Ever tried speaking into your microphone during a call or recording and wondered, “Do I actually sound okay?” That’s where mic monitoring comes in.
Mic monitoring (sometimes called sidetone) lets you hear your own voice through your headphones or speakers in real time. It’s super useful for gamers, streamers, podcasters, or anyone who wants to avoid shouting into the mic without realizing it.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to turn on mic monitoring in Windows 11 step by step, plus cover troubleshooting tips, advanced settings, and pro tricks for the best experience.
📝 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)
Mic monitoring = lets you hear your own voice while speaking.
You can enable it in Windows Sound Settings > Recording devices > Listen tab.
Works best with headphones (to avoid echo/feedback).
Some headsets (Logitech, Razer, HyperX, SteelSeries) have built-in mic monitoring settings.
If it doesn’t work, you may need to update drivers or use third-party software.
What Is Mic Monitoring (Sidetone)?
Mic monitoring is like talking into a walkie-talkie that also plays your own voice back to you instantly.
Benefits of Mic Monitoring:
Prevents shouting or speaking too softly.
Helps check mic quality in real time.
Useful in noisy environments (you can confirm you’re being heard).
Essential for streamers, podcasters, and online meetings.
Step 1: Connect Your Microphone or Headset
Before turning on mic monitoring:
Plug in your USB mic, 3.5mm headset, or wireless headset.
Ensure Windows 11 recognizes it.
Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
Select Sound settings.
Under Input, check that your microphone appears.
Step 2: Open Sound Control Panel
Mic monitoring isn’t directly in the main Windows 11 Settings app — you’ll need the classic Control Panel interface.
Steps:
Right-click the speaker icon (bottom-right corner).
Click Sound settings.
Scroll down and click More sound settings (opens classic Sound Control Panel).
Step 3: Enable Mic Monitoring (Listen to This Device)
Now the fun part — enabling sidetone.
In the Sound window, go to the Recording tab.
Select your active microphone > click Properties.
Switch to the Listen tab.
Check the box Listen to this device.
Under Playback through this device, select your headphones.
Click Apply > OK.
✅ You should now hear your own voice in real time.
Step 4: Adjust Mic Monitoring Volume
By default, mic monitoring might be too loud or too soft.
To adjust volume:
In the same Microphone Properties window, go to the Levels tab.
Drag the Microphone and Microphone Boost sliders until your voice sounds natural.
💡 Pro tip: Start with microphone at 80–90% and boost at +10 dB. Adjust slowly to avoid distortion.
Step 5: Test Your Mic Monitoring
Once enabled, test it:
Open the Voice Recorder app and record a short clip.
Join a Zoom/Teams test call.
Speak into the mic — you should hear yourself clearly.
Alternative: Headset Software Mic Monitoring
Many gaming headsets include built-in mic monitoring controls via companion apps.
| Brand | Software | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Logitech | G Hub | Sidetone slider |
| Razer | Synapse | Mic monitoring toggle |
| HyperX | NGENUITY | Mic volume + sidetone |
| SteelSeries | GG | Live mic feedback |
If you own one of these, you may find better control in their apps compared to Windows settings.
Troubleshooting Mic Monitoring in Windows 11
1. No Sound When Enabled
Ensure headphones are selected under playback device.
Try a different USB port or reconnect the headset.
2. Too Much Echo or Feedback
Always use headphones (not speakers).
Lower microphone sensitivity in Levels tab.
3. Delay in Hearing Yourself
Some USB headsets add latency. Use headset software sidetone for instant monitoring.
4. Mic Monitoring Not Available
Update audio drivers (via Device Manager).
Check if your sound card supports mic monitoring.
Advanced Method: Use Third-Party Apps
If your system doesn’t support native mic monitoring, apps can help:
Voicemeeter Banana → Free audio mixer with mic monitoring.
Audacity (monitoring mode) → Real-time mic playback.
OBS Studio → For streamers, includes mic monitoring toggle.
Mic Monitoring vs. Mic Testing
| Feature | Mic Monitoring | Mic Test |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Hear yourself live | Playback after recording |
| Latency | Real-time (or near real-time) | Delayed |
| Best For | Gaming, calls, live streaming | Checking mic quality |
Pro Tips for Better Experience
Use a noise-canceling headset to reduce feedback.
Adjust microphone boost carefully (too high = hiss/static).
Combine mic monitoring with noise suppression tools like Krisp or NVIDIA Broadcast.
For streamers: enable mic monitoring in OBS but mute the “monitor track” in output to avoid echo on stream.
Conclusion: Hear Yourself Clearly in Windows 11
Turning on mic monitoring in Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. By enabling “Listen to this device” in your microphone properties, you can hear your voice in real time — perfect for gaming, streaming, or professional calls.
If the built-in option doesn’t cut it, headset apps and third-party tools like Voicemeeter give you even more control.
With the right setup, you’ll never second-guess your microphone quality again.
FAQs: Mic Monitoring on Windows 11
1. Does Windows 11 have built-in mic monitoring?
Yes — it’s under Sound Control Panel > Recording > Listen to this device.
2. Why can’t I hear myself when I enable mic monitoring?
Check that your playback device is set to headphones and not speakers.
3. Is mic monitoring the same as sidetone?
Yes, they both mean hearing your own mic input through headphones.
4. Can I use mic monitoring with Bluetooth headphones?
Yes, but you may experience slight delay (latency). Wired headsets are better.
5. How do I reduce the echo from mic monitoring?
Use headphones, lower mic sensitivity, and enable noise suppression in apps.