Microphone Is Not Working in Windows
If your microphone is not detected, does not record audio, or cannot be heard in applications, start with the steps below.
1. Select the Correct Microphone
Open:
Settings → System → Sound
Under Input, select the microphone you actually want Windows to use.
Speak into the microphone and check whether the input meter responds.
2. Check Microphone Permissions
Open:
Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone
Make sure:
Microphone access is enabled
Let apps access your microphone is enabled
Desktop application microphone access is enabled when needed
3. Check the Application
Applications such as Discord, OBS, games, and voice-chat programs may use their own microphone selection.
Make sure the correct device is selected inside the application as well.
4. Check Physical Controls
If your headset or microphone has a physical mute switch, verify that it is not muted.
For USB microphones, try another USB port.
5. Test the Microphone in Windows
Open the microphone properties under Windows Sound settings and use the built-in microphone test.
Increase Input volume if your microphone is detected but extremely quiet.
6. Check Device Manager
Open Device Manager and check Audio inputs and outputs and Sound, video and game controllers.
If the microphone or audio device has a warning icon, update or reinstall its driver.
7. Reinstall Audio Drivers
If Windows no longer detects the microphone:
Open Device Manager.
Locate the appropriate audio device.
Select Uninstall device.
Restart the PC.
Install the latest manufacturer driver if necessary.
Still Not Working?
Test the microphone on another device if possible.
If another microphone works normally on the same PC, the original microphone or cable may be the problem.