microphone not working on headset,

Julie Smith 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T09:53:57.97+00:00

microphone not working on headset, can hear people but they can't hear me

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 87,635 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-16T10:28:51.24+00:00

    Hi, @Julie Smith

    Is there a physical mute button or mute switch on your headset? Make sure the headset microphone is not muted.

    If you haven't tried it yet, first, go to Settings > System > Sound. Under "Input," select your headset microphone, set the input volume to 100, then speak or lightly tap the microphone and check whether the input meter moves.

    If the issue still persists, to help narrow down the issue:

    1. What is the exact make and model of the headset?
    2. Is it connected by USB, Bluetooth, or a 3.5 mm audio jack?
    3. Does the microphone work in any other app, such as Voice Recorder?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-16T09:54:17.15+00:00

    Try these steps in Windows 11:

    1. Check that the headset is not muted.
      • If the headset has a physical mute button or inline mute control, make sure it is off.
    2. Verify the headset is connected correctly.
      • If it is a wired headset, reconnect it firmly.
      • If it is a Bluetooth headset, make sure it is paired and connected.
    3. Set the headset microphone as the default input device.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Input, in Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the headset microphone.
    4. Test the microphone.
      • In Start > Settings > System > Sound, select the > next to the microphone.
      • Under Microphone test, select Start test, speak, then select Stop test.
      • Use Play under Recorded sample to confirm audio was captured.
    5. Increase the microphone input volume.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Input, select the microphone.
      • Adjust the Input volume slider if the recorded sample is too quiet.
    6. Make sure microphone access is enabled.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
      • Turn on Microphone access.
      • Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
      • If using a desktop app, turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone.
    7. Run the audio troubleshooter.
      • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
      • Scroll to Advanced and use Output devices or Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
      • Select All sound devices under Advanced for more options.
    8. If Windows does not detect the headset microphone, reinstall the audio driver.
      • Right-click Start > 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 or Delete the driver software for this device, then select Uninstall.
      • Restart the PC.
      • If needed, return to 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 headset appears in sound settings and the microphone test records audio, Windows is receiving the mic input and the issue is likely in the specific app being used.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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