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Microphone

Elizabeth Liddell 0 Reputation points
2026-04-28T17:23:13.7766667+00:00

Microphone not working. not hearing. Have looked at everything I know to look at

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. David-M 115.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-28T17:55:17.59+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

    Is the microphone internal or external?

    If it is external, does the microphone have a standard audio connector (Jack connector) or a USB connector, or is it connected via Bluetooth?

    Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

    • Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

    Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-28T17:23:30.5433333+00:00

    Try these steps in order on Windows 11 to troubleshoot a microphone that is not hearing anything:

    1. Check physical connections
    • If using a headset or external mic, make sure it is firmly plugged into the correct jack or USB port.
    • If it has a hardware mute switch or button, make sure it is not muted.
    1. Make sure apps are allowed to use the microphone
    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, turn on access for the apps that need it.
    4. Make sure Allow desktop apps to access your microphone is set to On.
    1. Set the correct input device and test it
    1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
    2. Under Input, select the microphone being used in Choose your input device.
    3. Speak into the mic and check Test your microphone to see if Windows detects input.
    1. Increase microphone volume
    1. In Settings > System > Sound, under Input, select the microphone to see its properties.
    2. Under Input settings, select Start test and speak normally.
    3. Select Stop test, then Play to hear the sample.
    4. Adjust the Input volume slider higher if needed.
    1. Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter
    1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
    2. Select the Recording Audio troubleshooter and follow the prompts.
    1. Reinstall audio drivers if Windows does not detect the microphone at all
    1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
    2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    3. Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
    4. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device (or Delete the driver software for this device) and select Uninstall. Repeat for other audio devices if needed.
    5. Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls audio devices and drivers automatically.
    6. If they do not reinstall, open Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
    7. After devices appear, right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.

    If using a Surface device and people still cannot hear anything, open Start > Settings > Sound > Sound control panel, go to the Recording tab, select the mic, choose Properties, then on the Levels tab raise Microphone (and Microphone Boost if available) to appropriate levels (for example, Microphone 50 and Microphone Boost +24.0 dB as a starting point).

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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