How Windows hints at use
When an app uses the microphone, a microphone icon appears in the notification area next to the clock. For the camera, the light next to the lens usually turns on. But the icon is easy to miss and does not say which app is using the access, only that someone is.
Where to find out who it was
Item names may differ slightly between Windows 11 versions.
- Open Settings (Windows key + I) and choose Privacy & security.
- Under App permissions choose Camera or Microphone.
- For every app in the list you can see when it last used the access.
- Switch off the apps you do not recognise or have not used for a long time.
What to do about a suspicious app
First remove the access and then consider whether you really need the app. If it is a program you do not know, check its name and publisher and consider uninstalling it. Classic desktop programs may not all appear in the permissions list, so it is good to watch actual use as well.
How BirdGuard helps
BirdGuard shows which app is using the camera or microphone right now and can restrict the access. It saves you from going through the settings by hand.