The issue of Microphone not working can occur both in Laptop computers that come with a built-in Microphone and also on desktop computers using an external Microphone attached to the computer.
There could be various reasons for Microphone not working on a Windows computer, ranging from Microphone being switched OFF, Access to Microphone being blocked in Privacy Settings, Outdated drivers and other reasons.
Microphone Not Working in Windows 11
If the Microphone is not working on your computer, you can find below the steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem of Microphone Not Working in Windows 11.
1. Make Sure Microphone is Not Switched OFF
If you are using a Headset or an external microphone, make sure that it has not been accidentally switched OFF by a physical button on the Headset/Speaker.
In case of an integrated or built-in Microphone on a Laptop computer, the microphone can get accidentally muted by the ON/OFF button on the keyboard.
2. Allow Computer and Apps to Access Microphone
1. Open Settings on your computer.
2. On the Settings screen, scroll down and click on Privacy & Security in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Microphone. tab under “App Permissions” section.
3. On the next-screen, move the toggle next to Microphone Access, Let Apps to access your Microphone and Let desktop Apps access your Microphone to ON position.
Note: You may need to be logged in to your Admin Account to enable certain options on this screen.
3. Enable Microphone Using Sound Settings
1. Right-click on the Speaker Icon in the Taskbar and click on Sound Settings option.
2. On the next screen, scroll down in the right-pane to Input section and make sure your Microphone is listed under “Choose your Input Device” section.
If Microsoft is not listed, click on Add Device option and follow the instructions to Add the Microphone to your computer.
4. Allow Apps & Windows to Use Device
1. Open Settings > Select Systems in the left-pane and click on Microphone.
2. On the next screen, make sure Allow Apps and Windows to use this device for Audio is set to Allow option.
3. If Microphone access is disabled, click on Don’t Allow and the setting will change to Allow.
5. Troubleshoot Sound Problems
1. Right-click on the Speaker Icon in the Taskbar and click on Troubleshoot Sound Problems option.
2. When prompted, enter your Admin Password to authorosize this change.
3. Allow Windows to find and fix the problem on your computer.
6. Restart Windows Audio Service
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Run.
2. In Run Command window, type services.msc and click on OK.
3. On Services screen, right-click on Windows Audio and click on Restart.
4. Close the Services screen and see if the Microphone is now working.
7. Enable Microphone Using Device Manager
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Audio Inputs and outputs entry, right-click on Microphone and select Enable Device option.
8. Update Microphone Drivers
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Audio Inputs and outputs entry, right-click on Microphone and select Update Driver option.
3. On the next screen, select Search Automatically for Drivers option and Wait for Windows to search for and install the latest drivers.