When using my microphone, the microphone level automatically adjusts.

Anonymous
2009-11-14T15:52:58+00:00

In order to fix it temporarily I have to right click the speaker icon in the tray, go to recording devices, double click my mic, go to the levels tab and readjust it. It becomes a huge problem when talking with the mic and the level goes from 100 down to 20 randomly and all of a sudden I can't be heard.

Sometimes it goes down right away, and I don't see a checkbox to disable this automatic adjustment.

I have unchecked allowing applications to take exclusive control but I'm not sure this is actually related.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2010-10-24T12:30:47+00:00

This has also had no affect on the problem.   Again I knew this would not help.   You see,  the above suggestion merely stops communications software adjusting the volume of other software items.

This problem is not related to the output volume of software being auto-adjusted.   It is to do with theinput level (sensitivity) of the microphone being auto-adjusted.

To try and clarify where the problem lies,  the input level that you see when you right click speaker icon,  select 'Recording Devices',  click the 'Recording' tab,  select the 'Microphone' and click 'Properties',  then click on the 'Levels' tab.   It is the 'Microphone' level there that is auto-adjusting.

Please note that this problem is related to the Microphone Input level.  Not a volume output level.

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Anonymous
2010-10-30T12:05:40+00:00

Hi gerri,

To further clarify, are you saying that the volume slider in the microphone properties (pictured below) is auto-adjusting:

If yes, do you see the slider moving on it's on?

If yes, this is not a function of Windows 7 that I am aware of.

I suggest uninstalling Skype temporarily and restarting the computer to see if the issue resolves.

Chris

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-11-11T07:20:39+00:00

    Skype and WLM both control microphone volume automatically but the big difference between the two is Skype gives the option to disable such control (Audio Settings: Automatically Adjust Microphone Settings).

    WLM, on the other hand, is a pain in the neck in the sense that it doesn't only force auto-control on the user but also does so in a way that typically results in making microphone volume levels way lower than desirable

    Searching everywhere online for a fix or work around yields nothing. The only thing I can consider is switching to a program that is compatible with the MSN protocol or using another program entirely, along with my friends, for calls

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-11-09T02:18:55+00:00

    I am having the same issues as the people above and do NOT use MSN, I only use Skype. There seems to be something in Skype which auto adjusts the IN PROGRAM mic but why is it readjusting the system level microphone levels? If in fact Skype and MSN are changing the system level properties, there needs to be an option to disable this. I do NOT want Skype to readjust my system level microphone properties in the mic properties. It keeps sliding the sensitivity UPWARDS. I want 10.0 dB Microphone Boost but it keeps moving to 30.0 and picking up my fan! I DON'T WANT MY FAN! It annoys my friends... yet it keeps thinking I want my damned fan in the microphone. Sometimes when my fan is off, it then changes to 0.0 dB and then they can't hear me.. that makes no sense! What the **** MS, let us disable external programs from modifying the system level properties... under Microphone Boost there should be a checkbox for Let Other Programs Auto-Adjust Feature :/

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-11-06T16:20:44+00:00

    I was facing same problem when using a voip program "Lowratevoip", the microphone level was reduced automatically.

    I solved it by changing the sound settings from the program it self, I removed a check box from "Enable automated volume control" sound feature, and it is fine now.

    It is feature in windows 7 but the programs are controlling it, so you have to check sound settings for each program.

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