It sounds like you are using a tin can on a string, if you get told you can't be heard in a phone call. It happens to even professional streamers.

It could be that you have a good quality headset plugged in, but your Windows computer is trying to record using its awful built-in microphone. It could be difficult to deal with.

You can figure it out here.

How to test your microphone in Windows 10

1. There is a tiny icon that looks like a speaker at the bottom-right of the screen.

If you click on the icon that looks like an up arrow, it will show you icons that have been hidden.

Screenshot of the Windows 10 hidden icons tray with the sound icon highlighted.
You might need to press the up arrow at the bottom of the screen to show hidden icons.
Ross James/Insider

2. Click on the speaker icon and then select Open Sound settings.

Screenshot of the Windows 10 sound icon with its right click options visible.
Right-click the speaker icon to get your audio options.
Kyle Wilson/Insider

3. The section labeled Input is where you can scroll down. Windows will show you which microphone is your default, as well as a blue bar showing your volume levels. Talk into your microphone. If the blue bar jumps around when you raise and lower your voice, that means it is working correctly.

Screenshot of the Windows 10 sound menu with the Input section highlighted.
My laptop is currently using the correct microphone, and the microphone is working.
Ross James/Insider

4. If your computer is using the wrong microphone, you can change it by clicking on the drop-down menu and selecting a new option.

Screenshot of the Windows 10 sound input selection options.
Select the microphone from the list to set it as your active preference.
Ross James/Insider

This method will only tell you if Windows is detecting your microphone, it won't tell you how you sound.

If you want to hear your own voice, Audacity is a free audio recording program. Select your microphone in the menu at the top of the program and hit record.