Windows not recognizing Microphone in Sound, but I can record with it in certain apps

Question

Hi All,

I have an audio interface that is updated and working find when I record on Adobe Audition. I can record and listen back on everything hooked up to the interface.

However, when I try use my mic for Zoom or my Camera app, it doesn't see a microphone. I can't even run a troubleshoot in the Sound Settings.

I have allowed mic privacy permissions for all of my apps, and still nothing has changed.

I uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers. Still the problem persists.

I've done everything that Co-Pilot and the Support Help pages suggest, except it recommended a Recording Troubleshoot option that I don't have access too. So maybe that's a clue someone can help me with. When I go to Sound Settings, I see my interface as the Default device, it doesn't allow me to "select it" by filling in a dot. WHen I run the Audio Troubleshoot it only puts out a beep, which I can hear, but says it can't find the problem. And it doesn't give me an option to record.

Can you help me! I'd rather talk to a MS Support person, but everything has gotten so automated, I can't figure out how to open a ticket. If you have any insights on that, also much appreciated.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi Erica Brookhyser.

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

In your description, your computer is not recognizing the microphone in the settings.

I note that you have tested the microphone in various applications, as well as trying to troubleshoot in Settings and making some attempts at drivers, even asking Copilot, so thank you for your efforts and attempts to resolve this issue, and I understand the frustration and annoyance that you are experiencing with the inability to use the microphone in some of the current applications on your computer.

Your efforts are felt and you are basically on the right track with your troubleshooting.

If you haven't already checked the permissions in the privacy settings, then you can go through the following steps and do so. (please ignore if already tried)

1 Right-click the Start button, select Settings, and then Privacy & security

2 Then scroll down to the App permissions section and find Microphone, make sure your apps all have permission to use the microphone

Then you need to check in Volume mixer.

Right click on the sound icon in the lower right taskbar tray and select Open volume mixer, then find the apps that play audio, such as Zoom, or the Camera app, and check to see if they have the correct audio output device selected.

We're also puzzled by the fact that some apps can use the audio interface as well as the microphone, while others can't.

We don't know if this is related to the audio interface.

If conditions permit, please do not use the audio interface for the time being, connect the microphone directly to the computer, and then check in the apps you mentioned to see if the same problem exists.

Also, based on the apps you've mentioned so far, both the Zoom and Camera apps require the use of the camera, so have you tried any other audio software that doesn't use the camera other than Adobe Audition? Please do try them.

You can also right-click on the Start button, select Settings, System, Sound, and here in Input, select your audio device, and then using Microphone here, test it.

See if the microphone is recognized.

You also mentioned that you uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers. So what did you reinstall the driver by? Was it the device manager?

We'd like to know the specific model of your computer (the model number of your laptop, or the model number of your desktop motherboard), as well as the specific models of your microphone and audio interface.

Then, please download and install the corresponding audio drivers from the device manufacturer's official website, depending on the model number of your laptop (if using a laptop) or the model number of your motherboard (if using a desktop).

Also, you can look for the corresponding firmware and driver on the official website of the manufacturer of the audio interface and the official website of the manufacturer of the microphone.

Check if the same problem exists after installing the suitable firmware and drivers.

The steps above, are not the final solution, they are some additions I made on the results of your attempts, please ignore them if there are duplicates. Please let me know the results of the test after you have tested it. I will continue to help you.

Also, we are very focused on your needs. I see your need to talk to an online support person.

Below, I will provide you with the steps to contact an online support person (on the technical support side). However, it is important to note that recently there has been some feedback from some other users in the community that some users in some areas, are experiencing some temporary issues and they are unable to successfully contact the online support team for the time being.

If you are also unable to get in touch, please be patient and try again after some time.

1 Please click on the following link

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus

Then sign in to your Microsoft account on the top right hand side

Then click on the Windows icon below

 

2 Click on Get Home Support on the left hand side

 

3 Enter Technical support in the input box and then click on the Get Help button below

 

4 Click the Contact Support button at the bottom of the screen

 

5 Select Windows in Products & Services, then select Technical support in the category, then click the Confirm button below

 

6 Click inside Chat with a support agent in your web browser

 

If you see that Chat is currently unavailable, please try again at a time that meets the requirements.

7 Fill in your email address and click the confirm button below and a support agent will contact you with your information.

 

It's my honor to provide you with some advice and I hope my efforts can bring you some convenience.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Zev - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Zev, Thank you for this detailed breakdown.

The issue was solved after a 70-min support session with 2 different Microsoft Technicians.

Apparently it was an issue with "Playback Through this device"

Control Panel - Hardware and Sound - Manage Audio Devices - Recording Tab - Select Line - Click on Properties - Listen tab - Under "Playback through this device", select Speakers (Audio Interface).

Before "Default Playback Device" was selected (which should also be my interface, but whatever) and it didn't work.

That did the trick!

Answer 3

Hi Erica Brookhyser.

Thank you for your reply.

I apologize that I have not been well lately.

I understand that your issue was resolved after you contacted the online support team.

You are also to be commended for your virtue in sharing the issue in the community.

I wish you have a wonderful day.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Zev - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist