Configuring Audio Input and Output for Windows 11, Zoom, and Teams

1. Configuring Audio in Windows 11

Before adjusting settings in Zoom or Teams, ensure that Windows 11 is using the correct audio input and output devices.

Check and Set the Default Output Device (Speakers/Headphones)

  1. Open Sound Settings

    • In the Taskbar search, type "settings" and click Open on System ​​​​​​Settings 
    • Click Sound.

  2. Select the Correct Output Device

    • Under Output, look for Choose where to play sound.
    • Click on the correct device with the name(e.g., "Headset Earphone - Jabra EVOLVE LINK MS)" 
    • If unsure, test different options by playing a sound or clicking Test (if available).

  3. Adjust Output Volume

    • Ensure the Master volume slider is set to an appropriate level (not muted).
    • If there is no sound, click Troubleshoot to run Windows’ sound troubleshooter.

Check and Set the Default Input Device (Microphone)

  1. Select the Correct Microphone

    • Under Input, look for Choose a device for speaking or recording.
    • Click on the correct microphone. If it is a headset, it will be the same as the output selected in the previous steps.

  2. Test the Microphone

    • After clicking on the microphone from the list, click "Start test"
    • You should see movement in the Input Volume bar. Click "Stop test"

  3. Check Microphone Privacy Settings

    • Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
    • Ensure Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone are enabled.

2. Configuring Audio in Zoom

If Windows 11 is set correctly but Zoom has no sound or microphone issues, adjust Zoom’s audio settings.

Select the Correct Speaker and Microphone in Zoom

  1. Open Zoom Workplace and go to Settings

    • Open Zoom and click your profile picture (top right).
    • Select Settings.

  2. Choose the Correct Speaker

    • Click on Audio
    • Click the Speaker dropdown and select the correct device
    • Click Test Speaker to confirm you hear sound.

  3. Choose the Correct Microphone

    • Under Microphone, click the Microphone dropdown and select the correct device.
    • Click Test Mic, speak, and ensure you hear playback.
    • If the input level is too low, adjust the Input Volume slider.

  4. Enable Automatic Adjustments (Optional)

    • Check Automatically adjust microphone volume if audio levels fluctuate.

  5. Check Push to Talk (if applicable)

    • If using Push to Talk, press and hold the assigned key (Space by default) to activate the microphone.

3. Configuring Audio in Microsoft Teams

If Teams has no sound or microphone issues, configure its audio settings separately.

Select the Correct Speaker and Microphone in Teams

  1. Open Teams and go to Settings

    • Open Microsoft Teams.
    • Click your profile picture (top right) and select Settings.
    • Go to Devices.

  2. Choose the Correct Speaker

    • Under Speaker, select the correct device from the dropdown.
    • Click Make a test call to check the output.

  3. Choose the Correct Microphone

    • Under Microphone, select the correct microphone from the dropdown.
    • Speak into the microphone and check if the Microphone level bar moves.

  4. Check Noise Suppression Settings

    • If your voice is cutting out, adjust Noise suppression under Microphone settings:
      • Set to Auto for standard use.
      • Set to Low if your microphone is not picking up certain sounds.

  5. Restart Teams

    • Close and reopen Teams to apply settings.

4. Troubleshooting Steps

If No Sound or Microphone Still Doesn't Work

  1. Check for Windows Updates

    • Go to Settings > Windows Update and install updates.

  2. Restart the Computer

    • A simple restart can resolve many audio conflicts.
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