5 Fixes When Discord Is Picking Up Game Audio in Windows 11

Key Takeaways 

• In most cases, enabling Acoustic Echo cancellation will fix the problem.
• It could also indicate sound configuration issues in Windows 11 sound settings.

Before going into the fixes, ensure the USB connector is connected to the motherboard USB port. One of the leading causes of this audio problem is microphone bleed, where the mic picks up audio other than your voice. If you accidentally plugged your USB connector into the keyboard port, you would have unintentionally created a secondary audio path.

Fix 1: Update Input and Output Settings on Discord

If you have set the Discord input and output devices to something other than your primary microphone and headphones, you may notice Discord is picking up game audio. You can reconfigure these settings using the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the Discord app.

Step 2: Click the Settings gear icon.

Step 3: On the left pane, click Voice & Video.

Step 4: Set your primary headphones and mic as the Output and Input devices.

Fix 2: Set Headphone and Microphone as Output and Input Device

If you have misconfigured input and output devices on your computer, the sound settings on your Discord application may be affected during gameplay. The workaround is configuring your input and output devices to your primary gaming options in the Windows 11 Settings app.

Step 1: Right-click the sound icon on the Taskbar and click Sound Settings.

Step 2: Under Output, select your primary gaming headphones, and under Input, select your primary microphone. If your headset has a built-in mic, you should also see an option to select it in the menu.

Fix 3: Update or Reinstall Sound and Audio Drivers

Sound drivers are essential components that aid communication between your sound card and the Windows 11 operating system. If your audio drivers are outdated, you may experience sound leaks in apps like Discord. To resolve this issue, you should update or reinstall the audio drivers.

Step 1: Right-click your Start menu, then click the Device Manager option.

Step 2: Expand the Audio inputs and outputs category, right-click your driver, click Uninstall device, and confirm your choice.

Step 4: Restart the device, relaunch the Device Manager, and click the icon for Scan for hardware changes.

Fix 4: Disable Listen to This Device Microphone Settings

A mic’s settings can also interfere with Discord’s voice audio. To that end, if you’re hearing your own voice when you speak into the microphone, or if the app is relaying game audio with your voice, it is probable that the ‘Listen to this device’ microphone setting is enabled. You should disable it by following the steps below.

Step 1: Click the Taskbar’s magnifying lens, type control, and click the Control Panel app.

Step 2: Set View by to Large icons, and click the Sound option.

Step 3: Click the Recording tab, microphone, and the Properties button.

Step 4: Navigate to the listening tab and uncheck Listen to this device.

Step 5: Click the Advanced tab and enable both options in the Exclusive mode section.

Step 6: Click Apply and press OK.

Fix 5: Enable Acoustic Echo Cancellation in Realtek Audio Console

When Discord picks up game audio in Windows 11, it can create a frustrating echo effect during voice chats. This is often due to the microphone picking up sound from the speakers or headphones. Acoustic Echo Cancellation is a technology that can help mitigate this issue. It works by identifying and removing echoes from the audio signal.

Step 1: Click the Taskbar’s magnifying lens, type control, and click the Control Panel app.

Step 2: Set View by to Large icons, and click the Sound option.

Step 3: Click the Recording tab, your Realtek headset and the Properties button.

Step 4: Click the Enhancement tab, then tick the Acoustic Echo Cancellation checkbox.

Step 5: Click Apply and press OK.