On Windows 10, you’ve been able to disable speakers and microphones for a long time, but the settings were buried deep into Control Panel making it a task somewhat difficult to accomplish for most regular users.
Starting with Windows 10 version 1809 (October 2018 Update), the Settings app has been updated to offer an easier way to disable input and output devices connected to your computer.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to quickly disable (or enable) speakers and microphone on Windows 10 version 1809.
How to disable speakers and microphone using Settings
To disable the speakers and microphone using the Settings app on Windows 10, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on System.
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Click on Sound.
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Click the Manage sound devices link.
Sound settings on Windows 10 version 1809 -
Under “Output devices,” select the speakers.
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Click the Disable button.
Disable speakers option on Windows 10 -
Under “Input devices,” select the microphone.
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Click the Disable button.
Once you’ve completed the steps, depending on your configuration the speakers and microphone will be disabled on your device.
Alternatively, in the Sound page, you can also click the Device properties link under “Sound” or under “Input” to disable each peripheral.
If you want to enable your speakers and microphone again, you can use the same instructions, but make sure to click the Enable button on step No. 6 and step No. 8.
If you don’t see the options to disable your input and output devices, it’s likely because you’re not running the version of Windows 10 that supports this feature. The ability to control these settings is available starting with the Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].