How to Turn on the Microphone on a Sony Vaio

by Anthony Oster
A microphone can be used in conjunction with a webcam to video chat with friends.

A microphone can be used in conjunction with a webcam to video chat with friends.

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The microphone function on your Sony Vaio is controlled by the sound settings on your computer, located in the Windows control panel. Accessing the sound settings will allow you to enable or disable the microphone, mute the microphone, adjust the microphone's recording volume and control any advanced features such as echo control.

Windows 7

Step 1

Click the Start button and select "Control Panel" from the menu.

Step 2

Click the "Sound" option and select the "Recording" tab.

Step 3

Select the "Microphone" option and click "Properties." Select the "Enable this device" option from the "Device Usage" tab.

Windows Vista

Step 1

Click the Start button and select "Control Panel" from the menu.

Step 2

Select the "Hardware and Sound" option from the Control Panel and click the "Sound" icon.

Step 3

Select the "Playback" tab, then select the "Speakers/Headphones" option and click the "Properties" button.

Step 4

Select the "Levels" tab and select the area next to the microphone-shaped icon to enable or disable the microphone.

Tip

  • If you are using an external microphone, make sure that it is firmly plugged into the red microphone jack on your computer.

Warning

  • Downgrading your operating system to Windows XP may cause your built-in microphone to malfunction.

About the Author

Anthony Oster is a licensed professional counselor who earned his Master of Science in counseling psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has served as a writer and lead video editor for a small, South Louisiana-based video production company since 2007. Oster is the co-owner of a professional photography business and advises the owner on hardware and software acquisitions for the company.

Photo Credits

  • Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images