29 September, 2024 by Ashley

How to Enable Microphone on Windows Server & Windows 10

A microphone on a terminal server can be essential for various tasks, especially VoIP applications like Discord or Skype.

If your microphone isn’t detected on your Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) server, this guide will help you enable it effectively.

To ensure your microphone works seamlessly, you need to follow the below steps:

On Windows Server:

Check RDP client settings.
Configure local resources.
Enable microphone recording for remote desktop use.
Install Remote Desktop Services roles
Enable Windows Audio Service
Adjust microphone privacy settings.

On Windows 10:

Connect your microphone.
Open Sound settings.
Choose your input device.
Test and adjust microphone sensitivity.
Ensure apps have access by configuring privacy settings.

Table of Contents

Complete Guide to Enable Microphone on Windows Server

Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete the necessary actions after purchasing Windows VPS to enable the microphone and setting up communication apps.

Step 1: Check RDP Client Settings

Launch the Remote Desktop Connection application on your local machine.
Click Show Option in the bottom left corner for the advanced settings menu.

Step 2: Configure Local Resources

Click on the Local Resources tab in the Remote Desktop Connection window.

Press the Settings… button under the Remote audio section.

Step 3: Enable Microphone Recording

Ensure that the Play on this computer option is ticked in the Remote audio settings.
Set the Record from this computer option to enable microphone input.

Click OK to save your settings and then connect to the remote desktop.
On the remote desktop, right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Sounds. Navigate to the Recording tab and check for “Remote Audio.”

Step 4: Install Roles and Features (For Windows Server)

In your server, click on Add roles and features under the Configure this local server heading.
Select Role-based or feature-based installation and then choose your server.

On the Server Roles screen, find and tick Remote Desktop Services. Click Next three times.

Step 5: Install Remote Desktop Service Roles

To ensure optimal microphone and sound performance, select the following:

Remote Desktop Connection Broker.
Remote Desktop Gateway.
Remote Desktop Session Host.
Remote Desktop Web Access.

Then, click Next until you can click the Install button. After installation, restart your server.

Step 6: Enable Windows Audio Service

If you see a red cross on the sound icon in the taskbar, right-click it and check the audio service status.
Windows Server may prompt you to enable the Windows Audio Service. Click Yes to proceed.

Step 7: Configure Microphone Privacy Settings

To adjust Microphone permissions, search for Microphone privacy settings in the server settings.
Ensure that Allow apps to access your microphone is turned on.

That’s it! By following these steps, you should now have your microphone enabled and operational on your Windows Server or Windows 10 machine.

Whether you are using VoIP applications or other audio features, these configurations will enhance your remote desktop experience.

Steps to Set Up and Configure a Microphone in Windows 10

Setting up a microphone in Windows 10 is simple, but it’s essential to follow each step to ensure everything is working correctly.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you enable and configure your microphone on your system.

Step 1: Connect Your Microphone

Before configuring your microphone settings, ensure that your microphone is properly connected to your computer.

Most microphones connect via USB, 3.5mm audio jack, or Bluetooth (for wireless models). Make sure it’s plugged in securely or paired if using a wireless microphone.

Step 2: Open Sound Settings

Click the Start button, which is the Windows icon typically located in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Once you click on the Start menu, select the “Settings” option (the gear icon)
Within the Settings window, select “System.” This will open the system settings for your PC.
From the left-hand menu, click on “Sound.” This section manages all audio input and output devices connected to your PC.

Step 3: Choose Your Input Device (Microphone)

In the Sound settings window, scroll down to the “Input” section.
In the “Choose your input device” dropdown list, select the microphone you wish to use. This list will show all available recording devices connected to your PC.

Note: If your microphone doesn’t appear in the list, ensure it’s correctly connected, and check your drivers.

Step 4: Test Your Microphone

Testing your microphone ensures that it’s functioning correctly before you start using it for applications like voice recording, video calls, or streaming.

After selecting your microphone, you will see an option to “Test your microphone” below the input device list.
Speak into your microphone and watch for the blue bar that rises and falls as you talk. This indicates that Windows is detecting sound input from your microphone.
If the bar doesn’t move when you speak, it means the microphone isn’t detecting any input.
In this case, proceed to troubleshoot the issue by clicking on the “Troubleshoot” button provided. This will open a diagnostic tool that helps you resolve hardware or software issues preventing your microphone from working.

Step 5: Adjust Microphone Settings for Better Performance (Optional)

Once your microphone is working, you may want to adjust its sensitivity or volume.

To rename the device and adjust the microphone volume, click on “Device properties” under the Input section.
You can increase or decrease the volume depending on how sensitive you want your microphone to be.
Under “Related Settings,” click on “Additional device properties.”
This will open a window with advanced settings for your microphone, where you can fine-tune the input levels or enable sound enhancements.

Step 6: Grant Microphone Access to Apps (If Necessary)

Some apps may require explicit permission to use your microphone, especially if you’re using communication software like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams.

From the Settings window, select “Privacy.
Under the “App permissions” section on the left-hand side, click on “Microphone.”
Make sure the “Allow apps to access your microphone” setting is turned ON.
Below, you can enable or disable microphone access for individual apps. Make sure the apps you want to use are granted permission to access your microphone.

How to troubleshoot Microphone Issues

If your microphone still isn’t working properly, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps:

Check Physical Connection:

Ensure the microphone is correctly plugged into the appropriate port or paired properly via Bluetooth.

Update or Reinstall Drivers:

Go to Device Manager (right-click the Start button > Device Manager), find your microphone under “Audio inputs and outputs,” right-click on it, and select “Update driver” or “Uninstall device” followed by reinstalling it.

Ensure No Hardware Issues:

Test the microphone on another device to rule out hardware failure.

Reasons to Enable Microphone on Windows Server & Windows 10

Enabling the microphone on Windows Server and Windows 10 is crucial for various use cases.

Windows 10 allows users to participate in voice calls, video conferencing, and voice recording for communication apps like Skype, Zoom, or Teams.

For Windows Server, enabling the microphone can enhance remote desktop sessions by allowing users to interact with audio-intensive applications like VoIP software or voice recognition tools.

Additionally, this setup is essential for businesses relying on cloud-based virtual desktops, improving productivity and user experience by enabling:

VoIP communication in remote environments.
Audio streaming and recording for webinars or meetings.
Voice-enabled applications such as transcription or AI-driven software.

Why isn’t my microphone showing up in Windows 10?

To troubleshoot this issue, ensure the microphone is correctly connected and check that it appears in the “Input” section of Sound settings.

If not, verify that the device is not disabled, and try updating the microphone drivers via Device Manager.

Why can’t I hear any sound when using my microphone on Windows Server?

Check if the Windows Audio Service is enabled. Right-click the sound icon, select “Sounds,” and ensure your audio devices are active.

If you’re using Remote Desktop, ensure the microphone settings are properly configured under “Local Resources” in the RDP client.

How to fix low or poor microphone quality?

Navigate to Settings > Sound > Device properties and adjust the microphone volume or levels.

In “Additional device properties,” disable any unnecessary sound enhancements or increase the input level for better clarity.

Why does my microphone work in some apps but not others?

This is usually due to app-specific permissions. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure the affected apps have access to your microphone.

Conclusion

Enabling and configuring the microphone on both Windows Server and Windows 10 is essential for seamless communication, especially for VoIP and audio-related applications.

By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, such as checking RDP settings, enabling Windows Audio Service, and configuring app permissions, you can ensure that your microphone is fully operational.

These configurations will enhance productivity and provide a better user experience, whether you’re using remote desktop sessions or local applications for communication, recording, or streaming.