In most cases, the microphone may not work in Windows 10 due to restrictions on its use for a specific program on the system side, or due to problems with the driver. That is, you can fix a problem with the microphone without contacting a service center.
In this article, I described in detail what the most common reasons for a microphone not working may be and gave a step-by-step solution on how to get rid of this problem.
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Microphone access not granted
One of the key differences in Windows 10 is the addition of additional privacy settings. The system provides the user with the ability to specify which programs will be allowed access to the microphone and which will not. And if the Windows 10 microphone does not work, then it is quite possible that this is due to these settings.
To check their current status, you need to:
- Press Win + i and open Settings. Next, go to “System”
- Select “Sound” and in the window that opens you need to go to “Microphone Privacy Options”.
- Check whether the required program has access to the microphone. If not, turn it on using the sliders.
And as practice shows, this is one of the most common reasons why the microphone does not work. In Windows 10, by default, permission is granted only to “trusted” programs that are installed from the built-in app store.
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Ways to solve the problem on a laptop
For each problem, an individual solution method is selected. So, if the errors are caused by the lack of suitable drivers, you need to find and download a compatible package on the Internet, indicating the exact model of your laptop or sound card.
In case of mechanical failure, you will need to disassemble the laptop case and check the condition of the module. If the gadget does not see the external microphone or it no longer appears after reinstalling Windows 7, you should roll back the previous hardware configuration, check the correct connection and the integrity of the plug.
Checking application permissions
In the settings you can add or disable applications that use recording.
Often, failures in the operation of sound recording equipment occur due to the lack of permissions granted for individual programs. The problem is resolved by changing the privacy settings. This is done in the following way:
- Open the “Settings” section.
- In the “Privacy” area, select “Microphone”.
- Proceed to setting up access to the device.
- If the option is enabled, disable it and re-enable it.
To check if the problems have disappeared, you need to restart the system.
Checking with built-in Windows tools
To evaluate the performance of the microphone, you must follow these instructions:
- Right-click on the speaker icon on the taskbar (lower right corner) and select settings.
- In the menu that opens, find the “Recording Devices” tab.
- Go to the “Recording” section and view the list of available devices for entering information into PC memory. There should be information about the connected microphone and a green circle with a check mark indicating the current operating status. If you double-tap the component icon, you can see additional settings, such as adjusting the volume level and input gain.
- To check the operating properties of the equipment, you will need to go to the “Security” category through “Control Panel” or “Windows Settings”.
You can also evaluate the health of a component using the built-in audio recording tool. Try to save a test sample to check the level and quality of the incoming signal.
View programs that use a microphone
If any software is using your microphone, a corresponding icon will be displayed in the system tray. When the OS light theme is activated, it is black, and when the OS dark theme is activated, it is white.
You need to hover your mouse over this icon and see information about the application connected to the recording device. If the icon is missing, you should open the menu of hidden icons by clicking on the arrow in the lower right corner on the taskbar. If desired, you can move the symbol to the tray for easy searching in the future.
There are 2 lists in this menu - one is responsible for applications from the Microsoft store, and the second is for other installed programs on your PC. Be sure to review both sections.
Diagnostics for viruses
The Windows system often experiences errors and crashes caused by viruses and malicious files. They may affect the operation of important components, including the built-in microphone. To restore the previous state, you need to use an antivirus tool or perform a deep clean of disk space from unwanted software, and then reconfigure the drivers manually or automatically.
To avoid such troubles in the future, you should periodically clean your laptop from viruses and scan the system.
Built-in troubleshooting tools
Windows 7 has a standard utility for dealing with system failures. It's called the Windows Troubleshooter. In some cases, the tool effectively solves the problem with the microphone not working, especially if it is caused by software errors.
When running diagnostics in Windows, you need to be connected to the Internet.
To open the tool, you need to go to the Control Panel or Settings of your computer. To do this, you can use the combination Windows + I, and then find the “Update and Security” section on the main page.
In the window that opens, there will be a “Troubleshooting” item on the left. Then on the right side of the screen you can see the “Record Audio” button. You need to click on it and select the “Run the troubleshooter” option and follow the instructions of the operating system.
System rollback
Sometimes, to restore normal operation of important equipment, you have to roll back Windows 7. This is quite simple to do:
- Open the Start bar on your laptop."
- Enter the word “Recovery” in the search bar.
- From the list provided, select the “System Restore” option.
It is possible to change parameters by returning the previous system configuration.
Then the active restore points will be displayed in the window that opens. Select the appropriate option by date and start the process. The changes will take effect after the next reboot of the device.
Installing the correct drivers for your sound card
The most common reasons why the built-in microphone may turn off or malfunction is the lack of necessary software. In most cases, the problem is accompanied by problems with the speakers.
Since the sound recording device is integrated into the laptop, special drivers are needed to ensure its normal operation. Before downloading the latest package, you must open the “Device Manager” and review the information provided in the “Audio inputs and outputs” or “Sound, game and video devices” section. If this list contains the designation “Unknown device” or there is an icon with a yellow exclamation mark, this indicates that there are no suitable drivers.
To troubleshoot problems, you need to open the official website of the laptop manufacturer and find compatible software. During the search, you will be offered several versions of drivers that are suitable for different editions of Windows 7.
Checking using third-party software
To diagnose the microphone, you can use third-party audio editors, for example, the free Audacity utility. To carry out the check, you must:
- Download the utility from the official website and run the installation file.
- Select the interface language and confirm agreement with the license.
- Specify the installation directory and the need to create an icon on the desktop.
- Start the installation process.
- Open the application and record a test audio fragment.
The program works with the microphone built into the laptop system, as well as external headsets.
To listen to the saved segment, click on the play button. If there are no errors, the sound will play without any problems.
Setting up through a specific program
If you do not plan to use your laptop to communicate in instant messengers with a webcam, you can download them to diagnose the microphone. A program like Skype provides 2 tools for checking recording equipment. The first method involves making a test call, before which the system will ask you to configure it. You can also call the Echo/Sound Test Service contact who is responsible for technical support.
When performing a test, you can see directly in the system whether the microphone responds or not, and also configure it.
After a short introduction, you will need to say a few words. The recording duration does not exceed 10 seconds, but this is enough to evaluate the signal quality.
Parameters of an individual device
If there is no signal from the microphone of a wired or wireless headset, you need to make a separate setup. The power button on the external accessory may be disabled or the volume may be set to minimum. Many headphone developers equip their equipment with a special wheel for adjusting microphone sensitivity.
If it is at zero value, the other party will not hear you. In addition, some headsets have special keys to instantly deactivate the microphone. Therefore, you should evaluate the specifications of your device on the official website and make sure that it is configured correctly.
Connecting an external microphone
When figuring out why there is no signal from the built-in microphone on a laptop and what to do to solve the problem, you should try connecting an external device. If it works properly, then the failures are due to a mechanical failure of the integrated component. If the external microphone does not respond to connection, you will need to scan the system for software failures, search for missing drivers and evaluate the performance of the sound card.
When you connect a headset, the device appears in the settings and is ready to change sound settings.
It is possible that there is poor contact between the 3.5 mm jack and the audio card connector. The problem often occurs on budget laptops from Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Samsung, HP and cheap models from other companies.
Check microphone settings
The user is given the opportunity to adjust the microphone volume. It is possible that the current set level is 0%. Naturally, in this case, the Windows 10 microphone does not work.
To check this you need to:
- Right-click on the speaker and select “Sound”
- Open the “Recording” tab and select the microphone you are using from the list of devices and click on it 2 times
- In the “Levels” tab, check the current microphone volume. If it is set to “0”, increase it.
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How to make the settings correctly
If the sound transmission equipment works correctly and the cord is intact, then the reason must be looked for in the laptop settings. Right-click on the sound icon in the task menu and find “Recording Devices”. A list of all connected equipment will appear.
Next you need to open the “Levels” menu. All sliders must be put into working condition and saved.
Then in “Recording Devices” you need to right-click on the microphone and click the “Use” button.
Skype settings
In this application, there are several options for checking the functionality of the device:
- In the settings, go to “Sound Settings”, after speaking into the microphone, the volume scale will fluctuate if the device is working properly.
- Make a call to “Test Service” and see the result yourself.
- Call a friend and test the sound transmission.
If there is sound on the laptop, but Skype does not detect the device, most likely the reason is in the application settings. Here you need to install the necessary microphone and speakers.
Microphone disabled by Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to disable the microphone completely at the hardware level. This may be useful for those users who want to be sure that their computer is not being tapped. And for security reasons, Windows can also do this automatically when installing a new driver version.
Accordingly, if the computer does not see the microphone at all (that is, it is not even displayed in the “Sounds” section in the control panel), then you should check whether it is enabled through the device manager. To do this you need:
- Right-click on “Start”, select “Device Manager”.
- Check in the “Sound Devices” tab that none of the items are disabled.
If you have a webcam connected to your computer or laptop, make sure it is turned on too. They also have a microphone, and it is this that the system uses as the main one by default.
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How to fix the problem
The first thing you need to do is make sure the connection is correct. USB devices are installed via a USB connector, and there are usually no problems with them. Equipment with a “jack” connector must be installed in the corresponding port where the “microphone” sign is shown. On wired equipment, you also need to check the cord. If the wire is broken, the microphone only works in one position. Most often, such simple manipulations allow you to find the cause of the breakdown.
When connecting a Bluetooth headset, you must allow audio transmission to the laptop. Then open “Control Panel”, find the “Devices” menu. Click “Add equipment”, find the required model and activate it.
During problems with the installation of external equipment, you need to check all of the following reasons:
- Setting up a Bluetooth connection.
- Cord and port on PC.
- Recording equipment settings.
- Availability of drivers.
If the reason is not corrected, it is likely that the problem is directly related to the breakdown of the gadget. You can find out by connecting the device to another laptop. If a breakdown is detected, you must return the equipment to the store or send it to specialists for repair.
If the device is definitely working, you need to scan your laptop for viruses. They often infect core parts of the OS, and external hardware begins to malfunction. It is best to install free applications from the software developer’s websites, and buy official software in stores.
The microphone stopped working during a system update
By default, Windows 10, along with updates, also downloads drivers for all devices detected in the system. And if the OS has only recently been installed, but the microphone on the computer does not work, then it is likely that the system simply has not yet installed the necessary updates, and along with it the software necessary for the correct operation of the connected audio devices.
- To fix this, you need to go to “Options”, then:
- Open Update & Security.
- Click on “Check Availability”.
- If new packages are detected, give the system the opportunity to install them.
Next, you should restart the PC, since after installing new drivers, they will be used by the device only the next time you turn on the computer.
If the microphone in the laptop does not work, then you should do the same.
By default, the system automatically downloads and installs all updates in the background when the device is idle. But if the operating system was installed recently, then this process can take 3 to 5 days. Depends on the speed of the Internet, as well as on how long the computer was not used, but remained turned on.
Conductor break
Often the problem is due to a faulty wire
In 90% of cases, problems with the sound in headphones or the microphone signal that arise during the operation of the headset are associated with a violation of the integrity of the electrical circuit. The most sensitive areas to breakage are the joints of conductors:
- TRS connector standard 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm or other;
- audio line branching unit (usually made in the form of a separate block with a volume control and control buttons);
- positive and negative microphone contacts;
- Bluetooth module connectors in wireless models.
Smoothly moving the wire in different directions near the junction area will help detect such a problem. Usually, a signal appears periodically; in some positions of the conductor it can even be relatively stable.
If you have skills in repairing electrical appliances, try testing the headset circuits with a multimeter. The figure below shows the pinout of the most popular 3.5 mm Mini-Jack combo connector.
Pinout of the combined Mini-Jack 3.5 mm connector
However, some manufacturers use connectors with a different pin arrangement. First of all, this is typical for older phones from Nokia, Motorola and HTC. If a break is detected, it can be easily repaired by soldering. If you have never worked with a soldering iron before, it is better to contact a specialized workshop. Of course, this is only relevant for expensive and high-quality headphone models; repairing a “disposable” Chinese headset is impractical.
Update the drivers and the microphone will work
If all updates are installed, the device appears correctly in Device Manager, but the microphone still does not work, this may indicate a driver failure. How to fix the microphone in this case?
You can try updating the driver, and if this does not help, then roll back to the previous version. You can do it like this:
- Go to “Device Manager” (you can from the “Control Panel” or simply by right-clicking on “Start” and selecting the appropriate item).
- Select the microphone you are using from the “Audio inputs” list and double-click on it. A device settings window will open, in which you need to go to the “Drivers” tab. Select "Update".
- Select "Automatic search". Wait for completion.
- Restart your PC.
- Check the functionality of the device. If the problem is not fixed, then also select “Roll Back” (if the item is active).
- Restart your PC.
If a microphone on a computer or laptop is connected to the built-in sound card, then in the “Device Manager” it will be displayed in 99% of cases as a “Device with High Definition support”.
Additional Information
In conclusion, here are a few more points that may be useful in the context of solving problems with the microphone in Windows 11:
- Try using the built-in microphone troubleshooters in Windows 11. In Settings - Sound, under Advanced, under Troubleshoot common audio problems, click Input Devices. This may help in some situations: for example, if the problem is caused by disabled services.
- If all the settings indicate that the microphone should work and it is present in the device manager, try going to the “Recording” tab in Win + R - mmsys.cpl, select the desired microphone and click “Properties”. In the tabs of the window that opens, try disabling (if any) any microphone effects, enabling or disabling (depending on the current state) exclusive access of applications to the microphone in the “Advanced” tab.
- If the microphone only on the front panel of the PC does not work, it makes sense to check its connection (or connect it to the rear panel). Read more: How to connect the front panel of the computer system unit to the motherboard.
- It is rare, but it happens that the microphone does not work due to hardware problems or a faulty cable - I recommend checking its operation on another computer to clarify whether the problem is in the system or the microphone itself.
- It is possible that a new headset with one combined microphone and headphone connector is connected to an old computer or laptop. It should be taken into account here that older sound cards may not support simultaneous operation of a microphone and headphones on the same output.
Reconnect the microphone and test on another PC or device
If there were no problems with the device before, and the microphone suddenly stopped working, then you need to check whether it is faulty. Although this technique is rare, it still fails.
First, you should make sure that the microphone is correctly connected to the computer and its connector is inserted into the correct connector.
The microphone connector is usually marked in pink (green for an external speaker system, blue for line output). If everything is in order in this regard, then you should connect the microphone to another device, a computer, and check its functionality there. If the problem persists, this indicates a hardware failure and you will have to contact a service center.
Contact contamination
During operation, the connectors may become dirty.
In some cases, for example, after long-term storage or with frequent exposure to dust and moisture, the connector contacts may accumulate dirt and oxidize. This is easy to detect externally - there will be lumps of dust, brown or greenish spots on the plug or socket. Of course, they break the electrical contact between surfaces, preventing the headset from working properly.
You can remove dirt from the nest with a thin wire or a toothpick. The plug is even easier to clean - any flat, but not too sharp, object will do. Try not to leave deep scratches on the surface - they will become a source for subsequent oxidation of the connectors. Final cleaning is carried out with cotton wool soaked in alcohol.
