Windows 10: How do we control permissions for apps accessing the microphone?

For security reasons, we would like to change our companies settings for apps to always ask permission to use the microphone. We are using Windows 11 Pro. I see in Setting > Privacy & security > Microphone that I can choose which apps can use the microphone. If I turn this option off, will it deny the app use of the microphone or will it request permission our preference? If user grants permission, is that permission permanently turn on for that app or only turn on while the app is currently open?

:)

 

Limit microphone access

How do I limit an app's access to my microphone if that app is not even on the list of apps that are allowed to use the microphone but uses it anyway?

 

Chrome not existent in microphone permissions

I have a microphone hooked up to my computer, and every "Allow _ to access the microphone" is enabled including unknown applications. Google Chrome does not appear in the list, and it is the only application being denied for permissions. Is there a way
to force Windows to add Chrome to the unknown application list and give it permission to use the microphone?

 

Windows 11 Microphone Permission Issues

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Microphone permissions and functionality issues can indeed be frustrating, especially when they impact communication in real-time applications like Discord and online games. Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve microphone permission issues on Windows 11:

1. Privacy Settings:
   
   • Go to Settings (you can press Win + I to open it).
     
   • Select Privacy & security.
     
   • Click on Microphone under App permissions.
     
   • Make sure that microphone access is turned on.
     
   • Ensure that both Discord and the game have the toggle set to "On" to allow access to the microphone.
     
2. Default Microphone:
   
   • Open Settings > System > Sound.
     
   • In the Input section, make sure the correct microphone is set as the default device.
     
   • Also, check the microphone properties and ensure that the levels are set appropriately, and that the device is not muted.
     
3. Exclusive Mode:
   
   • Right-click on the sound/volume icon in the taskbar and select "Sound settings."
     
   • Under Input, choose your microphone and then click on "Device properties."
     
   • Click on "Additional device properties" under Related settings.
     
   • In the Microphone Properties window, go to the "Advanced" tab.
     
   • Uncheck the boxes under "Exclusive Mode" that say "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority."
     
4. Communication Settings:
   
   • In the Sound settings, scroll down and click on "More sound settings."
     
   • In the Sound window, go to the "Communications" tab.
     
   • Select "Do nothing" to prevent Windows from automatically adjusting the volume of different sounds when you are using the microphone.
     
5. Update Drivers:
   
   • Go to Device Manager (right-click on the Start button to find it).
     
   • Expand "Audio inputs and outputs."
     
   • Right-click on your microphone and select "Update driver."
     
   • You can also visit the manufacturer's website for your sound card or microphone to download the latest drivers.
     
6. Check App Settings:
   
   • Both Discord and your game will have their own audio settings.
     
   • Ensure the correct microphone is selected within each app's settings.
     
   • Also, check for any separate mute settings within the app.
     
7. Disable Other Recording Devices:
   
   • Sometimes other recording devices can interfere with the one you want to use.
     
   • In the Sound settings, under Recording, you can disable any unused microphones.
     
8. Troubleshooter:
   
   • Run the built-in Windows troubleshooter.
     
   • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
     
   • Run the "Recording Audio" troubleshooter.
     
9. Restart Audio Services:
   
   • Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
     
   • Find "Windows Audio" in the list.
     
   • Right-click and select "Restart."
     

Please keep me updated on your progress, and don't hesitate to ask if you have further questions or need more assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist