How to connect a microphone to a computer

Updated: 10/18/2022 by Computer Hope
Speaker playing sound.

Where you connect a microphone to a computer depends on the connector the microphone utilizes. Generally, there are two types of connectors used with microphones: the mini-plug and USB (Universal Serial Bus). Both types can connect to nearly any computer as most machines (including some laptops and Chromebooks) have both.

The sections below have images and descriptions that help you determine which type of connector your microphone uses. Once you've figured that out, follow the instructions on how to get it connected to your computer.

USB microphone

Usb cable and port

First, locate any available USB port and plug the microphone into it. They are found on the front, back, or sides of desktop, laptop, and all-in-one computers. Once connected, the computer should automatically detect the microphone and install the drivers for it. After the software is installed, you can verify the microphone is ready for use by accessing the sound settings and looking through the options.

What if the mic isn't detected automatically?

First, if you're plugging a USB microphone into the top or front of a desktop, try connecting it to the back. Some cases require the additional wiring to "activate" secondary USB ports, the ones not connected directly to the motherboard.

If the computer still does not detect your microphone and you've installed the software, you may need to download the drivers yourself. Fortunately, we have pages with these instructions, which are listed below:

Mini-plug microphone

Sound card ports.

Many microphones utilize a mini-plug connector, similar to that which you would find on your mobile phone, tablet, or iPod. On a desktop computer, the microphone jack is often on the back and identified by the pink color, as shown in the image. However, microphone jacks may also be on the top or front of the computer case.

Note

Some newer computers may no longer come with a microphone port, as shown in the picture. If you have such a computer consider getting a USB sound card or a USB microphone.

Many laptop computers and Chromebooks have a microphone built into them. If not, the microphone jack is usually on the front edge, or near the front left or right side.

What if the mic isn't detected automatically?

If the computer does not automatically detect your microphone and install the software, you may need to download the drivers yourself. Fortunately, we have pages with these instructions, which are listed below:

How to see if the microphone is detected

  1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel in the Windows search bar, and press Enter.

Or, open the Windows 10 Start menu, and choose Windows System > Control Panel.

Windows 10 Control Panel in Start menu

  1. In the Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound.

Hardware and Sound selector

  1. Under Sound, click Manage audio devices.

Manage audio devices

  1. At the top of the window, click the Recording tab. If you have an internal or external microphone, it's displayed in the middle section.

Audio input device selection.

  1. If you have more than one input device, you can switch to another by selecting it, and then clicking the Apply button button and then the OK button button.
Tip

If you have more than one input device, you can switch to another by selecting it, and then clicking the Apply button button and then the OK button button. Furthermore, you can select the microphone in this list and click the Properties button to change microphone settings, including the volume level for recording.