Privacy is a concern for every smartphone and computer user these days. From websites to apps to games, each and everyone is trying to collect as much information as possible from users.
Additionally, some apps might access your computer’s webcam and microphone without your consent. While not all apps access the camera and microphone without permission, it’s a good idea to check if an app is using your laptop’s microphone and camera.
We have previously shown you how to check if an app is using Windows 10/11 laptop’s camera. In this guide, we will discuss how to check if an app is using the microphone and when was the last time an app used the microphone.
NOTE: While Windows 10 and 11 show which app is using your laptop’s microphone, there is a catch. Windows 10/11 can only detect inbox apps and apps installed from the Microsoft Store if and when they use microphone. Classic desktop programs might not show up in this list.
Check which app is using the microphone on the Windows 10 laptop
For Windows 11 directions, scroll down the page.
Step 1: Open the Settings app. Go to Privacy > Microphone page.
Step 2: The Microphone page shows a list of apps. If an app is currently using your laptop’s microphone, the page will display “Currently is use” text just below the app’s name.
As you can see in the picture, the page also shows when was the last time an app used the microphone.
IMPORTANT: We recommend you only allow trusted apps to access the microphone. If you don’t trust an app but need to use it, allow it to use the microphone only when you use it.
Check which app is using the microphone on the Windows 11 laptop
For Windows 10 directions, scroll up the page.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings. Go to Privacy & Security > Microphone page.
Step 2: Here, if you cannot see the apps list, click on Let apps access your microphone to see a list of apps that have access to your microphone. On this page, you can prevent an app from accessing the microphone by turning off the toggle switch next to it.
The page shows a “Currently in use” message just below the app’s entry whenever an app uses the microphone. For instance, if the WhatsApp app is using your laptop’s microphone, the page will show “Currently in use” text just below the WhatsApp, as shown in the picture below.
Besides that, if an app recently used the microphone, the page also shows the same next to the app’s entry.
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