Windows 10 Microphone Not Working Error [5 FIXES]

Earlier, microphones were used to amplify sounds so that larger audiences can hear. However, today, microphones see it’s use in various other purposes such as sound recording, integrated app features to connect with people worldwide, and speech recognition. Most microphones in laptops are integrated into the bezel that surrounds the screen so that one can use it with a webcam.

It is bound to be subject to errors and issues, one of which is the Windows 10 Microphone Not Working Error. You didn’t get this error while using discord, did you? Or some other error popped up in discord? Or your discord won’t open? Click here to fix them.

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5 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Microphone Not Working Error

Sometimes while working on our PC, we see our mic not working and worry not as it is a common problem. There could be many reasons for this and below are few fixes you could try.

Fix 1: Run Windows Troubleshooter

The troubleshooters primarily work for quickly diagnosing and automatically resolving various computer problems. The troubleshooter cannot fix all the issues, but they are a good place to start. To start troubleshooting, got to settings > type troubleshoot > select troubleshoot.

Find and fix other problems
Find and Fix Other Problems

 Under Find and fix other problems, find recording audio and select it. Click Run the Troubleshooter. Now check if the troubleshooter solves the Windows 10 Microphone Not Working Error.

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Fix 2: Test Your Microphone

After recently purchasing your laptop, you might think, why is my mic not working? Check if the Microphone volume button doesn’t seem to work or is too low.

To increase the volume of your microphone.

Select Start > Settings > System > Sound

test microphone
Test Microphone

Or, you can go to Sound Preferences in Windows Setting

Step 1: In the Control Panel, go to Sound.

Step 2: Click on Manage Audio Devices. Then click on the microphone you need to work on and check if it’s enabled/disabled in Properties. Click on enable if it is not.

control panel
Control Panel

Step 3: If you cannot see your microphone, check for hidden devices by checking the Show Disables Devices option. Then check if that device is enabled/disabled and enable if it is not.

Also, you need to check Set as Default Device so that your device will be appearing under the Default device list.

If you are able to make your microphone work with any of the above options, well and good, go ahead and enjoy hearing with your microphone. If not, Hard Luck!

Bonus Tip:

But still, you are lucky! Here are a few more options you can try to make your microphone work. If you are using a Bluetooth device and need to use the microphone, you need to disable the hands-free mode first in order for your microphone to work. You can do

Step 1: In the Control Panel, go to Sound.

 Step 2: Click on Manage Audio Devices. Then, click on the hands-free Bluetooth device and disable it.

After you have disabled your hands-free device, try connecting your microphone device and work on it.

In Input, under the Choose your input device, ensure your microphone is selected. Then select Device Properties.

On the Levels tab of the Microphone Priorities window, adjust Microphone and Microphone boost slides as needed, then select OK.

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Fix 3: Allow Apps To Access Your Microphone

Sometimes after updating your system to Windows 10, you might have to give permission for apps to access your microphone. If your microphone doesn’t have access, it will not be able to work.

To let apps, access your microphone, follow these steps.

Step 1: Click on the Windows icon on the left bottom corner and go to Settings.

Step 2: Click on Privacy – Location, Camera, and microphone.

Step 3: Go to App Permissions and click on Microphone.

microphone access
Microphone access

 Step 4: Check if Allow apps to access your microphone is On. If not, turn it On.

This will fix the Windows 10 microphone not working error, and your microphone will be working fine. If not, check other options. After that, under the Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your microphone, you can choose which Microsoft Store apps can access these features. You can give access to non-Microsoft desktop apps by ensuring the switch beneath the Allow Microsoft Apps to access your microphone is On.

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Fix 4: Set Default Microphone Device

Still, in the pit of despair, thinking why my microphone is not working on Windows 10? It can be because your laptop has multiple microphone inputs. For example, if your laptop has a built-in microphone and you plug in another microphone, your PC has two separate microphones.

To select the default microphone, go to the Sound > Recording window, right-click your preferred microphone, and select Set as default, or you can also select Set as Default Communication Device.

This lets you select different default microphones for different apps, but if you are using just one input device, then set both as your standard default and default communications device.

Sometimes, if your microphone shows your audio input below, but you can’t get it to work in a particular application, you will have to open that particular application’s settings window and choose the appropriate microphone input device.

For example, in Skype: click menu > settings > audio & video and choose your preferred microphone device for the microphone menu.

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Fix 5: Check For Hardware Issues

Before you check for any hardware problem, first, you need to find out the brand and model name of the microphone so that it’ll be easy for you to check on the instruction manual, which helps fix the issue.

Step 1: Unplug your microphone from the port and replug it.

If there is a loose connection, it may seem plugged in, and the microphone won’t work. Now, your system will identify a new hardware connection and will get a pop-up. If your microphone is detected, it means you did not properly insert the microphone into the port. 

This should fix the Windows 10 microphone not working error, and your microphone should be working fine. If not, proceed with further steps.

Step 2: On the search menu in the Start, search for the Device Manager in the Control Panel.

Step 3: Click on Audio inputs and outputs and expand it. Then unplug and replug your microphone in the port. You can see if it appears in the list. If not, there is an issue with the USB port, and you need to try connecting your microphone with a different USB port.

Device manager
Device manager

This will fix the problem, and your microphone will be working fine. If Windows 10 mic not working is still an issue, try connecting your microphone to another device. If it is not working on other devices then there is a problem with the microphone. You need to check on the microphone for repair.

Bonus

If you are able to see your microphone in the list under Device Manager > Audio inputs and outputs, you may need to check for any drivers for your microphone to work on this device. If so, continue on the below steps to update the Drivers required.

Step 1: Right-click on your microphone and click on Properties.

Step 2: Go to the Driver tab under the microphone Properties and click on Update Driver.

 If the update is available, follow the steps and update the driver. If there are no updates available in the system, browse the internet for any updates available for your microphone model and update it. After completing all the above steps, go to the application where you need your microphone and check if it is working properly.

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If the Problem Persists

If you still get the Windows 10 Microphone Not Working Error, there might be a hardware problem. For an external microphone, try connecting to another PC, and if it still doesn’t work, then the microphone hardware is broken.

If the microphone is working on another PC but not on your current PC, then the PC’s audio jack may have issues. We hope this guide was helpful in fixing the microphone problem for you. See you until next time!

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