Likely fix
Fix: Microphone not working on Windows
A Windows microphone usually stops working because the wrong input device is selected, app permission is blocked, the mic is muted, or the audio driver is stuck.
Quick answer
Open Windows Sound settings, choose the correct input device, allow microphone access for apps, then test the mic in Sound settings.
Important warning
Windows can select a webcam, monitor, Bluetooth headset, or old device as the default microphone without you noticing.
Try this
- 1 Check whether the microphone has a physical mute switch.
- 2 Right-click the speaker icon and open Sound settings.
- 3 Under Input, select the microphone you want to use.
- 4 Speak and check whether the input level moves.
- 5 Open Privacy & security → Microphone.
- 6 Turn on microphone access and allow the app you are using.
- 7 Restart the app that needs the microphone.
- 8 Unplug and reconnect USB headsets or microphones.
- 9 Restart Windows if the microphone still does not respond.
Common causes
Wrong input device is selected.
Microphone permission is blocked.
App is muted.
Physical mute switch is on.
USB or headset cable is loose.
Audio driver is stuck.
Bluetooth headset is using the wrong mode.
What to check next
- Check input level in Sound settings.
- Check microphone privacy permissions.
- Check the selected microphone inside the app.
- Check physical mute switches on headsets.
- Check whether another app can record audio.