Microphone internally picks up output-sound.

Question

I did a remote session with the microsoft support and we went through everything I could possibly think of. He asked me to post it here, so I really count on you guys.

Here's the problem:

Even when my headset is unplugged and there is no mic attached to my computer, somehow in all my voice chats people can hear my ingame sound, or music I play on my computer. This only occurs, when I select my headset as output device (just the cable is attached to simulate the headset). If I switch to e.g. my television or speakers as output device, this doesn't happen.

The headset is a Steelseries Arctis 3 Console.

Answer 1

Hi,
You could try the following methods:

Update your driver from your hardware provider's official site.

"The issue could be because of the internal mic picking up sound even when the external device is pluuged in. If you have the RealTek HD Audi Manager installed on the machine, I would suggest you to try the steps listed below and check if it works for you.

1. Open RealTek HD Audio Manager and go to the Advanced tab.
2. Check the boxes Separate all input jacks as independent input devices and Mute the internal output device, when external headphone is plugged in, and hit OK.
3. Exit RealTek HD Audio Manager, restart the machine and see if the issue persists.

Also, check out the useful discussion here:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/muted-mic-picking-up-sound-in-game/39b2545e-de56-42b8-96cb-adb5d8c70325

Best regards.

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Answer 2

Right click the speaker Icon and select playback devices>Communications>Mute all other sounds

Uninstall the sound driver from Device Manager > Reboot > Install the latest audio driver from the support site of the manufacturer.

Answer 3

I just recognized, that I can even mute my computer completely, but the "mic" still picks up the muted music somehow.

Also the echo reduction is absolutely necessary. That at least reduces it.