What is AGC Microphone in Windows 10? Should it be On or Off?

I am sure, most Windows 10 users might have noticed an option called AGC under Microphone settings of Windows 10 - or accidentally discovered it while diagnosing a problem. What is this AGC Microphone in Windows 10 and its significance? Should it be enabled or disabled? We'll have all these questions answered in this post!

AGC Microphone in Windows 10

Want to stop microphone auto adjusting? Then this post will help you. Let's breakdown the post into 3 main parts:

1. What is AGC Microphone in Windows 10?
2. Should you disable AGC Microphone?
3. How to disable AGC Microphone to 'Off'?

1] AGC Microphone in Windows 10

AGC a.k.a  Automatic Gain Control is a microphone setting that automatically tracks and adjusts the audio volume of recordings. It takes control away from the user. Many people like this setting as it eliminates several unwanted knobs and buttons from the case of the device.

3] Should you disable AGC Microphone?

AGC is the auto-focus of audio. Although desirable, the setting, sometimes gets its functions right, sometimes wrong or changing, either a little or a lot. For instance, during a live session or meeting, the setting will constantly monitor your incoming audio. As such, it will lower the volume when there is a loud sound or raise it when sound is softer. This can be a problematic situation, especially when you are in the middle of a conference.

2] Set AGC Microphone in Windows 10 to 'Off'

If you are interested in disabling this microphone setting in Windows 10, here's a way to proceed!

Open Windows 10 Control Panel. From 'Adjust your computer's settings' choose 'Hardware and Sound'.

Next, click on the 'Sound' link and switch to the 'Recording' tab. Right-click on 'Microphone' and select the 'Properties' option.

In the new 'Microphone Properties' window that pops up, move to 'Advanced' tab and uncheck the option marked against 'Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device'.

When done, AGC Microphone in Windows 10 will be set to 'Off'. Also, the option will be completely disabled.

That's it!