microphone not working

Question

For some reason My microphone on my headset doesnt work. the model is called the artic nova 1. the reason i want to try and fix this is, I am trying to use an xbox party with my friends. Sometimes they cant hear me and the little white circle doesnt come up but other times the mic works but it causes so much echo that they cant hear me anyway ( also my mic is very quiet). Thank you

Answer 1

Hi Tadhg Farrell,

Based on what you described, issues like a quiet microphone, echo, or inconsistent detection during Xbox Party chat on Windows 11 are often related to device selection, audio settings, or permissions. In addition to Q&A Assist's answer, please try this verified list of troubleshooting steps:

1, Confirm the correct microphone is selected

• Go to Settings > System > Sound
• Under Input, select Arctis Nova 1 (Microphone)
• Use Start test to confirm your voice is detected

2, Increase microphone input level

• In the same microphone settings page
• Set Input volume close to 100%
• Test again to ensure your voice is not too quiet

3, Disable microphone echo

• Open More sound settings in System > Sound
• Go to the Recording tab > select your microphone > Properties
• Under the Listen tab, make sure “Listen to this device” is unchecked
• Apply the change

4, Allow microphone access for apps

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone
• Turn on:
  • Allow apps to access your microphone
  • Allow desktop apps to access your microphone
• Ensure Xbox-related apps are allowed

5, Check Xbox app audio settings

• Open the Xbox app > Settings > Audio
• Set Input device to Arctis Nova 1 microphone
• Avoid enabling mic monitoring or similar options

6, Refresh the audio driver (if needed)

• Open Device Manager
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers
• Uninstall the active audio device and restart the PC

These steps typically resolve low volume, echo, and intermittent mic detection in party chat scenarios.

If the issue continues after completing the above, testing the headset on another device can help determine whether further local configuration is needed.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

Use these steps in Windows 11 to fix a quiet or unreliable headset microphone:

1. Check the physical headset
   • Make sure any mute switch or button on the Arctis Nova 1 is not enabled.
   • Ensure the mic boom is fully plugged into the headset (if detachable) and positioned close to the mouth.
   • Verify the headset plug is fully inserted into the PC (or controller/adapter if using one).
2. Set the correct input device in Windows 11
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Under Input, in Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the Arctis Nova 1 (or the correct headset name).
   3. Select the > button next to the device to open its properties.
   4. Under Microphone test, select Start test, speak normally, then select Stop test and Play the recorded sample to confirm the mic is working and not too quiet or echoing.
3. Increase microphone volume (if too quiet)
   • In the same microphone properties page, adjust the Input volume slider upward and repeat the Start test / Play steps until the level is acceptable.
4. Make sure apps (including Xbox app/party chat) can use the mic
   1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
   2. Select Change, then turn on Allow apps to access your microphone.
   3. Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your microphone, ensure the Xbox-related apps you use for party chat are allowed.
   4. Make sure Allow desktop apps to access your microphone is set to On if using the Xbox app or other desktop chat apps.
5. Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter
   1. Go to Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Scroll down to Advanced and choose Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
   3. Follow the wizard to detect and fix microphone issues.
6. If Windows does not detect the headset mic at all
   1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
   2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   3. Right-click the audio device used for the headset and select Uninstall device. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device (or Delete the driver software for this device) and select Uninstall.
   4. Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the audio device and drivers automatically.
   5. If needed, in Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers and select Scan for hardware changes, then right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.

If echo persists in Xbox party chat after these steps, reduce the microphone input volume slightly and use push-to-talk or in-app noise suppression/echo cancellation options where available.

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References:

• Fix microphone problems