microphone on laptop running windows 11 missing and cant talk to copilot

Cyrus Atashkar 0 Reputation points
2026-09-04T03:50:46.2566667+00:00

microphone on laptop running windows 11 missing and cant talk to copilot

Microsoft Copilot | Windows Copilot | App
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-04T03:51:01.63+00:00

    If the microphone is missing in Windows 11, fix the Windows microphone input first. Copilot depends on the same microphone access and input device.

    1. Turn on microphone permissions.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
      • Turn on Microphone access.
      • Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
      • If needed, turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone.
      • If the laptop camera includes a microphone, also go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and make sure camera access is on.
    2. Check that the correct input device is selected.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Input, select the built-in microphone in Choose a device for speaking or recording.
      • Open the device properties, select Start test, speak, then Stop test and Play. If there is no input, raise the Input volume.
    3. Check simple hardware states.
      • Make sure the microphone or headset is connected correctly.
      • If the laptop has a mic mute button or key, make sure it is not muted.
      • If using Bluetooth audio, make sure the device is paired and connected.
    4. Run the Windows sound troubleshooter.
      • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
      • Scroll to Advanced.
      • Under Troubleshoot common sound problems, choose Input devices.
      • For more options, select All sound devices under Advanced.
    5. Reinstall the audio driver if Windows is not detecting the microphone.
      • Warning: uninstalling the audio device temporarily removes sound input until Windows reinstalls the driver.
      • Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
      • Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select Uninstall.
      • Repeat for other audio devices if needed.
      • Restart the PC.
      • After restart, if Windows does not reinstall it automatically, open Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
      • Then right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.

    If the microphone starts working in Sound test or Sound Recorder, voice input in Copilot should work as well.

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  2. Thomas4-N 21,530 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-05T11:18:13.8533333+00:00

    Hello Cyrus Atashkar,

    To narrow this down, could you check whether the microphone appears under Settings > System > Sound > Input, and whether it works in Sound Recorder?

    • If it is missing or does not work there, this is a Windows audio device or driver issue.
    • If it works there but not in Copilot, the issue is likely limited to Copilot permissions or the app.

    Please share what you see in those two places, along with your laptop model.

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