Windows Microphone Mute Feature

[jazz4cash]

I was using some team oriented software recently and needed to disable my microphone and I realized this is not so easy to do. Wait....there's no mute button for the mic? How can that be? I finally figured out how to DISABLE the mic or turn the input volume to zero by digging down to the sound settings menu but I am looking for a toggle switch on my desktop and/or a hotkey setup. I found an app called micswitch but I am reluctant to start installing software from unknown sources.

I would appreciate suggestions that are tried and true for Windows 10. I usually use the Edge browser but the team software prefers Chrome or Firefox.

[njhowie]

1. Your team site/software doesn't have a mute function in it for turning off the mic when you don't want to speak?

2. Get a headset/mic combo or just a mic which has an on/off switch for the mic. Mine is right on the cord.

3. We could probably write a script without too much effort to toggle the mic on/off.

Update: https://gist.github.com/necrolyte2/a...370345ae0b75dd - just trying this now on Windows 10 - keystrokes need to be updated. However, you could simply keep the microphone properties popup displayed and just toggle the enabled/disabled dropdown.

PostUpdate: I've attached two vbs script files, one for on, one for off which uses the above script but resolves the keystroke issues. I tested on Win 10 and seems to work ok. Change the txt file extensions to vbs.

[jazz4cash]

Thanks Howie
The team software does have a mute function in the main meeting room but it runs in the background while you switch to various breakout rooms. I have too many windows open and i can’t locate an icon in the taskbar if it even has one.
I did find the app at the github site but I was hesitant to download with no assurance it was legit. This seems way too hard but it’s kinda fun too.

[njhowie]

You can open the txt files and review - they do nothing special, just launch the Sound control panel app and then sends keystrokes to it.

Assign a hot key for Mute, another for Unmute, and you're in business.

[skipro33]

From Windows;
Click on start button
Click on gear icon (settings) directly above the START icon, second icon up.
Type in 'microphone' in the box labeled 'find a setting'.
Results list will show up above this box.
Select the tab, 'turn off microphone settings system wide'
Click the 'change' button
Slide the switch from on to off


It's not nearly as complicated as it is typing it out and reading it here, 10 seconds tops. Then leave the window open and switch the slider switch back and forth from off to on as needed. Once done, close the settings window. You can make a short cut to this for your Windows to stay linked along the bottom bar of your main page, which saves even more time. However, just opening the 'settings' prior to starting any meeting makes this very easy.

[target2019]

Check the keyboard for a mute button.

If you don't mention keyboard make or model it's hard to be specific. Of course everything can be scripted and so on, but every keyboard I see has a mute button.

[USGrant1962]

Quote:

Originally Posted by target2019 Check the keyboard for a mute button. If you don't mention keyboard make or model it's hard to be specific. Of course everything can be scripted and so on, but every keyboard I see has a mute button.

I've never seen in microphone mute button on a keyboard. Many have speaker mute buttons...

[target2019]

Quote:

Originally Posted by USGrant1962 I've never seen in microphone mute button on a keyboard. Many have speaker mute buttons...

Sorry. My brian was on mute.

[walkinwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by target2019 Sorry. My brian was on mute.

Haha... my brain was on mute too! I was about to send you a than you for pointing that out. Time to step away from the computer.

[target2019]

Quote:

Originally Posted by walkinwood Haha... my brain was on mute too! I was about to send you a than you for pointing that out. Time to step away from the computer.

There are keyboards and systems that have the mic off key, but it is not worth a look.

[jazz4cash]

In trying to find a solution to this issue there are many instances of the speaker mute function being conflated with a microphone mute function. I finally installed a program called MicMute which has a status icon on the desktop. Thanks to all. Still seems like this feature should be a built in standard.

[glasgonam]

A tried-and-true method is to right-click on the speaker icon in your taskbar, go to "Open Sound settings," and then click on "Sound Control Panel" on the right. In the Recording tab, you can find your mic, right-click it, and select "Disable." This essentially mutes it.

[More Cowbell]

I bought an Elgato Stream Deck on sale and programmed in the mic mute and other keyboard shortcuts for my online conferencing software. I use it for many other applications as well. Very useful since I have hand arthritis, plus it is quick (because of customizable lighted icons on the buttons) and easy to use. DH was so impressed, he got one too!

There is also a Stream Deck phone app that works on a smartphone. I’ve never tried it, as I prefer the tactile feedback of a keypress (except on arthritic pinkies and thumbs).

You can also remap keys on your keyboard or use a different macro keypad, but the Stream Deck is a nice solution that is well-supported. Plus people think I’m a gamer, podcaster or live-streamer when I mention it!

[target2019]

Windows + Shift+ Q to mute/unmute both mic & camera.

Windows + Shift + A to mute/unmute mic only.

Windows + Shift + O to mute/unmute camera only.

Haven't tried these yet.

[glasgonam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by glasgonam A tried-and-true method is to right-click on the speaker icon in your taskbar, go to "Open Sound settings," and then click on "Sound Control Panel" on the right. In the Recording tab, you can find your mic, right-click it, and select "Disable." This essentially mutes it.

For a quick hotkey setup, you can use the keyboard shortcut Win + F4 to mute/unmute your mic. It's nifty and doesn't require any additional software. As for the team software preference, you can easily switch browsers for your meetings without any issues. No need to stick to one! [Mod Edit]

[ls99]

A little piece of playdough over the microphone.