My mic/speakers are not working.

Question

I've been through all the settings. I don't understand what I'm doing either. HELP

Answer 1

Dear Jessica Finlay, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I understand it can be confusing when both the built‑in mic and speakers don’t work even after checking the settings. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the Independent Advisor’s answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow this down further, could you please share a few details: 

• Could you please confirm the brand and exact model of your laptop? 
• Does the issue affect both the speakers and the microphone, or just one of them? 
• In Settings > System > Sound > Output, when you click Test, do you hear the test tone? 
• In Settings > System > Sound > Input, does the Test your microphone meter move when you speak (or in the Voice Recorder app, do you see a waveform when recording)? 
• Are any Bluetooth headsets/speakers or USB audio devices currently connected or were they used recently? 
• Do you see a red X or any warning icon on the speaker symbol in the taskbar? 
• Did this start after a recent Windows Update, driver change, or new app installation? 

In the meantime, here are additional steps that you can try: 

1. Quick checks  

• On your keyboard/laptop, make sure any mute keys/sliders for speakers and microphone are not active (check for LED indicators). 
• Right‑click the speaker icon in the taskbar > Open Volume mixer > ensure volume for System Sounds and your app is not muted and is above 70. 

2. Select the correct devices 

• Go to Settings > System > Sound. 
• Under Output, choose your built‑in speakers. Click Device properties and ensure volume is up and not muted. Click Test. 
• Under Input, choose your built‑in microphone. Click Device properties and speak to see if Test your microphone shows activity. 

3. Allow microphone access  

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. 
• Turn on Allow access to the microphone on this device and Allow apps to access your microphone. 
• Scroll down and enable it for the specific app you’re using (Teams/Browser, etc.). 

4. Turn off Exclusive mode  

• Press Win + R, type mmsys.cpl, press Enter. 
• Playback tab > select your speakers > Properties > Advanced tab > uncheck: Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device and Give exclusive mode applications priority 
• Recording tab > select your microphone > Properties > Advanced > uncheck the same two options. 
• Close any conferencing/recording apps and try again. 

5. Remove device conflicts (Bluetooth/USB/Jack) 

• Temporarily turn off Bluetooth and disconnect any USB audio devices. 
• If a headset is plugged in, unplug it and test the internal devices. 
• In the mmsys.cpl window, on Playback and Recording tabs, right‑click the built‑in device and choose Set as Default Device (and Default Communication Device if available). 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope these steps help restore your built‑in microphone and speakers on Windows 10 so your audio works as expected again. Wishing you a smooth, hassle‑free experience with sound on your PC. 

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Answer 2

Let's check some additional information to help resolve the issue:

1. What is the make and model of your device?

In the search bar, type MSINFO32 and hit Enter.

Please share a screenshot of that window.

2. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.

Click View > Show Hidden devices

Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.

Take a screenshot and share it here.

3. Press the Windows key + R, type mmsys.cpl, and click OK.

Go to the Recording tab, then the Playback tab.

Take a screenshot of both and send them here.