Windows reports "Microhpone in use by Element" when in the lobby screen state.

[maelstrm-code]

Steps to reproduce

The system "Microphone in use by: Element" is triggered even when the user is not on calls when the following conditions are met:

• Element desktop client is running
• On Windows 11 (not sure about other O/S)
• User has a video room open in the rooms/chats selector -- regardless of whether they have joined the call -- regardless of whether the UI window is closed

This is concerning from a number of angles, including privacy.

Outcome

Microphone should only be enabled when the user has joined a call, for the duration the user is on the call.

Operating system

Windows 11

Application version

1.12.3

How did you install the app?

https://element.io/download

Homeserver

matrix.org

Will you send logs?

No

[Half-Shot]

Transferring to call since this is an issue exclusively within the call frame.

[Half-Shot]

With regards to the issue, I suspect when we show the lobby screen we also test to see what media devices are available. I'm unsure yet what counts as "in use". Obviously we need to check for what microphones and cameras a user has a the lobby stage so that we can show the correct button states and options.

The lobby screen exists to allow users to check what devices they want to share on the call before transmitting any data, so if anything this is actually a privacy feature. I think the problem is the lack of nuance from the operating system to tell you whether your information is being shared with a third party. To be clear, at the point of the lobby screen you are not sending any audio/video data to anyone. Not to the SFU or any users.. It's just unfortunate that Windows doesn't have a way to communicate this to you.

I wonder if the bug is that it is not clear that you are not connected yet.