Spyware may eavesdrop — here’s the Windows setting I always adjust

This simple tweak can also make everyday PC use smoother.

Malware can do more than open your files or interfere with your apps. If your PC gets infected by the wrong kind of virus, your camera and microphone can be exposed as well.

One way to reduce the risk is to turn off microphones you do not use. For instance, if you have both a dedicated microphone and a webcam with a built-in mic, disabling the webcam mic and using the mute button on the standalone mic can help prevent snooping.

There is also a practical upside: it can stop you from launching Zoom or Teams with the wrong microphone selected. For me, that seems to happen constantly.

How to turn off a microphone in Windows

Open Windows Sound settings at Settings > System > Sound. Under Input, select the audio device you want to disable — whether that is a webcam, a headset, or another device.

In that device’s settings, go to General > Audio, then click Don’t allow.

Why not simply unplug it?

Disconnecting an audio device from your PC is fine if you rarely use it. Otherwise, though, you may run into one of two issues:

1 – The device may not work well because the audio input is bundled with other signals and carried over a single cable, such as with some webcams.

2 – Repeated plugging and unplugging can wear out your USB port.

You can solve the second issue by using a USB hub with individual power switches. But blocking Windows’ access to a microphone costs nothing.

Keep antivirus running on your PC

Disabling microphones is a smart precaution, but it is only part of the solution. To lower the risk of spyware in the first place, keep your antivirus software scanning regularly and avoid suspicious websites and downloads. It is also worth checking your browser extensions and installed apps, since even legitimate-looking software can sometimes turn malicious.