Is there an easy way to tell if my mic is really muted?

Solution 1:

Unfortunately, it does not appear this is possible without a third-party app. I see no option to easily view the status of the Mic from the volume control in the system tray, and the Sound Settings don't show the mute status either.

Microsoft's support site says that this isn't available currently either.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-other_settings/how-do-i-get-a-microphone-icon-to-display-on-the/ebee5de5-719e-4f93-ad7e-709d74cbf986

Solution 2:

Windows 10 (after version 1809 according to the link at bottom) displays a microphone tray icon when the mic is in use by one or more programs. If you see that icon, something's using the mic. If you want to know what's using the mic, hover over the mic tray icon:

There are additional controls and information in the settings menu: Start > Settings > Privacy > Microphone

This includes a handy list of programs that have used the mic, and when they last accessed it.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4468232/windows-10-camera-microphone-and-privacy#:~:text=A%20microphone%20icon%20will%20be,icons%20appear%20on%20the%20taskbar