How can I stop host process services from using my microphone?

Question

I keep getting the microphone icon on my taskbar when I use my computer. When I checked, it said it was being used by the "Host Process for Windows Services". I checked the mic usage log in settings and found out that the microphone was used by the Host Process for Windows Services" every few minutes when my computer was on.

I tried Microsoft support, but there was nothing that lined up with this issue. If someone can tell me what's actually happening, why it's happening, and how to stop it from happening, that would be great. I didn't have this issue until a couple of weeks ago, and now it won't stop.

Answer 1

Hello,

To disable windows host processes from using your mic, go to settings, then privacy & security, then microphone, turn off “Let desktop apps access your microphone”.

The reason this is happening is because the mic is used for Windows Hello services, the biometric login that you can use either your voice, face, or fingerprint to login to your computer instead of a password or pin.

Hope this helps,

JC