How to Install and Use CrewLink — Step-by-Step GuideCrewLink is a free local voice chat mod widely used with Among Us to enable spatial voice — so you can hear nearby players and be silent when physically distant in the game. This guide walks you through installation, setup, common troubleshooting, and tips to get the best CrewLink experience on Windows.
What you’ll need
- A Windows PC (Windows 10 or later recommended) — CrewLink primarily supports Windows.
- Among Us installed — either via Steam or the Microsoft Store.
- A working microphone and headphones — headset recommended to avoid audio feedback.
- Administrator access — required for installation and some troubleshooting steps.
Step 1 — Download CrewLink
- Open your web browser and go to the official CrewLink releases page on GitHub.
- Download the latest stable release (look for the .zip or installer file). The release page shows version numbers and changelogs.
- Save the downloaded file to an easy-to-find folder (e.g., Downloads).
Step 2 — Install CrewLink
There are two common installation methods: using the installer or the portable .zip.
Using the installer:
- Run the downloaded .exe as Administrator (right-click → “Run as administrator”).
- Follow the installer prompts and choose an installation folder.
- Finish the installer and allow any driver prompts if shown.
Using the portable .zip:
- Extract the .zip to a folder you control (right-click → “Extract all…”).
- Inside the extracted folder, double-click CrewLink.exe to run it. Running as Administrator can prevent permission issues.
Step 3 — Configure Windows audio before first run
- Set your default microphone and playback device in Windows: Settings → System → Sound.
- Disable “Hands-free” Bluetooth profiles for headsets if those are selected as default, because they can reduce audio quality.
- If you use virtual audio devices (Voicemeeter, Virtual Audio Cable), note that extra setup may be necessary.
Step 4 — Launch CrewLink and Among Us
- Start CrewLink by running CrewLink.exe (use Run as Administrator if you encounter connection issues).
- Launch Among Us. CrewLink will attempt to detect your game automatically. If it doesn’t, use the “Find Game” or IP entry fields inside CrewLink to connect manually.
Step 5 — Join or host a voice lobby
- CrewLink joins local Among Us lobbies automatically when it detects a game on your LAN.
- To connect manually: get the host’s local IP address (host → “Host” → local network IP) and enter it into CrewLink’s join field.
- If you’re hosting, give players your local IP (found via ipconfig in Command Prompt, look for IPv4 address) and have them join via CrewLink.
Step 6 — In-app settings and controls
CrewLink provides several settings for audio and behavior:
-
Voice Mode
- Push-to-Talk: Hold a configured key to speak. Useful to reduce background noise.
- Voice Activity: Automatic detection of when you speak. Adjust sensitivity to avoid clipping or false positives.
-
Input/Output Devices
- Select your preferred microphone and speakers/headset. If muted or set to incorrect device, others won’t hear you.
-
Hotkeys
- Configure Push-to-Talk and mute/unmute hotkeys. Ensure they don’t conflict with Among Us controls.
-
Volume Controls
- Individual player volumes let you lower loud players without muting them entirely.
-
Spatial audio settings
- Adjust how distance affects volume. Use sliders to tune falloff and minimum audible distance.
Step 7 — Best practices for voice quality
- Use a headset with a dedicated microphone to prevent echo.
- Enable Push-to-Talk if you have background noise. Set a comfortable, reachable key (e.g., Left Ctrl).
- Close other apps using your microphone (Discord, Zoom) to avoid device conflicts.
- If using Bluetooth, prefer aptX/High Quality profiles or use a wired headset to minimize latency and dropouts.
Troubleshooting common problems
Problem: CrewLink doesn’t detect Among Us
- Ensure both apps are running as the same user (and same privilege level). Try running both as Administrator.
- Make sure you’re on the same local network. Disable VPNs or network isolation features.
- If using Microsoft Store Among Us, try launching from the same account and ensure folder permissions allow CrewLink to read process info.
Problem: Others can’t hear me
- Verify correct microphone selected in CrewLink and Windows.
- Check Windows privacy settings: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone → allow apps to access microphone.
- Lower input sensitivity if your mic is too quiet or increase microphone volume in Windows.
Problem: Echo or feedback
- Use headphones. If impossible, enable push-to-talk and reduce speaker volume.
- Turn off Stereo Mix or similar loopback devices.
Problem: High latency or choppy audio
- Use wired Ethernet where possible.
- Reduce CPU load by closing background apps.
- Check router for bandwidth issues; switch Wi‑Fi bands (2.4GHz vs 5GHz).
Advanced: Using CrewLink with firewall and port settings
- CrewLink typically uses local UDP ports. Windows Firewall may block communication. If players cannot connect, add an inbound/outbound rule allowing CrewLink.exe through the firewall.
- For hosted games where players are on different subnets, port forwarding or VPNs may be required — but CrewLink is primarily designed for LAN play.
Security and mods
- CrewLink is a third-party mod. Only download releases from the official GitHub to avoid tampered binaries.
- Avoid sharing personal information in voice lobbies. Use push-to-talk and mute when appropriate.
Alternatives and complementary tools
- Alternatives include Discord (with spatial plugins), Mumble, or simple voice chats; none replicate CrewLink’s in-game spatial distance features as cleanly.
- Use Voicemeeter or Virtual Audio Cable for advanced routing if you need to mix audio between apps.
Quick checklist (summary)
- Download CrewLink from official GitHub.
- Install or extract and run CrewLink.exe (Run as Administrator if needed).
- Set correct input/output in Windows and CrewLink.
- Launch Among Us; join or host a local lobby.
- Use Push-to-Talk, set hotkeys, and tweak spatial settings for best experience.
If you want, I can: provide a step-by-step screenshot walkthrough, a short troubleshooting script (commands like ipconfig and firewall rules), or a tailored setup for Bluetooth/Voicemeeter users.
Leave a Reply