I want to set it so my built-in microphone is off by default. How can I do that?
One reason is, obviously, privacy concerns.
Another reason is just so the microphone input does not potentially cause needless input to software that can use it.
Or do I need to file a “bug“ report for that?
I turned mine off in the bios. Camera and microphone. It was just simpler and I don’t have to worry about a software package turning it on without me knowing.
I actually want/need to use both occasionally. Just not most of the time.
It’s only just as silly that the microphone is on by default as if the camera was.
Same here. I did a lot of thinking before I turned it off completely. It was the only way I could guarantee it was off. I can always reboot and turn it on if needed. Security or convenience? I chose security. 
You could always file a bug report / feature request to ask for an option for it to default to off.
@hook what do you mean by default? After a reboot? I think it already remembers your last setting, so just mute your micro once and it should stay muted.
Or do I misunderstand you?
Does it? If it does that would be enough for my use case.
/me goes reboot to check
/me gets back from reboot
Odd, I left microphone muted and the speakers unmuted, but when I rebooted, all was muted. Is this how it’s supposed to work?
I dont think so. Brb rebooting.
€: It does work correctly for me. Headphones unmuted, microphone muted!
It worked proper on this reboot too. Thanks 