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Gina Doran 0 Reputation points
2026-05-28T13:07:53.8333333+00:00

How do I enable a disabled laptop built in microphone?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. David-M 113.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-28T13:42:19.9566667+00:00

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

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

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

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

    Then, open the Device Manager (Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager") and see if there are any devices labeled "Unknown Device" or with warning signs. Click the arrow to the left of each category icon to expand it and see the devices it contains.

    Share a screenshot of what you find.

    Also. What is the manufacturer and model of your laptop?

    If you prefer, you can share a screenshot of your system information.

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

    Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-28T13:08:09.3866667+00:00

    Use Device Manager and Windows microphone settings to re‑enable the built‑in mic.

    1. Re‑enable the device in Device Manager
      1. Right‑click the Start button and select Device Manager.
      2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      3. Look for your laptop’s internal audio device (often the Realtek/Intel audio device).
      4. If it shows as Disabled (down arrow icon), right‑click it and select Enable device.
      5. If the internal microphone appears under a separate Audio inputs and outputs node, repeat the same step there.
    2. Make sure Windows sees the microphone and it’s selected
      1. Open Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Under Input, open Choose a device for speaking or recording and select the laptop’s built‑in microphone as the input device.
      3. Adjust Input volume so the mic level is reasonable.
      4. Use Start test (if available) or speak and check that the input level meter moves.
    3. Re‑enable microphone access for apps
      1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
      2. Turn Microphone access On.
      3. Turn Let apps access your microphone On, and ensure any needed apps are allowed.
      4. Turn Let desktop apps access your microphone On if using desktop apps (for example, Teams, Zoom).

    If the internal mic still does not appear at all after these steps, reinstalling the audio driver from Device Manager (uninstall, restart, then Scan for hardware changes) can restore a missing device.

    References:

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

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