Multiple Headset Microphones Will Not Function on Multiple Windows 10 Machines

Question

Having an issue with my microphones on multiple headsets in Windows 10.

I have tested the headphones on a four Windows 10 computers and they work on only one (the one which has not been updated for quite some time, so wondering if it was a recent update)  Strangely enough, the microphone that is built into my webcam DOES work.

I have restarted the computers thus restarting the Windows Audio Service.  There is nothing in event viewer.

Test your microphone does not pick up any sound from it.  It detects it and does not indicate any issues at all.

Allow Apps to access your microphone is set configured.  And the mic is not muted.

Any ideas.

Regards

Answer 1

The issue right now that is hardest to fix is headsets and headset microphones. It seems like they've broken it and the fixes which worked a year ago for most aren't working much at all any longer. I am trying to escalate the issue via MVP channels which is very slow going because it's such a large organization. We're more likely to find a fix in forums. So please be sure to complete every step and let me know results.

If you want to report this to Microsoft use the Feedback Hub app in Start Menu where developers are tasked to process consumer feedback. They will not even see it here. This is a tech forums staffed mostly by volunteers trying to help others with your problems.

If you want to post back a Share link from your Feedback here others who see this thread can vote it up and add to it. If you are an Insider I can also vote it up with my MVP badge and track the issue for you.

Answer 2

I removed the most recent Windows Update from the 20th.  No dice.  That is the most recent update in the past month on my systems and this just started this past week.  Really has me scratching my head.

BTW.  I am an Ex MSoftie.  Worked in Exchange Premier Support here at the Charlotte Campus for like 10 years.

I may also reach out to some old colleagues there to see what they can dig up.  Don't burn bridges is a motto that I go by, you may need to cross them one day.  heh

Answer 3

I'm glad to help. Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

Answer 4

Thanks mate.  Will give it a shot.

I has to be an update.  As it happened at the same time on three of my computers.

Still strange that the mic on the camera works and it is USB.  Has me stumped and sadly I do not have a pair of headphones to test to see if the sound card jack works.  BAH!

Answer 5

Hi WS. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator. If you will work with me I will be here to help until the issue is resolved.

I will give you all possible Microphone fixes to try in sequence. Even if you've already tried one I'd do it in this order as one step may affect the next.

Please run the Recording Sound troubleshooter at Start button > Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.

Try these fixes next:

https://www.windowscentral.com/setting-your-hea...

https://win10faq.com/fix-microphone-settings/

https://www.howtogeek.com/395296/fix-my-microph...

http://maxedtech.com/fix-microphone-not-working...

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fix-microphone-pr...

Some report that what worked is turning off Fast Startup at Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional Power Settings > Choose what Power buttons do > Change Settings Currently Unavailable > uncheck the box for Fast Startup, Save Settings. Restart and then disable Hibernate file to clear it, restart PC again and enable Hibernate again: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/enable-hiberna...

Right click the volume icon in System Tray at right end of task bar, open Recording Devices, see if the microphone is listed, set it as Default device.

Type Microphone in Start Search, open Set up Microphone, scroll down to Microphone and choose Get started to set it up.

Also reset the prompt to ask for which device was plugged in here:

https://windowsreport.com/you-just-plugged-unpl...

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/En...

https://www.dell.com/community/Windows-10/How-g...

Try rolling back the sound controller drivers in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Choose Sound controller device, then Driver tab, then Roll back if available.

Update the Sound drivers from the PC's Support Downloads web page. While there make sure you also have the latest Chipset, Display, Network, USB and all other drivers, comparing with the version presently installed in Device Manager.

If no newer driver then uninstall the ones presently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start Button. Restart PC to reinstall.

When did this behavior begin? If you have an idea you might be able to System Restore back to a point before it began: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

It's possible this was caused by a Windows Update so if nothing above works, go to Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update, check the Installed Updates list for Updates that might have been just installed, try uninstalling them using the Uninstall button present there. Then hide the Updates using the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

If this was caused by a Version update (which you can confirm at Settings > System > About) then for ten days you can roll back Version in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

If there are other performance problems then go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

Others are fixing USB mic and headset issues with Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account, because the account is corrupted and this is the only fix.

If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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