Microphone output from headset

Question

I'm a VR and my mic isn't outputting. I can hear people, but they don't hear me.

Answer 1

Hold down Windows + R keys, type in mmsys.cpl and hit enter. Then go to the Recording tab. Do you see the Microphone? If so, please make sure it is not disable (you can right click to enable it). Also make sure it is set as default device. Then double click on the microphone, go to Levels tab, make sure it is not muted.

Go to Windows Settings > Privacy > Microphone, make sure allow apps access is turned on.

If possible, try the Sound Recorder app, and see if you can run a test recording and play it back. This will help narrow down if it is app specific or system-wide.

If it doesn't work in any app, and above settings have been checked, please type msinfo32.exe in the search on the taskbar and hit enter, then share a screenshot of the pop up please.

Answer 2

Try these steps in Windows 11 to get the headset microphone working:

1. Check physical mute and connection
   • If the headset has a Mute switch or button, make sure it is not muted.
   • Ensure the headset plug is fully inserted into the correct jack (mic/headset combo port if using a 3.5mm jack, or properly connected if USB/Bluetooth).
2. Set the correct input device
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   • Under Input, open Choose a device for speaking or recording.
   • Select the headset microphone as the input device.
3. Test the microphone
   • In Settings > System > Sound, under Input, select the headset mic, then select the > to open its properties.
   • Under Microphone test, select Start test and speak into the mic.
   • Select Stop test, then Play the Recorded sample to confirm the mic is capturing audio.
4. Check app permissions (if using Windows 10 VR apps on a PC)
   • If using apps that rely on Windows 10 privacy controls, go to Start > Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
   • Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone and ensure the VR or chat app is allowed under the app list.
5. Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter
   • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
   • Scroll to Advanced and choose Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
   • Follow the wizard to detect and fix microphone issues.

If Windows does not detect the headset mic at all, reinstall the audio drivers:

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device, check Attempt to remove/Delete the driver software for this device, then select Uninstall.
4. Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the audio device 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.

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References:

• Fix microphone problems