Why doesn't Windows 11 allow us to set privacy settings for SPECIFIC desktop applications regarding microphone access?

Question

Hello,

I like to play the game Sea of Thieves with my friends, and typically I am in a Discord call with them to communicate. Since I bought SoT through Steam, it is considered a 'desktop' app. Sea of Thieves does not have a built-in way of ignoring the system's microphone, so it is 'always active' so to speak.

I use Bluetooth headphones, and when SoT starts, it kicks the headphones into the low-quality hands-free 'mono' mode for two-way communication. I have no idea why it does this, since my headphones are not microphones.

I have disabled all playback devices except the "Stereo" Bluetooth. I have disabled all input devices except my USB desktop microphone.

Since I cannot get SoT to ignore my microphone, I should be able to block its access via Privacy & Security.

However, in the complex and wonderful operating system of Windows 11, all we users can do is block ALL desktop applications from using the microphone at a time, instead of specific ones. As you might expect, this means Discord, also -- cannot use the microphone.

This strikes me as a pretty basic missing feature. Help?

Answer 1

This is why wireless gaming headsets come with their own 2.4 GHz wireless dongles and not use Bluetooth.

But you may look at your "default" device (for software without use of mic) and "default communication" device (for software requiring mics).

Microsoft created newer and safer API's to do certain things. But making them safer cost it 2-3% in speed.

Game developers made their choice to stick with the older legacy API's to squeeze out that extra 2-3% speed.

Answer 2

Robinson,

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately this capability does not extend to 'Desktop Apps' which are not bought or downloaded through the Microsoft Store. I apologize if this was not made clear in my original question.

Answer 3

I'm sorry, I'm running out of possible fixes and solutions. Since this is an open forum, let's see if another member of the community has an alternative solution to the issue.

Answer 4

It would be very unusual for a game with multi-player options not to have basic chat on\off or chat volume options.

Is there no VOIP\Voice Chat, or related communication option in the games audio settings that can be disabled ?

.

Answer 5

Hi, Jackson,

Sorry to hear you're experiencing this issue.

On Windows 11 you still be able to block the access to microphone for specific apps.

1-Click on Start then click on Settings

2-Click on Privacy & Security

3-Scroll down and click on Microphone

4-Click to expand the "Let apps access your microphone", search for the app that you want to block and turn it off

I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll be glad to assist you further.