Mic Not Working on Windows 11: Fixes
When nobody can hear you on a call, the cause is usually a setting, not a broken microphone. Work through these fixes in order and check the result after each one with our mic test with playback.
By Ritvik Kudalkar, published . A 7 minute read.
Test as you go
Open the mic test in a new tab and re-check after each fix.
1. Check the Hardware Mute and Connection
Look for a mute switch on the headset cable, a mute button on the earcup, or a flip-up boom that mutes when raised. Unplug the mic and plug it back in firmly. For USB mics, try a different port on the computer itself rather than a hub or monitor. For 3.5 mm headsets with a single plug, a desktop PC with separate pink and green jacks needs a splitter, or Windows will not see the mic at all.
2. Turn On Microphone Privacy Access
Windows 11 can block every app from using the mic. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone and turn on:
- Microphone access (the main switch)
- Let apps access your microphone, plus the switch for each app you use
- Let desktop apps access your microphone, which covers Chrome, Edge, Discord, Zoom and most games
This is the most common fix, especially after a Windows update.
3. Choose the Right Input Device
Open Settings > System > Sound and look under Input. Select the microphone you want to use. Speak and watch the volume bar under it. If it moves here but not in your app, the app is set to a different device, so check its own audio settings.
Laptops often have a built-in array mic as well as your headset, and webcams add another one. It is easy for Windows or an app to pick the wrong one.
4. Raise the Input Volume
In Settings > System > Sound, select your microphone and drag Input volume to 75–100. Some mics also have a separate boost control: open More sound settings, go to the Recording tab, open the mic's Properties and look under Levels for Microphone Boost. Add boost in small steps, because too much adds hiss.
Use the level meter in our mic test to find the right level: green when you speak normally, touching yellow when you speak loudly, and never red.
5. Make Sure the Mic Isn't Disabled
In More sound settings > Recording, right-click an empty area and tick Show Disabled Devices. If your mic appears greyed out, right-click it and choose Enable, then Set as Default Device.
6. Turn Off Exclusive Mode
Exclusive mode lets one app take full control of the mic, which can block every other app. Open the mic's Properties from the Recording tab, go to Advanced, and untick both Allow applications to take exclusive control boxes. Restart the apps you use.
7. Update or Reinstall the Audio Driver
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Audio inputs and outputs, right-click your microphone and choose Uninstall device.
- Restart the PC. Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
- If that doesn't help, install the latest audio driver from your laptop or motherboard maker (often Realtek), or the headset maker's software.
8. Run the Recording Audio Troubleshooter
Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run Recording Audio, or use Get Help. It resets services and catches settings that are easy to miss.
9. Rule Out a Hardware Fault
Plug the microphone into another computer or phone and open the mic test there. If it fails on every device, the mic, its cable or its plug is faulty. If it works elsewhere, the problem is your PC's port or software.
Quick Symptom Guide
| Symptom | Start With |
|---|---|
| Mic not listed anywhere | Fixes 1, 5 and 7 |
| Listed but the bar never moves | Fixes 1, 2 and 4 |
| Works in Windows, not in one app | Fixes 2, 3 and 6 |
| Very quiet | Fix 4 |
| Robotic or choppy | Fix 7, and turn off audio enhancements |
| Stopped after an update | Fixes 2, 3 and 7 |