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Microphone

Microphone not working on Windows 11

Most microphone problems on Windows 11 come down to three things: privacy settings blocking apps, the wrong input device being selected, or a level set too low. Test your mic above, then work through the steps in order.

Last reviewed October 23, 2026

Start with a quick test

Steps

  1. 1

    Check for a mute switch

    Many headsets have a mute switch on the cable or ear cup, and many laptops have a microphone key on the top row. A light on the key usually means muted.

  2. 2

    Allow microphone access

    Open Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone. Turn on Microphone access, Let apps access your microphone and Let desktop apps access your microphone. Browsers count as desktop apps.

  3. 3

    Pick the right input and level

    Open Settings › System › Sound. Under Input, choose your microphone, then select it to see Input volume. Set it between 70 and 100, and use Test your microphone to check the level moves.

  4. 4

    Check the app uses the same mic

    Call apps and games choose their own input device. Open the app's audio settings and select the same microphone you picked in Windows.

  5. 5

    Turn off exclusive mode

    In Settings › System › Sound, open More sound settings. On the Recording tab, double-click your microphone, open Advanced, and clear Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device. This stops one app from locking the mic.

  6. 6

    Reinstall the audio driver

    Right-click Start and open Device Manager. Expand Audio inputs and outputs, right-click your device and choose Uninstall device, then restart. Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.

  7. 7

    Restart

    A restart releases devices that an app has frozen and reloads drivers. It fixes more problems than it should.

Still not working?

  • Try the microphone on another computer or phone. If it's silent there too, the microphone or its cable is faulty.
  • For USB microphones, try a USB port on the back of a desktop PC, and avoid unpowered hubs.
  • Check your PC maker's support site for an updated audio driver; generic drivers sometimes lack features.

Questions

Why does my mic work in one app but not another?

Each app picks its own input device and needs its own permission. Check the app's audio settings and Windows privacy settings for desktop apps.

My mic shows in Settings but the level doesn't move. Why?

It's usually muted in hardware, set to zero, or held by another app in exclusive mode. Work through steps 1, 3 and 5.

Devices