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Overview and Purpose
When attending virtual meetings it is important to make sure the proper devices are selected for audio and video so that 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.
- 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.
Additional Notes:
- 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 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 following adjustments. Contact the DSS Service Desk for assistance from a professional.
- Search for “device manager,” then open the Device Manager Control Panel. Expand Audio inputs and outputs. All applicable devices should appear. If not, an update for the microphone and speaker driver may be needed. Double-click the desired device to open a properties window. Driver updates are available through the Driver tab, if needed.
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 not being able to hear you, try turning off "Noise supression" 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 have a laptop and are in a meeting, but instead of your picture or your video, your participation shows up as a black image, it is usually a case where the laptop webcam is selected in device settings, but your laptop screen is closed or your privacy slider is closed. To change to a USB camera or other device, see the above instructions.