Overview and Purpose
When attending virtual meetings it is important to ensure the proper devices are selected for audio and video so other attendees can see or hear you. Team members have multiple options when adjusting audio settings for computer and specific program use. This guide shows basic controls.
Environment
For use with Microsoft Windows computers, the desktop or browser versions of Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
Windows Computer/Laptop Audio Guide
- Make sure the speaker bar or headphones are plugged in and turned on, if applicable. Otherwise, the computer defaults to its own internal speaker. Keep in mind that only laptops have built-in microphones. Other computers need an external microphone or web camera with microphone.
- In the search field next to the Windows Start icon, type “sound settings,” then open the Sound Settings.
Additional Notes:
- For both the Input and Output sections, make sure each correct device is selected using the circle button to the left side of the screen.
- These selections also set your default audio devices.
- You can also adjust the volume for input and output devices system-wide in this location.
- In the lower right corner of the screen, select the speaker icon.
- To the right of the volume slider, select the "Select a sound output" option
- From here, you can select your output audio source and adjust the volume for each application (after scrolling down using the Volume Mixer).
- If you see the speaker icon with an "x" next to it, it means the audio is muted for that application. Click the icon of the program to mute and unmute.
Advanced Troubleshooting
- Admin rights are required for the adjustments through Device Manager, audio inputs and outputs or drivers. Contact the DSS Service Desk for assistance.
Microsoft Teams Audio Guide
- While in a Teams audio or video call, select the arrow pointing down next to the mic to change your speaker and microphone sources, volume and other options such as spatial audio or noise suppression.
- If you are experiencing issues with others being unable to hear you, try turning off "Noise suppression" using the radio button.
- You can also adjust your camera by selecting the arrow pointing down next to the camera and selecting your webcam.
Zoom Audio Guide
- While in a Zoom meeting, click the inverted arrow between the microphone and the camera, then select microphone and speaker sources. You can also configure different microphone modes and test your speaker and microphone from this location.
- Check video settings by clicking on the inverted arrow to the right of the video camera icon, and ensure the webcam is selected.
- For more options, select Video & Effect settings, then set your preferences or select your camera there.
- Once done, your audio and video preferences will be set.
Troubleshooting
If you are using a laptop for a teleconferencing meeting and your projected screen is black, it usually occurs when the laptop webcam is selected in device settings and the laptop screen is closed, or your privacy slider covers the camera. To change to a USB camera or other device, see the above instructions.