How To Fix Microphone Not Working in Windows 10

The microphone is a very useful device for conducting calls or recording speech in Windows. The microphone may at times have issues not working properly in Windows 10. This step by step tutorial contains all the helpful fixes you need to troubleshoot the microphone.

Method #1: Confirm that the microphone is enabled on your computer

This may be a very helpful solution if it is your first time using the microphone device on your computer.

Step 1

Double press ‘Windows Key + I’ to open Windows settings. You now need to click ‘Privacy’ as shown below:

Step 2

Under ‘App permission,’ select ‘Microphone’ on the left panel. On the right, check whether ‘Microphone access for this device is on’ as shown in the image below. If you are unsure, hit the ‘change’ button then ensure that the switch is set to ‘ON.’ Ensure that the switch under ‘Allow apps to access your microphone’ is set to ‘On.’ Finally, you need to ensure that you choose which apps can access your microphone as illustrated below:

If you have made some changes, there is a high probability that your microphone issues are resolved.

Method #2: Configure Some Recording Device Settings

Step 1

Right click on the speaker icon at the right of the taskbar. Select ‘Sounds’ as shown in the illustration below:

Step 2

Navigate to the ‘Recording’ tab at the top as shown below. All the recording devices connected on your computer will be listed. You now need to test if the default device is working. Speak out (preferably loudly) while facing the microphone on your computer. If the device is working correctly, you should see green bars adjusting depending on your voice.

If the green bars appear, move to Step 4 to configure your recording device. However, if your microphone is not responding, move to Step 3

Step 3

If your recording device is not responding from Step 2, you need to select another available recording device on the list then hit ‘Set Default.’ You now need to repeat Step 2 to check if the new device is responding.

Note: If you are dealing with an external peripheral device, you need to ensure that it is powered on and well connected to the computer. You should also try testing different cables to identify faulty cables.

Step 4

Once you determine that your microphone is responding to sound, you need to make some configurations. Ensure that the recording device in use is highlighted then hit ‘Properties’ as shown below:

Step 5

Under microphone properties, navigate to ‘Levels’ at the top bar as shown below. You now need to turn both controls all the way up as illustrated below. Click on ‘Apply’ then ‘OK’ to save changes.

Step 6

Finally, head back to the sound properties tab and navigate to ‘communications’ tab at the top. You need to ensure that ‘Do nothing’ is checked then confirm changes by clicking ‘Apply’ then ‘OK’ as shown below:

Conclusion

You now know how to fix microphone not working in Windows 10. Which method worked best for you? SPlease let us know in the comments sections below.