Microphone issues on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially during meetings, video calls, or gaming sessions. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help resolve microphone issues on Windows 11.
Step 1: Perform Basic Checks
A. Check Microphone Hardware
- Make sure your microphone is properly connected if you’re using an external mic:
- Wired devices: Check the connection port or cable for looseness or damage.
- Wireless devices: Check if connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and ensure they’re properly paired.
B. Ensure Microphone Isn’t Physically Muted
- Headsets usually have a mute button on the cable or the device; make sure it’s not muted.
- Some laptops have dedicated mute buttons or keyboard shortcuts—make sure they aren’t activated.
Step 2: Verify Your Windows 11 Settings
A. Set the Microphone as Default
- Click the Start button and open Settings or press
Win + I. - Click on System and then select Sound.
- Under the Input section, ensure the correct microphone is selected from the dropdown menu.
B. Check Input Volume and Mute Settings
- In the same Sound settings page, adjust the Input volume slider to at least 80–100.
- Click the microphone under Input to open advanced options, then check:
- Volume slider (set appropriately high).
- Do an initial test using the Test your microphone option.
Step 3: Confirm Your Microphone Privacy Settings
- Open Settings (
Win + I). - Go to Privacy & security.
- Scroll down to App permissions and select Microphone.
- Toggle Microphone access to On.
- Make sure Let apps access your microphone is enabled.
- Scroll down further and ensure that each application needing microphone access has it toggled to On.
Step 4: Check Microphone Device Drivers
A. Update Microphone Drivers via Device Manager
- Right-click on the Start menu button, select Device Manager.
- Expand Audio inputs and outputs.
- Right-click your microphone and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers to automatically update online.
B. Reinstall or Reset Microphone Drivers
If updating didn’t help:
- Right-click microphone in Device Manager, select Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC. Windows will automatically reinstall the needed drivers.
- After restart, re-check your microphone settings.
Step 5: Run the Windows Troubleshooter
Windows 11 comes with built-in troubleshooters:
- Open Settings (
Win + I). - Navigate to System ► Troubleshoot.
- Choose Other troubleshooters.
- Locate Recording audio, and click on Run.
- Follow the simple diagnostic instructions to detect and correct microphone issues automatically.
Step 6: Check Sound Enhancements and Exclusive Mode Settings
Disable Enhancements and Exclusive mode:
- Go to Settings > System > Sound.
- Scroll down to Advanced, click on More Sound Settings.
- Under the Recording tab, select your microphone and click Properties.
- Go to the Advanced tab:
- Uncheck options like Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
- Under the Enhancements tab (if available), select Disable all enhancements and click OK.
Step 7: Restart Windows Audio Service
Sometimes restarting the audio services fixes the issue:
- Press
Win + Rto open the Run box. - Type
services.mscand press Enter. - Find Windows Audio service.
- Right-click and select Restart.
- Make sure its Startup type is set to
Automatic.
Step 8: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows system is fully updated, as some microphone issues resolve via updated patches:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates or install available updates.
- Once done, restart your computer and check the microphone again.
Step 9: Perform a System Restart and/or Check BIOS settings
Occasionally hardware settings may be incorrectly loaded due to BIOS issues:
- Restart your system to refresh hardware recognition.
- Check BIOS if your computer supports hardware audio control.
- To access BIOS, restart the computer and press the BIOS key (such as
F2,F10, orDEL). Ensure your microphone and audio ports are enabled.
Step 10: Test Your Microphone with Another Device
If all software checks have failed, attempt troubleshooting your microphone on another device:
- For external microphones:
- Connect them to another laptop/device to see if microphone itself is working properly.
- For internal microphones:
- Check your microphone status from BIOS or manufacturer-provided diagnostic software.
This step helps confirm whether the problem lies within your hardware or your Windows 11 system settings.
Step 11: Reset Windows 11 (Optional Advanced Method)
- If all above steps fail, you may consider resetting or reinstalling Windows 11:
- Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC.
- Select Keep my files to retain personal files while reinstalling a fresh Windows environment.
Important: Back up your data before using this method, though choosing "Keep my files" may preserve most of your data and apps.
Final thoughts:
In most situations, the resolution of microphone issues is straightforward, involving merely tweaking system settings, updating drivers, or correcting permissions. However, if none of these detailed steps work, it may indicate defective hardware. Consult your hardware manufacturer’s support team for more support or arrange professional service repairs.
