microphone not working

Gary Bowles 0 Reputation points
2026-08-07T19:24:45.47+00:00

no micro found yet months ago it was working with zoom meetiiiiiiings

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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  1. David-M 121.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-07T19:59:46.1966667+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

    • Is the microphone internal or external?
    • If it is external, does the microphone have a standard audio connector (Jack connector) or a USB connector, or is it connected via Bluetooth?

    Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

    • Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

    Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-07T19:25:03.84+00:00

    Try this in order:

    1. Check whether Windows can see any input device.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Input, check whether a microphone appears.
      • If a device appears, select it as the input device and run the microphone test:
        • In Windows 11: select the device, then Start test, speak, Stop test, and Play the recorded sample.
        • In Windows 10: speak into the mic and check Test your microphone for movement.
    2. Make sure microphone access is enabled.
      • Windows 11: Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone
        • Turn on Microphone access
        • Turn on Let apps access your microphone
        • Turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone
      • Windows 10: Start > Settings > Privacy > Microphone
        • Turn on Microphone access for this device
        • Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone
        • Turn on Allow desktop apps to access your microphone
      • If Zoom is the main app affected, desktop app access must be on.
    3. Check simple hardware causes.
      • Make sure the headset or microphone is connected correctly.
      • If the headset has a Mute button, make sure it is off.
      • If it is Bluetooth, confirm it is paired and connected.
    4. If Windows shows the microphone but it is too quiet or seems dead, raise the input level.
      • Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Sound > Input > select microphone and adjust Input volume.
      • Windows 10: Start > Settings > System > Sound > Input > Device Properties > Levels and adjust Microphone and Microphone Boost.
    5. If no microphone is found at all, reinstall the audio drivers.
      • Open Device Manager by right-clicking Start.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click each audio device and select Uninstall device.
      • If prompted, select the option to remove/delete the driver for the device.
      • Restart the PC.
      • After restart, if Windows does not reinstall automatically, open Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
      • Then right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.
    6. Run the built-in audio troubleshooter.
      • Windows 11: Settings > System > Sound. Scroll to Advanced and use Output devices or Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
      • Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Recording Audio.
    7. If the problem started after updates or the driver is still missing, check optional driver updates.
      • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and install available driver updates.

    If the microphone still does not appear after driver reinstall and permissions are correct, the next likely cause is a hardware problem with the built-in mic or headset.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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