How to Hook Up a Microphone to a Laptop
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
Connect a USB microphone to a laptop USB port and the laptop powers it and reads it as an audio input. Choose the microphone as the input in your sound settings, set the level so the meter moves without peaking, and plug headphones into the microphone to hear yourself. An XLR microphone needs an audio interface instead.
Plug the microphone into a USB port
Connect the microphone to the laptop with its USB cable. A USB microphone takes its power from the laptop over the same cable, so no separate power supply is needed. If the cable ends in USB-C and the laptop has only USB-A ports, use an adapter that fits the laptop port. Once plugged in, the laptop reads the microphone as an audio input device.
Choose the microphone as the input
Open the sound settings on the laptop and look at the input list. Select the microphone by name so the laptop records from it instead of the built-in microphone. In a recording or call app, check the same choice in the app's own audio settings, since an app can use a different input from the system setting. Speak into the microphone and watch the input meter move to confirm the laptop hears it.
Set the input level
Speak at your normal volume and watch the input meter while you adjust the level. Raise the level until the meter moves well with your voice, and lower it if the meter hits the top and stays there. Some microphones have a dial on the mic itself, and some adjust gain in software, so use whichever control your microphone offers. Set the level before you record, not during.
Monitor with headphones
Plug headphones into the microphone headphone jack or the laptop headphone jack. Listening while you speak shows whether the microphone picks up your voice clearly and whether background noise comes through. Keep the headphone volume low enough that the sound from the headphones does not reach the microphone. If you hear an echo, check that the app is not playing your voice back through the laptop speakers.
Record a short check and adjust
Record a short sample in the app you plan to use and play it back. Listen for a steady level, clear speech, and any hum or background noise. If the level is low, raise the input level or move the microphone closer to your mouth. If the sound distorts, lower the input level or move the microphone farther away. When the sample sounds right, keep the same placement and level for the full recording.
What you need
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Condenser Microphone
A USB-C condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern, a headphone jack for direct monitoring, tap-to-mute, and Auto Gain calibration that sets levels on its own.
- Headphone jack on the mic
- Mute button
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 2-year warranty stated
Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti Nano USB
A compact USB microphone with cardioid and omni pickup patterns, an onboard headphone output with volume control, and mute and pattern controls on the mic.
- Headphone jack on the mic
- Mute button
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 1-year warranty stated
Shure MV7+ USB-C & XLR Podcast Dynamic
A USB-C and XLR microphone with an LED touch panel, tap-to-mute control, Auto Level mode, and a built-in pop filter for podcasting, streaming, and recording.
- Mute button
- XLR output
- 2-year warranty stated
Shure MV6 USB Microphone for Gaming
A USB-C microphone with an included desktop stand and cable, Auto Level mode, a real-time denoiser, and MOTIV app support for extra control.
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best USB Microphone for Laptop, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an XLR microphone with a laptop?
Yes, with an audio interface between the microphone and the laptop. The interface connects to the laptop over USB, the XLR microphone plugs into the interface, and the interface supplies 48V phantom power when a condenser microphone needs it.
Why does my laptop still use its built-in microphone?
The laptop keeps the built-in microphone as the input until you choose the USB microphone in the sound settings. Check the input choice in the system settings and in the app, since they can differ.
Do I need headphones to hook up a microphone?
No, but headphones help you hear what the microphone picks up. Plug them into the microphone headphone jack or the laptop headphone jack and listen while you speak.
Ranked USB microphones lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.