How to Fix Windows Microphone Not Working

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Check microphone privacy settings

   Open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Toggle 'Microphone access' to On if disabled. Scroll down and ensure 'Let apps access your microphone' is enabled. Review the app list and toggle on permissions for specific applications that need microphone access.

   Note: Desktop apps like Discord or Zoom appear in the 'Let desktop apps access your microphone' section at the bottom of this page.
2. 2 min

   Set the correct default microphone

   Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select 'Sound settings'. Under Input, click the dropdown next to 'Choose your input device' and select your microphone. Click 'Test your microphone' and speak normally to verify the blue bar moves when you talk.

   Note: If multiple microphones appear, try each one while testing to identify which corresponds to your actual hardware.
3. 2 min

   Unmute and adjust microphone levels

   In Sound settings, click 'Device properties' under your selected microphone. Ensure the volume slider is set to at least 70. Click 'Additional device properties' to open the classic dialog. In the Levels tab, confirm the microphone is not muted and set the level to 80-100.

   Note: Enable 'Microphone Boost' in the Levels tab if your microphone seems too quiet, but avoid setting it too high as this can introduce noise.
4. 3 min

   Update audio drivers

   Right-click the Start button and select 'Device Manager'. Expand 'Audio inputs and outputs' and locate your microphone. Right-click it and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers' and let Windows install any available updates. Restart your computer after installation completes.

   Note: If Windows finds no updates, visit your computer manufacturer's website to download the latest audio drivers directly.
5. 2 min

   Run the audio troubleshooter

   Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Click 'Run' next to 'Recording Audio'. Follow the prompts and let Windows detect and fix common microphone problems automatically. Test your microphone after the troubleshooter completes.

6. 1 min

   Disable audio enhancements

   Return to Sound settings and click 'Device properties' for your microphone. Click 'Additional device properties' then navigate to the Advanced tab. Uncheck 'Enable audio enhancements' if present. Click Apply then OK. Test your microphone to see if this resolves audio quality issues.

   Note: Audio enhancements can sometimes interfere with microphone functionality, especially on older systems or with generic drivers.
7. 2 min

   Reset audio services

   Press Windows + R, type 'services.msc' and press Enter. Find 'Windows Audio' in the list, right-click it and select 'Restart'. Repeat this process for 'Windows Audio Endpoint Builder'. Close the Services window and test your microphone again.

   Note: This step resolves issues caused by corrupted audio service states that prevent proper microphone detection.