Windows microphone not working? Learn quick fixes, detailed causes, and step-by-step solutions to fix mic issues on Windows 10 & 11.

Few things are more frustrating than sitting down for an online meeting, gaming session, or voice recording—only to realize your Windows microphone not working. No sound. No input. Just silence.

You might see the mic icon, but people can’t hear you. Or Windows shows “No input device found.” Sometimes it worked yesterday, and today it doesn’t. Annoying, right?

Quick Fix: Try These First

If your Windows microphone not working, start here before going deep.

1. Restart your PC
   • Fixes temporary audio driver glitches
2. Check physical mute
   • Many headsets have a mute switch
   • Some laptops have a mic mute key (Fn + key)
3. Unplug & replug the microphone
   • Try a different USB port if using a USB mic
4. Test the mic on another device
   • Confirms whether the mic itself is faulty

If the mic still doesn’t work, move on.

Why Windows Microphone Stops Working (Common Causes)

Understanding the cause helps you fix it faster.

Most common reasons:

• Microphone access disabled in Windows privacy settings
• Wrong microphone selected as default
• App-level microphone permission blocked
• Outdated or corrupted audio drivers
• Disabled microphone in Sound settings
• Windows updates breaking audio drivers
• Conflicts with third-party audio software
• Hardware failure (rare, but possible)

Step-by-Step Solutions

Follow these steps one by one. Stop when your mic starts working.

1. Check Microphone Privacy Settings (Most Common Fix)

Windows can block microphone access completely.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Settings
2. Go to Privacy & Security
3. Click Microphone
4. Turn ON:
   • Microphone access
   • Let apps access your microphone
5. Scroll down and enable the specific app (Zoom, Chrome, Teams, etc.)

2. Set the Correct Microphone as Default

Windows may be listening to the wrong mic.

Steps:

1. Right-click Speaker icon → Sound settings
2. Scroll to Input
3. Choose your correct microphone
4. Click Device properties
5. Make sure:
   • Device is Enabled
   • Volume is set above 80%

Test it:

Speak and watch the input level bar move.

3. Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in mic troubleshooter.

Steps:

1. Settings → System → Troubleshoot
2. Click Other troubleshooters
3. Run Recording Audio
4. Follow on-screen instructions

This can automatically detect configuration issues.

4. Enable Microphone in Sound Control Panel

Sometimes the mic is disabled at a deeper system level.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type mmsys.cpl → Enter
3. Go to Recording tab
4. Right-click anywhere → Show Disabled Devices
5. If mic is disabled:
   • Right-click → Enable
   • Set as Default Device

5. Update Audio & Microphone Drivers

Outdated drivers are a major reason for microphone issues.

Steps:

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager
2. Expand Audio inputs and outputs
3. Right-click your microphone → Update driver
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers

Also update:

• Sound, video and game controllers

If Windows doesn’t find updates, visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website.

6. Roll Back Audio Driver (If Issue Started After Update)

Sometimes new drivers break things.

Steps:

1. Device Manager
2. Sound, video and game controllers
3. Right-click audio device → Properties
4. Driver tab → Roll Back Driver
5. Restart PC

7. Check App-Specific Microphone Settings

Some apps override Windows settings.

For Zoom / Teams / Discord:

• Open app settings
• Go to Audio / Voice
• Select correct microphone
• Disable “Automatically adjust mic volume”

Chrome & Edge:

• Settings → Privacy → Site Settings → Microphone
• Make sure the site is allowed

8. Disable Audio Enhancements

Audio enhancements can interfere with mic input.

Steps:

1. Sound settings → Input device
2. Device properties → Additional device properties
3. Go to Enhancements
4. Check Disable all enhancements
5. Apply and restart

9. Check Windows Services (Advanced)

Some audio services must be running.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc
3. Ensure these are running:
   • Windows Audio
   • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
4. Restart them if needed

10. Check for Hardware Damage

If nothing works:

• Try a different microphone
• Test your mic on another PC
• Inspect mic cable or USB connector

If it fails everywhere, the mic may be faulty.

Advanced Fixes (Deep Troubleshooting)

Fix 1: Reset Sound Settings

• Settings → System → Sound
• Scroll down → Reset sound devices

Fix 2: Check BIOS / UEFI (Rare)

• Built-in mic may be disabled
• Enter BIOS → Enable onboard audio

Fix 3: System File Checker

Use only if system files are corrupted.

sfc /scannow

Run Command Prompt as Administrator.

FAQs : Windows Microphone Issues

Why is my microphone not working on Windows 11?

Usually due to disabled microphone privacy access, wrong input device selected, or outdated drivers.

How do I fix Windows microphone not working after update?

Roll back the audio driver or reinstall it from the manufacturer’s website.

Why does my mic work in Zoom but not in Chrome?

Browser-level microphone permissions may be blocked.

How do I test my microphone in Windows?

Go to Sound settings → Input → Speak and watch the input level bar.

Can antivirus block microphone access?

Yes. Some security tools have mic privacy features. Check antivirus settings.