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Microphone functions in USB webcam and microphone stopped working

Anonymous
2022-06-22T07:55:33+00:00

Thanks in advance for any help! Yesterday, both external, USB-connected microphones to my Windows 10 XPS laptop stopped working. Specifically, I have a USB microphone and a current model Logitech webcam, connected to the laptop via USB connection (either directly or via a hub; I've tried both). In Zoom, Teams, and other apps, whenever I attempt to use either microphone, the device is not detected or does not work. For example, when I use the Voice Recorder app and have it set on the USB microphone, no sound is recorded. Further, in Settings > Sound, if I try to test Microphone settings for the USB microphone, the volume indicator indicates no sound is being detected, whereas when I switch to the built-in microphone, it detects sound just fine. Also, in Sound Settings when I switch to the USB microphone or the Logitech webcam microphone, the Settings menu may freeze/become unresponsive

Further, for the Logitech webcam, its video functions work in Zoom (it displays a live feed and transmits normally), but there is no sound. The Zoom audio menu displays an error, saying "There seems to be an issue with your microphone, please switch to another device." I cannot join audio in Zoom. In Teams and in the Camera app, the Logitech camera loads slowly -- sometimes it seems as if the camera is not detected, and the microphone does not work either.

To be clear, the laptop's built-in webcam and microphone appears to be fine. There are no issues with that microphone, in Zoom, recording, or otherwise. The speakers work perfectly. I wonder whether a recent series of system and software updates that were just installed may be a cause of the sudden issues. The overall hardware setup has been used for about a year with no issues, but Windows Update installed a bunch of updates earlier this week.

Some measures that I have tried:

  1. Checked Settings > Update and Security > Troubleshoot (there were no recommended troubleshooters). I also ran a Recording troubleshooter and it found no issues.
  2. Checked Settings > Privacy > Apps Permission and verified that microphone access is turned on for all apps.
  3. Checked Device Manager, drivers for Webcam, USB Microphone; there is no version to rollback.
  4. For the USB Microphone, I uninstalled the device in Device Manager. Then scanned for hardware changes and it automatically reinstalled.
  5. For the Logitech webcam, I uninstalled the device in Device Manager. Then scanned for hardware changes and it automatically reinstalled.

So far, none of these measures have solved the issue -- that is, somehow, the peripherals (USB webcam, USB microphone) have had their microphone functions disabled, and the webcam is having some problems connecting as well. Any help would be appreciated!!!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-07-05T08:52:04+00:00

    As of now it looks like the problem might be the converter/docking station.

    You can try using the same adapter you used for the direct connection on your home office docking station.

    Device+Dual Monitor Dock+Converter+Laptop

    If the device is unusable at this point, then the problem may be with the converter.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2022-07-06T09:30:27+00:00

    Let's make one last attempt.

    Can you provide a screenshot of the audio input interface?

    Right-click the volume key in the taskbar - Sound Settings - Sound Control Panel - Recording - Right-click and select "Show Disabled Devices" - then take a screenshot of the device list of the current tab

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2022-06-25T10:17:40+00:00

    To update, I have tested a different Logitech webcam (C615), and a different USB microphone, and they both work on this device. So there seems to be something specifically wrong with the Logitech C930e (as well as the existing USB microphone). I have posted an updated question on that here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware/logitech-c930e-webcam-microphone-not-working/a4b1898d-e710-43bb-bfe8-c71210357189

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-06-23T10:19:11+00:00

    Thank you, Kirk. I went through those procedures, intending to remove that update. However, when I got the "View Installed Updates" menu in Safe Mode, it listed the most recent installed updates as KB5013624, from May 21, 2022, and a Servicing Stack update and a Security Update (KB5013942) from today, June 23, 2022. There is no KB5016139 update. The problems only occurred in this week.

    Meanwhile, when I view update history in Windows Update, it lists numerous 38 driver updates on June 21, 2022, which is right when the Microphones stopped working. Most of the updates are Intel (Bluetooth, SoftwareComponent, Extension, etc.), also Realtek, Dell, and Logitech. There was also a Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830) installed on June 21, 2022.

    On the day that the Microphones stopped working, I tried running a System Restore back to May, and let it run, but after the computer restarted a message appeared saying that the System Restore operation was unsuccessful. Note that I did run System Restore from safe mode.

    Any suggestions at this point? Maybe I should try rolling back a driver? Thanks for any help.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-06-23T02:28:54+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for your post in Microsoft Community.

    I understand that you are having issues with the USB microphone device not working properly after a recent Windows update.

    You have checked for possible driver issues but they have not been resolved.

    So I figured we could try uninstalling the recent Windows update and see if that fixes the problem.

    Some of the many updates you receive may be security updates or other feature updates. The Windows quality update in the last week is KB5016139, which was pushed on June 20.

    You can click Settings - Update & Security - Recovery - Advanced Startup - Start Now - （At this point the computer restarts.）-Troubleshooting - Advanced Options - Startup Settings - Restart - Press 4 or F4 or 5 or F5 to enter Safe Mode.

    In security mode, press Win+R, enter and run control to open the Control Panel.

    Click Uninstall a program, click "View Installed Updates" on the left, find KB5016139 and double-click to uninstall.

    Restart Windows after the uninstallation is complete and see if that solves the problem.

    Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

    Kirk | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    * Beware of scammers posting fake support numbers here.

    * If your problem is not solved, you could reply to the post again and we would continue to provide technical support for you.

    * Please check and vote this answer if it helps as it will be beneficial to more community members reading here.

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