Working memory capacity affects the interference control of distractors at auditory gating

► Inhibitory role is important to understanding of working memory capacity (WMC). ► We studied the relation between WMC and interference control at sensory gating. ► Interference control of both novel and simple distractors was examined. ► Novel distractors elicited small N1 amplitude in subjects with high WMC than low WMC. ► WMC affects the interference control toward distractors at the sensory gating.