The Best Ways to Fix Windows Microphone Not Working
If you are using Windows and facing a problem where your microphone is not working, you are not alone. Many users have reported this issue in the past, and it can be quite frustrating. Whether you are using a built-in or external microphone, this issue can disrupt your work, especially if you need to attend online meetings or record audio for a project.
In this article, we will discuss the best ways to fix Windows microphone not working issue. We will cover various solutions that have worked for many users, and we will explain each step in detail. By the end of this article, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix your microphone issue without any hassle.
Check Microphone Settings
Before you start trying any other solutions, it’s important to check your microphone settings. Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as your microphone being muted or not selected as the default device. Here’s how to check your microphone settings:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- Click on System and then select Sound.
- Under Input, make sure your microphone is selected as the default device.
- Check the volume levels and make sure your microphone is not muted.
If your microphone was not selected as the default device, select it and try using it again. If your microphone was muted, unmute it and try recording audio again.
Check Microphone Hardware
If your microphone is still not working, it’s time to check the hardware. Make sure your microphone is properly connected to your computer and that there are no loose connections. If you are using an external microphone, try connecting it to a different USB port.
If your microphone is still not working, try connecting it to a different computer to see if it works there. If it does, then the issue is with your computer, and you can move on to the next solution. If it doesn’t work on another computer, then your microphone may be faulty, and you may need to replace it.
Update Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can often cause microphone issues in Windows. To fix this, you need to update your audio drivers. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers category.
- Right-click on your audio device and select Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Wait for Windows to search for and install the latest driver software.
Once the driver is updated, restart your computer and try using your microphone again.
Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help you diagnose and fix common audio issues. Here’s how to run it:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- Click on Update & Security and then select Troubleshoot.
- Under Find and fix other problems, select Playing Audio.
- Click on Run the troubleshooter and wait for Windows to detect and fix any issues.
Once the troubleshooter completes, restart your computer and try using your microphone again.
Disable Exclusive Mode
Windows has an exclusive mode feature that allows certain applications to take exclusive control of your microphone. This feature can sometimes cause issues with other applications that need access to your microphone. Here’s how to disable exclusive mode:
- Right-click on the volume icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
- Click on the Recording tab and select your microphone.
- Click on Properties and select the Advanced tab.
- Uncheck the box next to Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
- Click on Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer and try using your microphone again.
Reset Windows Audio Service
If none of the above solutions worked, you can try resetting the Windows Audio Service. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
- Scroll down and find the Windows Audio Service.
- Right-click on it and select Properties.
- Under the General tab, click on Stop.
- Wait for a few seconds and then click on Start.
- Click on Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer and try using your microphone again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various ways to fix Windows microphone not working issue. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix your microphone without any hassle. Remember to check your microphone settings, hardware connections, update your audio drivers, run the Windows troubleshooter, disable exclusive mode, and reset the Windows Audio Service. With these solutions, you should be able to get your microphone working again and continue with your work or online meetings.
