In powerpoint, when trying to record a presentation, the microphone is not available. The device is not set up correctly is the error message

Question

In powerpoint, when trying to record a presentation, the microphone is not available. The device is not set up correctly is the error message

Matt Paynter 20

Hi all,

Got a bit of a head scratcher..

When trying to record a presentation in PowerPoint my microphone is now showing as unavailable.

I was having no issues previously so I am assuming a setting has been changed somewhere however I cannot figure out where to look.

Microphone works in other apps, and I can record audio directly for the slide via the standard audio selection. It is only when going to Record > From Beginning or From Current Slide that I have the issue.

PowerPoint is the only application open, and no other app is using the microphone.

I have tried removing and adding devices back, updates, reinstalling PowerPoint, setting and resetting the option to use the microphone exclusive. I have tried the audio trouble-shooters and have had no luck. Tried a headset and 2 microphones, same issue.

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated!

User's image

John Korchok 237.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-11T00:05:16.12+00:00

I've seen others have problems with third-party microphones in PowerPoint. Microsoft has not done a good job making this robust. If your computer has a built-in microphone, have you tried that? They are more likely to work as expected.
Matt Paynter 20 Reputation points

2025-07-11T12:36:29.32+00:00

Thanks John, no inbuilt mic unfortunately.
Steve Rindsberg 99,196 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-13T16:26:25.5166667+00:00

Matt,

As John's mentioned, a lot of people seem to be having this problem. Another user with the problem has done a good bit of troubleshooting and has found that it appears to be a problem caused by a Windows 11 update.

Here's the link to his MS Answers post, in case you'd like to have a look:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/unable-to-use-microphone-in-powerpoint/ab242d46-7480-4c3b-b1d7-1f13ecc7eb45
Matt Paynter 20 Reputation points

2025-07-14T06:30:26.1533333+00:00

Thanks Steve,
I have a laptop with the same windows version and update history. It does not have the problem using inbuilt microphone or a third party mic so not sure about the update being the cause. Unless the update only affected computers without inbuilt microphones?
I have reported via app feedback as well. Awaiting an outcome.
Cheers
Steve Rindsberg 99,196 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-17T15:18:43.94+00:00

Matt,

Now that several users have reported the problem via Send Feedback (which provides add'l system information) MS engineers have been able to reproduce and fix the problem. My understanding is that they'll be releasing the fix shortly as one of these "silent" updates that occurs when you start/restart PowerPoint. No need to force a full update at your end.

Typically they roll these things out gradually, so it might reach you in the next day or so, or it may take a week or more.

Answer accepted by question author

Steve Rindsberg 99,196 MVP Volunteer Moderator

Microsoft is releasing a fix for this. They'll probably roll it out gradually as usual, to make sure that a fix to one problem doesn't inadvertently create other problems.

If you've received the fix, which is distributed silently, restarting PPT will enable it.

I've already heard from one user who's received the fix already and has the microphone working again.

Matt Paynter 20 Reputation points

2025-07-24T02:12:56.1366667+00:00

Looks like I have the update and the fix has worked.

1 additional answer

Your answer

John Korchok 237.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-11T00:05:16.12+00:00

I've seen others have problems with third-party microphones in PowerPoint. Microsoft has not done a good job making this robust. If your computer has a built-in microphone, have you tried that? They are more likely to work as expected.
Matt Paynter 20 Reputation points

2025-07-11T12:36:29.32+00:00

Thanks John, no inbuilt mic unfortunately.
Steve Rindsberg 99,196 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-13T16:26:25.5166667+00:00

Matt,

As John's mentioned, a lot of people seem to be having this problem. Another user with the problem has done a good bit of troubleshooting and has found that it appears to be a problem caused by a Windows 11 update.

Here's the link to his MS Answers post, in case you'd like to have a look:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/unable-to-use-microphone-in-powerpoint/ab242d46-7480-4c3b-b1d7-1f13ecc7eb45
Matt Paynter 20 Reputation points

2025-07-14T06:30:26.1533333+00:00

Thanks Steve,
I have a laptop with the same windows version and update history. It does not have the problem using inbuilt microphone or a third party mic so not sure about the update being the cause. Unless the update only affected computers without inbuilt microphones?
I have reported via app feedback as well. Awaiting an outcome.
Cheers
Steve Rindsberg 99,196 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-17T15:18:43.94+00:00

Matt,

Now that several users have reported the problem via Send Feedback (which provides add'l system information) MS engineers have been able to reproduce and fix the problem. My understanding is that they'll be releasing the fix shortly as one of these "silent" updates that occurs when you start/restart PowerPoint. No need to force a full update at your end.

Typically they roll these things out gradually, so it might reach you in the next day or so, or it may take a week or more.
Matt Paynter 20 Reputation points

2025-07-24T02:12:56.1366667+00:00

Looks like I have the update and the fix has worked.

Answer 1

Anonymous

Dear Matt Paynter
Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Forum and thank you for reaching out and sharing your issue.

Based on the information you've provided, I understand you're experiencing difficulties in PowerPoint where the microphone appears unavailable when trying to record a presentation, despite having already attempted basic troubleshooting steps.

After researching the issue, one suggestion I can offer is to try using your microphone with a different device to see if the same error occurs. This can help determine whether the problem is specific to your current computer setup.

If you encounter any new developments or have additional details to share, please feel free to do so, I’m always here and ready to support you further.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Matt Paynter 20 Reputation points

2025-07-11T12:41:26.88+00:00

Thanks Tammy, I can confirm it is specific to my computer set up. Microphone and recording works on a laptop running powerpoint.
I just don't know how to check if there is another app using the microphone that isn't being listed under Microphone recent history in the Privacy & Security settings. I can see these and no other app is listed as using the microphone at the same time...
Anonymous

2025-07-16T07:51:58.88+00:00

Dear Matt Paynter
Thank you for your response, your input is truly valuable to me.

Based on the information you provided and my own research, I noticed that Steve Rindsberg mentioned some helpful insights that could be referenced. I also appreciate the positive feedback you've shared, and it's great to see that you've already taken proactive steps toward resolving the issue.

We're genuinely pleased to hear that the troubleshooting steps have worked well for you. Thank you again for taking the time to share your solution regarding the microphone fix, it’s greatly appreciated.