As an online gaming platform, Steam allows you to communicate with friends while you're playing a game or running software through the client. For certain games, you might not be able to stop the action to type a response. Instead, you can hook up a microphone to your computer and chat with a friend.

Adjusting Steam Settings

When you plug a microphone into your computer, Windows and Steam should both recognize the device. In Steam, click "Steam" in the menu bar, followed by "Settings" in the drop-down menu. Switch to the Voice tab, and you should see your microphone listed under "Recording (audio input) device." If it's not there, click "Detect Audio Devices" followed by "Change Device" to select it. You have the option to automatically enable your microphone when you speak or set a key to toggle it instead; for the latter, click the box "Use a push-to-talk key to transmit voice" and press the key you want to use. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Adjusting Windows Settings

If your headset won't show up in Steam or transmit sound properly, check Windows 8 settings. Right-click the Volume icon in your taskbar, selecting "Recording Devices" from the menu that appears. Right-click your headset and select "Set as default device." Click "OK" to save.