Share this article
Improve this guide
Host Process for Windows Services Using Microphone [Solved]
The easiest fix is to disable the Listen to this device setting
4 min. read
Published onAugust 5, 2024
published onAugust 5, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.
Often, when you turn on the computer, a pop-up appears on the desktop that reads,Host Process for Windows Services is using your microphone. When you head to thePrivacy & Securitysettings, it listsCurrently in useunder theHost Process for Windows Servicesentry!
Besides, for some, theWindows host process (Rundll32)may be the one automatically accessing the microphone. In both these cases, you may notice echo or active apps may lose access to the microphone.
Before you move to the software-based solutions, try another microphone, connect the mic to another port on the device, or install the latest Windows updates.
What can I do if the Host Process for Windows Services is using microphone?
1. Turn off Listen to this device
2. Disable the conflicting service using the microphone
Remember, whileaccessing theservices.mscconsole, you shouldn’t disable any of the core Windows services, likeWindows AudioandWindows Audio Endpoint Builder. Doing so may cause the other sound-related tasks to stop working!
3. Re-enable the Let apps use your microphone setting
4. Disable Cortana (for Windows 10)
If you don’t use the voice-based virtual assistant, perhaps considerdisabling Cortanafor good to get rid of all such issues. Microsoft is, anyway, depreciating Cortana in newer versions of Windows!
5. Reinstall the microphone driver
6. Run the SFC and DISM scans
7. Perform a system restore
If the previous solutions didn’t work, asystem restorewould revert the PC’s configuration to an older date when theHost Process for Windows Services using microphoneproblem didn’t exist!
TheHost Process for Windows Services is using your microphonepop-up indicates microphone use by one of the active services, and can be verified throughSettings. Remember, it’s a generic name, and any of the service(s) could be to blame for the pop-up. But the above-listed solutions will work in every case.
Before you leave, discover how to easilyremove static noise from the microphoneand experience clearer audio!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:Microphone issues,Services
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
