How to disable Automatic Gain Control in Skype for Business on Windows

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Skype for Business 2016

If you're using Microsoft 365 Click-to-Run version 16.0.8625.2055 or a later version, you can disable the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) feature in Skype for Business. To disable the feature, use one of the following methods.

Warning

Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

Method 1: Disable the feature in the Audio Device settings

By default, there is no AGC option displayed in the UI. To display and set the option, follow these steps:

  1. In Registry Editor, create and set the following registry entry:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync]

    "ShowAutomaticGainControlOption"=dword:00000001

  2. In Skype for Business, click Tools > Options > Audio Device.

  3. Click to clear the Automatically adjust microphone volume on calls check box.

    Screenshot that shows the Automatically adjust microphone volume on calls checkbox.

Method 2: Disable the feature in the registry

In Registry Editor, create and set the following registry entry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync]

"DisableAutomaticGainControl"=dword:00000001

Method 3: Use Group Policy to display and disable the feature

  1. In Group Policy Management, create a Group Policy object.

  2. Right-click the new Group Policy object, and then select Edit.

  3. Expand Computer Configuration or User Configuration > Preferences > Windows Settings.

  4. Right-click Registry, select New, and then select Registry Item.

  5. In the New Registry Properties dialog box, specify the following information, and then select OK:

    Action: Create

    Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER

    Key path: Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync

    Value name: ShowAutomaticGainControlOption

    Value type: REG_DWORD

    Value data: 1

    Base: Decimal

  6. Create another registry item by specifying the following information:

    Action: Create

    Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER

    Key path: Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync

    Value name: DisableAutomaticGainControl

    Value type: REG_DWORD

    Value data: 1

    Base: Decimal

More information

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