Microphone(Handheld) has 1/4 - 1/2 second delay

I have a recording studio. The "delay", such as trying to sing along with a Karaoke disc, is called "Latency". PC audio systems are notorious for this. We also face this with our "professional" audio recording interface devices although they can be adjusted for lower latency. This is not a "Microsoft" caused problem, Apple MAC's have the same issues or those with Linux recording systems face the same Latency problems.

Usually there isn't much you can do with the PC's sound chip audio system. Most that want to do this will buy a USB connected recording device, such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or one of the many other similar devices.

Open Sound and click on the Recording tab. Check to see if Stereo Mix is enabled. If it is, right click on it, select Properties. On that window, click on the Listen tab and clear the check box for "Listen to this device". Apply then OK out of the screens.

as fireberd mentioned; its probably just the way pc audio devices are. I guess if ya really want to record with a mic then you are probably better off using a karaoke machine rather than trying to do it via pc due to the latency issue. But if you still insist on trying to get it to work take a look at some of these results from searching google; one of which might give u what u are looking for:

https://www.google.com/#q=windows%20...ncy%20problems

It's has to be the software you're using then. A microphone, by default, won't play through the speakers. What software are you using? Check the sound driver and software options for enhancements and/or effects. There may be an option for "Acoustic Echo Cancelation" or similar in your audio driver.