- Real-time Noise Reduction: Suppresses background sounds from microphones and speakers during use.
- Windows Integration: Works natively within the Windows audio system without extra drivers.
- Simple Setup: Installs directly from the Microsoft Store with minimal configuration.
- App Compatibility: Functions alongside common calling and recording applications.
- Free Distribution: Available at no cost with automatic updates through Microsoft Store.
Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation
Free Windows noise reduction app for clearer calls and recordings
Updated February 27, 2026
Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation Overview
Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation is a free Windows utility available through the Microsoft Store that reduces background noise from microphones and speakers. It is designed to improve voice clarity during calls, meetings, and recordings without complex setup.
The app integrates smoothly with Windows audio pipelines and works alongside communication tools, making it suitable for everyday users seeking simple noise reduction.
Key Features
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Featured |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 (Free) | Background noise reduction, Windows system integration, Microsoft Store updates |
Pros
Competitor |
Pros |
|---|---|
| Krisp | Compared to Krisp, Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation has no time limits or paid tiers, making it more accessible for casual users. It also avoids account sign-ups and runs directly within Windows, which simplifies setup for non-technical users who want quick noise reduction. |
| NVIDIA RTX Voice | Unlike NVIDIA RTX Voice, Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation does not require specific GPU hardware. This makes it usable on a wider range of Windows devices, especially laptops and office PCs without dedicated NVIDIA graphics cards. |
| Zoom Noise Suppression | Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation works system-wide rather than being locked to a single meeting app like Zoom. This provides broader flexibility when switching between different communication or recording tools on Windows. |
| Discord Krisp | Compared to Discord’s built-in Krisp, Microsoft’s solution is not tied to a specific platform. Users can benefit from noise reduction even outside chat or gaming environments, such as general voice recording. |
| Lenovo Smart Noise Cancelling | Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation is not restricted to Lenovo hardware. This broader compatibility gives it an advantage for users on mixed-device environments who still want a free, vendor-neutral solution. |
Cons
Competitor |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Krisp | Compared to Krisp, Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation offers fewer advanced controls and tuning options. Power users may miss detailed sliders, AI training modes, and per-app profiles that Krisp provides. |
| NVIDIA RTX Voice | NVIDIA RTX Voice generally delivers stronger suppression for extreme noise scenarios. Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation may struggle more with very loud or irregular background sounds in comparison. |
| Zoom Noise Suppression | Zoom’s noise suppression is tightly optimized for meetings, while Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation can feel more generic. Meeting-focused users may find Zoom’s in-call controls clearer and more predictable. |
| Discord Krisp | Discord’s implementation is deeply integrated with voice chat features. Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation lacks in-app voice indicators and real-time feedback that gamers and streamers often rely on. |
| Lenovo Smart Noise Cancelling | Lenovo’s solution can be better optimized on supported hardware. Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation may feel less effective on certain microphones without device-specific tuning. |
Reviews
- Reddit r/MicrosoftTeams: One commenter argued that Microsoft Smart Noise Cancellation should not require voice enrollment for basic voice isolation, especially when “other apps do not need this and have a very good experience,” and expressed frustration that admin-disabled enrollment blocks access to the feature. The thread also highlighted skepticism from coworkers who fear AI voice data misuse, even though a Microsoft employee clarified that voice prints stay on the tenant and only support voice isolation and speaker recognition.
