Microphone not working

Raymond OBrien 0 Reputation points
2026-09-17T16:54:22.4733333+00:00

The micophone that is integral to the computer is not worling. The speakers do

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-17T16:54:39.17+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Check microphone privacy access.
      • Windows 11: Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
      • Turn on Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone.
      • If the problem is in one app, make sure that app is also allowed.
      • Windows 10: Start > Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
      • Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone and Allow desktop apps to access your microphone.
    2. Make sure the built-in microphone is selected as the input device.
      • Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Sound > under Input, choose the device for speaking or recording.
      • Open the device properties, select Start test, speak, then Stop test and Play. If the test records sound, Windows is detecting the microphone.
      • Windows 10: Start > Settings > System > Sound > under Input, confirm the microphone is selected in Choose your input device. Speak into it and check Test your microphone.
    3. Increase microphone input volume.
      • Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Sound > select the microphone > adjust Input volume.
      • Windows 10: Start > Settings > System > Sound > Input > Device Properties > Levels tab, then raise Microphone and Microphone Boost.
    4. Run the built-in audio troubleshooter.
      • Windows 11: Settings > System > Sound. Scroll to Advanced and use Output devices or Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
      • Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Recording Audio.
    5. Reinstall the audio driver if Windows is not detecting the microphone.
      • Right-click Start > Device Manager.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
      • If shown, select the option to remove or delete the driver for this device.
      • Restart the PC.
      • If Windows does not reinstall it automatically, 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.
    6. Check Windows Update for driver updates.
      • A Microsoft Q&A accepted answer recommends installing available driver updates from Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, then restarting.

    If the speakers work but the built-in microphone still fails after these steps, the remaining likely cause is an audio driver issue or a hardware problem with the internal microphone.

    References:

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  2. David-M 125.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-17T17:28:47.13+00:00

    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 in the sound options.

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

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

    Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

    • Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

    Maximize the window and use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  3. Kapil Arya 38,466 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-18T08:15:25.0633333+00:00

    Please refer these suggestions:

    -Check and confirm if Microphone access is enabled at Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.

    -You can try setting your microphone as default. Run mmsys.cpl command, and then select your microphone. Click on Set default.

    -Go to Settings > System > Sound, click on the Input devices option present under the Troubleshoot common sound problems.

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