Windows 11 Microphone Permission Issues

Question

I recently got windows 11 on my computer and my microphone disconnect whenever I use a communication app (discord) and try to play an online game with team chat. I have tried everything other post have recommended (reconnecting, uninstalling drives, allowing it to connect to an app). The only thing I can think is wrong is the computer gets confused about which app to allow at the same time.

I never had any of these problems on Windows 10.

Answer 1

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Microphone permissions and functionality issues can indeed be frustrating, especially when they impact communication in real-time applications like Discord and online games. Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve microphone permission issues on Windows 11:

1. Privacy Settings:
   • Go to Settings (you can press Win + I to open it).
   • Select Privacy & security.
   • Click on Microphone under App permissions.
   • Make sure that microphone access is turned on.
   • Ensure that both Discord and the game have the toggle set to "On" to allow access to the microphone.
2. Default Microphone:
   • Open Settings > System > Sound.
   • In the Input section, make sure the correct microphone is set as the default device.
   • Also, check the microphone properties and ensure that the levels are set appropriately, and that the device is not muted.
3. Exclusive Mode:
   • Right-click on the sound/volume icon in the taskbar and select "Sound settings."
   • Under Input, choose your microphone and then click on "Device properties."
   • Click on "Additional device properties" under Related settings.
   • In the Microphone Properties window, go to the "Advanced" tab.
   • Uncheck the boxes under "Exclusive Mode" that say "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority."
4. Communication Settings:
   • In the Sound settings, scroll down and click on "More sound settings."
   • In the Sound window, go to the "Communications" tab.
   • Select "Do nothing" to prevent Windows from automatically adjusting the volume of different sounds when you are using the microphone.
5. Update Drivers:
   • Go to Device Manager (right-click on the Start button to find it).
   • Expand "Audio inputs and outputs."
   • Right-click on your microphone and select "Update driver."
   • You can also visit the manufacturer's website for your sound card or microphone to download the latest drivers.
6. Check App Settings:
   • Both Discord and your game will have their own audio settings.
   • Ensure the correct microphone is selected within each app's settings.
   • Also, check for any separate mute settings within the app.
7. Disable Other Recording Devices:
   • Sometimes other recording devices can interfere with the one you want to use.
   • In the Sound settings, under Recording, you can disable any unused microphones.
8. Troubleshooter:
   • Run the built-in Windows troubleshooter.
   • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Run the "Recording Audio" troubleshooter.
9. Restart Audio Services:
   • Press Win + R, type  services.msc and press Enter.
   • Find "Windows Audio" in the list.
   • Right-click and select "Restart."

Please keep me updated on your progress, and don't hesitate to ask if you have further questions or need more assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist