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how to fix mic on my pc

annalee 20 Reputation points
2026-06-08T14:56:02.68+00:00

microphone on my pc (HP Envy x360) stopped working so I purchased a regular mic and plugged it into computer, worked a few years but suddenly it stopped working even though the light on mic turns on when I plug it in. Can't figure out how to get mic to work or if the mic is just broken

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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Answer accepted by question author

Lester Bernard Reyes 82,020 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-06-08T15:33:06.87+00:00

Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

To isolate the issue, please try connecting the microphone to a different device. If it does not work on another device, this indicates that the microphone itself may be faulty. However, if it works on a different device, please follow the steps below to troubleshoot and reinstall the microphone driver on your PC.

Method 1. Run Audio troubleshooter:

Press the Windows Key + R, then type in:

msdt.exe /id AudioPlaybackDiagnostic

Then hit OK and follow the prompt to run Audio Troubleshooter.

Method 2. Roll back the Microphone driver:

-Press the Windows key + X

-Go to Device Manager

-Expand the Audio inputs and Outputs

-Look for your Microphone

-Right-click and click Update Driver

-Select Browse my computer for drivers

-Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer

-Choose an old driver or another driver name, then select it and hit next until it installs.

-Restart the PC and check.

Method 3. Roll back Audio driver:

-Press the Windows key + X

-Go to Device Manager

-Expand the Sound, video and game controller

-Look for Realtek (R) Audio or High Definition audio

-Right-click and click Update Driver

-Select Browse my computer for drivers

-Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer

-Choose an old driver or another driver name, then select it and hit next until it installs.

-Restart the PC and check.

Note: If the issue persists, please download and install a Microphone and Audio driver from your manufacturer's website.

Note: This is a public forum. I may respond shortly, but I apologize in advance for any delays. I am simply a fellow user trying to provide helpful insights and information.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-08T14:56:54.8566667+00:00

    Use these steps on the HP Envy x360 with Windows 11 to find whether the issue is Windows or the microphone hardware:

    1. Check basic hardware
      1. Make sure the mic plug is fully seated in the jack and the cable is not loose or damaged.
      2. If the mic has a physical mute switch or power switch, make sure it is turned on and not muted. A lit LED only shows power, not that audio is being picked up.
      3. If possible, test the mic on another device (another PC, laptop, or phone with an adapter). If it also fails there, the mic is likely faulty.
    2. Confirm Windows sees and uses the mic
      1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Under Input, in Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the plugged-in microphone.
      3. Select the > next to that device to open its properties.
      4. Under Microphone test, select Start test, speak into the mic, then select Stop test and Play the recorded sample.
        • If the test bar does not move and playback is silent, Windows is not receiving input from that mic.
    3. Check microphone volume and boost
      1. In Settings > System > Sound, under Input, select the mic.
      2. Adjust the Input volume slider up and repeat the Start test / Play steps.
      3. If still no input, the mic or jack may be at fault.
    4. Verify microphone privacy settings
      1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
      2. Make sure Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone are turned On.
      3. Scroll down and ensure the specific app being used (for example, Teams, Zoom, browser) is allowed to access the microphone.
    5. Confirm the device is detected and drivers are working
      1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
      2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers and confirm audio devices appear without warning icons.
      3. If the external mic is not detected at all, or if there are audio issues:
        • Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
        • Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device if available, then select Uninstall.
        • Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the audio drivers automatically.
        • After restart, go back to Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes if needed.
    6. Run the built-in troubleshooters
      1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Scroll down to Advanced and choose Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
      3. Follow the prompts to let Windows detect and fix microphone issues.
    7. Distinguish PC vs mic failure
      • If another microphone (for example, a headset mic or USB mic) works on the HP Envy x360 after these steps, but this particular mic still does not, that mic is likely faulty.
      • If no microphone works on the HP Envy x360 but they work on other devices, the issue is likely with the laptop’s audio jack or drivers; in that case, continue using a USB headset/mic or contact HP support for hardware service.

    References:

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

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