Rode X usb microphone suddenly not working since windows update

Question

Rode X usb microphone suddenly not working since windows update

Siân Clemson 20

Good evening, my microphone was working this morning but suddenly after the updates isn't anymore. The "on" light is active (most of the time) my headphones work through it, but it isn't recognising any sound input. I have checked all my settings and done the tests and troubleshooting and nothing is working. The tests aren't detecting any sound either.

I have updated this morning to windows 11 - not working since. My windows updates keep saying it needs to restart which I have actioned four times but it isn't making any difference.

I have googled and checked all the settings in audacity as well as on the windows interface itself and all are set to receive from the microphone.

Any help appreciated. Thank you

Mohamed Mostafa 0 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2026-08-20T11:43:14.7266667+00:00

You would need to manually select your installed Microphone from Audio properties to make sure that the correct hardware is selected.

Answer accepted by question author

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Your answer

Mohamed Mostafa 0 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2026-08-20T11:43:14.7266667+00:00

You would need to manually select your installed Microphone from Audio properties to make sure that the correct hardware is selected.

Answer 1

David-M 125.2K Independent Advisor

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

To be able to assist you better, please share a screenshot of the "Recording" tab of the sound options.

Press "Windows + R", type mmsys.cpl and press Enter;
Select the "Recording" tab and take a screenshot.

Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Regarding Windows Update, please do the following:

Go to "Settings (Windows + I) > Windows Update > Update history";
Expand all categories;
Look for any item marked with "Failed to install" (along with an error code).

You can share screenshots if you prefer.

Looking forward to your reply.

Siân Clemson 20 Reputation points

2026-08-18T13:30:33.51+00:00

Hi David,

Thank you for time:

I expanded all categories and can't see any failed updates. However I can't get any resolve to the pending restart ones also screenshotted - I have restarted about four times now and it stays the same.

Hope that is enough info to go off?

Kind regards,
David-M 125.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-18T14:22:50.6+00:00
Thanks for the clarifications and screenshots.

Since there was a recent feature update, Windows 11 may have reset the global microphone privacy permissions. This can happen after a major update, causing the microphone to appear in the list while completely blocking audio input across all programs (including the Windows test itself and Audacity).

I think it's a good idea to focus on Windows Update first, since anything you try to fix the microphone might end up being reset. However, perform this test and let me know the result: Open the mmsys.cpl window to the "Recording" tab, speak into the microphone, and see if the bars on the right show any activity.

Perform the procedure below to see if you can get Windows Update to proceed and install the updates that were stuck in a pending restart state.

Open Start and type cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".

Run the following commands at the Command Prompt one at a time:

net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop cryptsvc ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak net start bits net start wuauserv net start cryptsvc

After all these commands are completed, close the Command Prompt window, restart (not shutdown) your computer, and then try to update Windows.

Please let me know how it goes.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Siân Clemson 20 Reputation points

2026-08-18T19:18:31.52+00:00

Hi David = firstly thank you for the easy to follow instructions, very helpful.

Unfortunately still no recognition of any sound. I'm pulling my hair out! Do you have any other suggestions?

Thank you
David-M 125.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-18T19:34:03.4766667+00:00
Now that the Windows Update issue has been resolved, the most likely reason I suspect your microphone still isn't picking up sound is that Windows 11 sometimes resets global microphone privacy permissions after a major update.

Try this:

Press "Windows + I" to open Settings;

Go to "Privacy & security > Microphone";

Check if "Microphone access" is turned "On";

Then, check if "Let apps access your microphone" is turned "On";

Then, scroll down and check if "Let desktop apps access your microphone" is turned "On", as this is required for apps like Audacity and system tests.

Please let me know how it goes.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Siân Clemson 20 Reputation points

2026-08-18T19:45:43.3266667+00:00

Hi David,

All seem on there but still no detection in any tests or audacity.

There should be three "hellos" picked up here and still nothing:

Thank you again.
Siân Clemson 20 Reputation points

2026-08-18T19:52:32.3966667+00:00

Thank you David,

Unfortunately these were already all turned on and still not working. Appreciate your help on this.
David-M 125.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-18T19:57:21.9+00:00
Thanks for the update

Please check the audio signal meter in Windows to see if it receives any input at all.

Press "Windows + R", type mmsys.cpl and press Enter;

Select the "Recording" tab

Speak into the microphone, and check if the green bar next to "Desktop Microphone (RØDE XCM-50)" moves at all.

Looking forward to your reply.
Siân Clemson 20 Reputation points

2026-08-18T20:05:27.17+00:00

Hi David, no detection there unfortunately.

Thanks,
David-M 125.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-19T12:11:44.2666667+00:00
Sorry for the delay in reply. I've been offline.

Thanks for the clarification.

This means that Windows recognizes the connected device, but the audio is not reaching the system. This is usually a driver-related issue.

Please share a screenshot of the devices under the "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" and "Audio inputs and outputs" categories in Device Manager.

Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager";

Expand "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" and "Audio inputs and outputs";

Then, take a screenshot of both categories if possible. It's fine if you need to share two screenshots.

Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Looking forward to your reply.
Siân Clemson 20 Reputation points

2026-08-19T19:00:37.5966667+00:00

Hi David, Hope the above is helpful. Thank you for your time.
David-M 125.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-19T19:05:07.16+00:00

The only thing missing was the screenshot of the devices under "Sound, Video and Game Controllers." I just want to make sure I suggest the correct procedure.

Can you share a screenshot of the devices under "Sound, video and game controllers"?

Looking forward to your reply.
Siân Clemson 20 Reputation points

2026-08-19T19:15:27.5133333+00:00

Hi David,

Sorry -
David-M 125.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-19T19:34:32.15+00:00
No problem at all. Thanks for the screenshots.

I suggest reinstalling the device as instructed below.

Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager);

Expand "Audio inputs and outputs", right-click "Desktop Microphone (RODE XCM-50)", select "Uninstall device", and click "Uninstall" on the pop-up window to confirm;

Expand "Sound, video and game controllers", right-click "RODE XCM-50", select "Uninstall device", and click "Uninstall" on the pop-up window to confirm;

Unplug the USB cable from your PC;

Restart (not shutdown) your computer, then plug the microphone back in (try a different USB port directly on your computer).

If the issue persists, try checking using the official software:

Download and open the RODE Central (or UNIFY).

Check if the software gain slider is turned down or if a software mute was triggered when the system refreshed the audio driver. It's a less common cause, but worth a try.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Siân Clemson 20 Reputation points

2026-08-19T19:49:43.23+00:00

Hi David - thank you I finally have some sound! I will fiddle the levels as it is very quiet but I am so relived, thank you. You have no idea how helpful you've been, I really appreciate it :)
David-M 125.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-20T11:33:24.28+00:00

Great! Glad to help.

Best regards.