

5. Do gaming headsets have noise suppression?
Many modern headsets come with built-in noise-canceling mics, but enabling Windows noise suppression can improve results further.

How to Reduce Background Noise on Mic Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide