How to Fix Static Sound in Windows 10

Even the tiniest sound will be picked up by a good quality microphone. Because stand-alone microphones are more sensitive to sound, you may need to use additional hardware such as shock mounts and pop filters to achieve good, high-quality recording. Even the best microphones can pick up static. It’s more likely to happen with an external mic, but it can happen with an internal one as well. There are a few things you can try to fix the problem if you’re trying to use an external mic and it’s picking up Static Sound noise while you record, stream, or chat.

Static Sound noise from microphone

These fixes are for external microphones, but they may also work for internal microphones and should work if you’re wearing a headset with a built-in mic. These solutions address the issue of static sound. If your microphone isn’t working, you’ll need to look into it separately.

Hardware check

When using an external microphone, its placement isn’t as precise as when using an internal microphone. It’s crucial that you pay attention to where you put it.

Check for anything magnetic in the vicinity that could be causing the interference, such as a phone, other sound equipment, Bluetooth devices, and so on.
Examine the cable that connects the mic to the computer. It could be causing interference if it’s damaged, loose in the jack, or not the original that came with the device.
Some microphones require power to function. They come with their own power supply and wire, which can cause static. Check to see if the socket or port is loose where it’s plugged in.
It’s also possible that a wire in your PC’s power supply has come loose, causing a small current flow through the chassis. This is going to be difficult to figure out, so if nothing else on this list of fixes works, bring it in for a checkup.

Turn down microphone boost

Microphone boost is a simple enhancement that increases the volume, but it may degrade the sound quality. Reduce the volume.

Open the Control Panel.
Go to Hardware and Sound.
Click Sound.
Go to the Recording tab.
Right-click the mic, and select Properties.
Go to the Level tab.
Turn the Microphone Boost levels down.

Update audio drivers

It’s possible that the drivers for a new audio device, such as an external microphone, didn’t update or install automatically when you connected it. The device may function properly, but the right driver is the difference between a device that functions and one that does not.

Open Device Manager.
Right-click the Microphone and select Update driver.
Install any driver updates if they’re available, and restart your PC.

Proprietary audio/recording app

Installing the mic’s manufacturer’s app, which can tune and control it, is worth a shot. The app may not do much, but it may be enough to solve the static problem. Look into any options it has to improve the recording’s quality. Similarly, if your PC’s manufacturer has an audio app installed, see if it has any noise cancellation features and enable them.

Enable Enhancements

Enhancements for your microphone and PC may be available, one of which can reduce mic noise. Check to see if yours has it and if so, turn it on.

Open Control Panel.
Go to Hardware and Sound.
Click Sound.
Go to the Recording tab.
Right-click the mic, and select Properties.
If the Properties window has an ‘Enhancements‘ tab go to it. If it doesn’t, this fix won’t work for you.
On the Enhancements tab, look for Noise suppression, and enable it.
Restart your PC and see if the static is gone.

Audio troubleshooter

On Windows 10, the audio troubleshooter is for audio output. You have an audio input problem with a mic, and there is no specific troubleshooter for it. Instead, you’ll have to resort to the general hardware troubleshooter.

Use the Win + R keyboard shortcut to open the run box.
In the run box, enter “msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic” and tap Enter.
Run the troubleshooter and accept any fixes it tells you to apply.

Static Sound: Conclusion

If the above doesn’t work, connect the mic to a different computer and see if the static persists. If that’s the case, the mic is almost certainly broken. It could be slightly damaged, such as a loose wire, or it could have been dropped. If it’s an expensive model, you can have it repaired, or you can buy a new one if it’s a cheap one. Audio devices are notoriously easy to break. A keyboard, a mouse, your phone, and a screen can all be dropped as long as they aren’t dropped from too high, but audio devices are different. They’re easily damaged and should be handled with caution.