Microphone not working

Question

The mic on my laptop has stopped working in that I can listen but not speak.

Answer 1

Hi Carol,

To further check on this, please make sure that your Windows is up to date as well as the drivers.

To verify if there is driver available needed to be installed, go to Settings > windows update > advanced options > optional update > download and install all drivers even if it's not related to Audio/Microphone > restart your device.

If issue persist, manually download and install Audio driver from your laptop's manufacturer website.

 However, even if after doing windows update or driver update, consider have your device physically checked for any hardware issue to make sure that internal parts specifically with built in microphone are properly connected.

Answer 2

Try these steps in order on Windows 11:

1. Check physical mute and connection

• If using a headset, make sure any hardware Mute switch or button on the headset or cable is not enabled.
• If it is a Bluetooth headset, ensure it is paired and connected correctly.

2. Make the correct microphone the default input

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. In Input, go to Choose a device for speaking or recording and select the laptop’s internal microphone (or the headset mic you want to use).
3. To test it, select > to the right of the device. On the properties page, select Start test under Microphone test and speak into the mic. Select Stop test and choose Play under Recorded sample to hear what it sounds like.

3. Check app permissions for the microphone

1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
2. Select Change, then turn on Allow apps to access your microphone.
3. Under Allow desktop apps to access your microphone, make sure the switch is set to On.
4. If using a camera with a built‑in mic, also go to Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera and ensure camera access and app access are On.

4. Increase microphone input level

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. In Input, select your microphone.
3. Under Input settings, select Start test, speak normally, then Stop test and Play the sample. Adjust the Input volume slider until the recording is clear and loud enough.

5. Run the built‑in troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings > System > Sound.
2. Scroll down to Advanced and choose Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
3. Follow the prompts. For more options, select All sound devices under Advanced.

6. Reinstall audio drivers if the mic is not detected at all

1. Right‑click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right‑click the audio device and select Uninstall device. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select Uninstall. Repeat for other audio devices if needed.
4. Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall audio devices and drivers automatically.
5. If needed, open Device Manager again, right‑click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
6. Then right‑click your audio driver and select Update driver.

If the internal mic still does not work after these steps but external mics do, this can indicate a hardware issue with the built‑in microphone and may require device manufacturer support.

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References:

• Fix microphone problems