microphone not working

Question

My microphone hasn't been working for almost a week now. The icon is just muted and blank even after contacting Microsoft for help. I'll snd a screenshot of what it looks like

Answer 1

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

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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?

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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.

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Looking forward to your reply.

Answer 2

-Check and confirm if Microphone access is enabled at Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.

-You can try setting your microphone as default. Run mmsys.cpl command, and then select your microphone. Click on Set default.

-Go to Settings > System > Sound, click on the Input devices option present under the Troubleshoot common sound problems.

Answer 3

For Windows 11, try this in order:

1. Check microphone privacy access:
   • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
   • Turn on Microphone access.
   • Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
   • Turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone.
2. Make sure the correct microphone is selected:
   • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   • Under Input, go to Choose a device for speaking or recording and select the microphone.
   • Select the > next to the device, then under Microphone test select Start test, speak, then Stop test and Play.
   • If the test does not capture sound, Windows is not receiving input from that device.
3. Check simple hardware causes:
   • If using a headset, make sure its Mute button is not on.
   • If using Bluetooth, make sure the device is paired and connected.
   • Make sure the microphone is plugged in correctly and positioned properly.
4. Adjust input volume:
   • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   • In Input, select the microphone to open its properties.
   • Under Input settings, use Start test and adjust the Input volume slider if needed.
5. Run the Windows sound troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
   • Scroll to Advanced.
   • Choose Output devices or Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
   • Select All sound devices under Advanced for more options.
6. Reinstall the audio driver if the microphone is not detected:
   • Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
   • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   • Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
   • If shown, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then Uninstall.
   • Restart the PC.
   • After restart, return to Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes if needed.
   • Then right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.
7. Check Windows Update optional drivers:
   • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
   • Install available driver updates, then restart.

If the microphone still shows as muted/blank after these steps, test with Voice Recorder/Sound Recorder or another microphone. If another microphone works, the original microphone or headset is likely the problem.

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