Windows 11 · Windows
Fix a Microphone Not Working in Windows
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Confirm the microphone connection, select and test the correct input, allow microphone access, then use Windows diagnostics and supported drivers.
Check the microphone and connection
Confirm a headset plug is fully inserted in the correct audio jack, a USB microphone is connected directly to a working port, or the Bluetooth device is connected. Check any physical mute switch or headset control. Disconnect unused microphones and docking devices temporarily so Windows has fewer possible inputs during the test.
Select and test the intended input
Open Settings > System > Sound. Under Input, select the microphone you actually want to use, open its properties, and run the available input test while speaking normally. Check the input volume without immediately setting it to maximum. If the meter moves, Windows receives audio and the remaining issue is likely within the affected app.
Allow Windows and apps to use the microphone
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Turn on microphone access, app access, and desktop-app access as needed for the affected software. Review the list rather than enabling unrelated apps. Privacy permission cannot repair a disconnected device, but a working microphone can appear silent to an app when its access is off.
Select the same device inside the app
Open the affected calling, recording, or game app and choose the same microphone in its audio settings. End another app that may be using exclusive audio control, then make a short local test recording or use the app's microphone test. Check that the app is not muted and that push-to-talk is not waiting for a key.
Run Windows audio troubleshooting
Use Get Help or the sound troubleshooter from Windows settings and apply only the recommendations that match the detected device. Restart after changes that request it. If Windows does not list the microphone at all, follow Microsoft's documented driver path and the PC or device manufacturer's supported driver instructions.
Isolate hardware and driver failures
Test a detachable microphone on another compatible device, or test a known-good microphone on this PC. If only one port fails, inspect the port or adapter specification. If the microphone disappeared after a driver update, record the PC model, audio device, driver version, and update date before using the manufacturer's rollback or support route.
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Video walkthrough
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.