Microphone Not Working on Windows 11

Windows 11 microphone problems prevent video calls, recordings, and voice commands. This guide covers all solutions for microphone issues on Windows 11, from privacy settings to driver updates.

You can use the online microphone test to confirm whether your device is working.

Quick Fix Summary

Enable microphone access in Windows 11 Privacy settings
Check that the correct microphone is selected in Sound settings
Update audio drivers through Device Manager
Close other applications using the microphone
Unplug and reconnect USB microphones
Restart your computer after changing settings
Check browser permissions if using web apps

Why This Happens

Windows 11 includes strict privacy controls that can block microphone access. The operating system requires explicit permission for apps to use your microphone, and these settings can be reset after updates or changed accidentally.

Driver issues are another common cause. Windows 11 may not automatically install the correct drivers for your microphone, especially for USB devices or specialized audio equipment. Outdated drivers can cause detection problems or poor audio quality.

System conflicts occur when multiple applications try to access the microphone simultaneously. Windows 11 allows only one application to use the microphone at a time, so background apps or previous sessions can block access.

Hardware problems include loose USB connections, damaged cables, or microphone hardware failure. Physical issues are less common but should be checked if software solutions don't work.

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

Step 1: Enable Microphone Privacy Settings

Windows 11 privacy settings control microphone access for all applications. These settings must be enabled before any app can use your microphone.

Press Windows key + I to open Settings
Click "Privacy & Security" in the left sidebar
Select "Microphone" from the privacy options
Turn on "Microphone access" toggle switch
Enable "Let desktop apps access your microphone" if you use desktop applications
Scroll down and ensure your browser or application is listed and enabled

Restart your computer after changing these settings. Windows 11 requires a restart for privacy setting changes to take full effect.

Step 2: Verify Input Device Selection

Windows 11 may be using the wrong microphone or no microphone at all. Verify the correct device is selected as the default input.

Open Settings → System → Sound
Scroll to the "Input" section
Check the "Choose your input device" dropdown
Select your microphone from the list
Speak into the microphone and watch the input level indicator
If the indicator doesn't move, the microphone isn't working or isn't selected

Click "Test your microphone" button to hear playback. If you hear your voice clearly, the microphone hardware is working and the issue is likely permissions or application settings.

If your microphone doesn't appear in the list, it may not be detected. See Step 4 for driver troubleshooting.

Step 3: Check Microphone Volume and Mute Settings

Microphone volume may be set too low or muted in Windows 11 sound settings. Check these settings even if the device is detected.

In Settings → System → Sound → Input, find your selected microphone
Ensure the volume slider is not at zero
Check that the microphone is not muted (no mute icon visible)
Click "Device properties" to access advanced settings
In Device properties, check the "Levels" tab
Ensure microphone volume is at least 50%
Enable "Microphone boost" if available and needed

Test the microphone after each adjustment. Speak normally and watch the input level indicator respond. If levels are still too low, see the guide on microphone too quiet for detailed volume troubleshooting.

Step 4: Update Audio Drivers

Outdated or missing audio drivers prevent Windows 11 from detecting your microphone. Update drivers through Device Manager or Windows Update.

Press Windows key + X and select "Device Manager"
Expand "Audio inputs and outputs" section
Look for your microphone in the list
If you see a yellow warning icon, the driver has a problem
Right-click your microphone and select "Update driver"
Choose "Search automatically for drivers"
Wait for Windows 11 to find and install drivers

If your microphone doesn't appear under Audio inputs, check "Sound, video and game controllers" section. Some microphones are listed there instead.

If automatic search doesn't find drivers, visit your computer or microphone manufacturer's website. Download the latest Windows 11 drivers and install them manually.

Restart your computer after updating drivers. Windows 11 requires a restart for driver changes to take effect.

Step 5: Close Conflicting Applications

Only one application can access your microphone at a time in Windows 11. Other apps may be blocking access without you realizing it.

Close Zoom, Teams, Skype, Discord, or other communication apps
Check the system tray for background apps using the microphone
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Look for apps with microphone icons in the taskbar
End any processes that might be using the microphone
Restart your browser if using web-based applications

Try your microphone again after closing other applications. If it works now, one of those apps was blocking access.

Step 6: Check Physical Connections

Loose or damaged connections prevent microphone detection. Verify all physical connections are secure.

Unplug USB microphones and firmly reconnect them
Try a different USB port, preferably USB 3.0 or higher
Check USB cables for visible damage
For 3.5mm jack microphones, ensure the plug is fully inserted
Test the microphone on another computer if possible
Check for physical mute switches on the microphone or headset

If the microphone works on another computer, the issue is Windows 11 settings or drivers. If it doesn't work anywhere, the hardware may be faulty.

Step 7: Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common microphone problems.

Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot
Click "Other troubleshooters"
Find "Recording Audio" and click "Run"
Follow the troubleshooter prompts
Allow Windows to apply recommended fixes
Restart your computer if prompted

The troubleshooter can reset audio settings, re-enable disabled devices, and fix driver conflicts automatically.

Browser and Application Specific Fixes

Chrome Browser

Chrome requires both Windows 11 permissions and browser-specific permissions. See the guide on how to enable microphone in Chrome for detailed browser settings.

Click the lock icon in Chrome's address bar
Set Microphone to "Allow"
Go to chrome://settings/content/microphone for global settings
Ensure microphone access isn't blocked globally

Microsoft Teams

Teams has its own microphone settings that override Windows 11 settings in some cases.

Open Teams → Settings → Devices
Select your microphone from the Audio Devices dropdown
Test the microphone in Teams settings
Adjust microphone volume slider if needed

Zoom

Zoom requires microphone access through both Windows 11 and its own settings. See the guide on microphone test for Zoom for application-specific troubleshooting.

Open Zoom → Settings → Audio
Select your microphone from the Microphone dropdown
Test microphone in Zoom settings
Ensure "Automatically adjust microphone volume" is enabled if needed

How to Prevent the Problem in Future

Keep Windows 11 updated. Microsoft releases audio driver updates through Windows Update that can fix microphone issues.

Don't disable microphone access in Privacy settings unless necessary. Windows 11 remembers your choice and may block access to new applications.

Close applications properly instead of just minimizing them. Background apps can hold microphone access and prevent other applications from using it.

Regularly update audio drivers through Device Manager or Windows Update. Outdated drivers cause more problems after major Windows 11 updates.

Use the same USB port for USB microphones when possible. Windows 11 can treat different USB ports as different devices, causing confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my microphone not working on Windows 11?

Windows 11 microphone issues are usually caused by privacy settings blocking access, outdated drivers, incorrect input device selection, or another application using the microphone. Start by checking Privacy settings, then verify device selection and update drivers.

How do I enable microphone in Windows 11?

Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone. Ensure "Microphone access" is turned on and "Let desktop apps access your microphone" is enabled. Restart your computer after changing these settings.

My microphone works in one app but not another on Windows 11. Why?

Only one application can access your microphone at a time. Close other apps using the microphone, then try the app again. Also check if the app has its own microphone permission settings in Windows 11 Privacy settings.

How do I update microphone drivers on Windows 11?

Open Device Manager, expand "Audio inputs and outputs" or "Sound, video and game controllers", right-click your microphone, select "Update driver", then choose "Search automatically for drivers". Windows 11 will download and install the latest drivers.

Windows 11 microphone not working after update. How do I fix it?

Windows updates can reset audio settings. Go to Settings → System → Sound → Input and verify your microphone is selected. Update audio drivers through Device Manager if the device still isn't detected. Restart your computer after updating.

How do I test if my microphone is working on Windows 11?

Use the online microphone test to check if your device is detected and working. The test shows real-time volume levels and allows you to record and play back audio to verify quality. If the test works, your microphone hardware is fine.

My USB microphone is not detected on Windows 11. What should I do?

Unplug and reconnect the USB microphone. Try a different USB port, preferably USB 3.0 or higher. Check Device Manager to see if the microphone appears. If it shows with a warning icon, right-click and select "Update driver". Restart your computer if needed.

Use the online microphone test to confirm everything is working.