How to Fix Windows Microphone Not Working

Fix Windows microphone issues with step-by-step troubleshooting. Check privacy settings, drivers, and audio configuration to restore microphone functionality.

1. Check microphone privacy settings. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Toggle 'Microphone access' to On if disabled. Scroll down and ensure 'Let apps access your microphone' is enabled. Review the app list and toggle on permissions for specific applications that need microphone access.
2. Set the correct default microphone. Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select 'Sound settings'. Under Input, click the dropdown next to 'Choose your input device' and select your microphone. Click 'Test your microphone' and speak normally to verify the blue bar moves when you talk.
3. Unmute and adjust microphone levels. In Sound settings, click 'Device properties' under your selected microphone. Ensure the volume slider is set to at least 70. Click 'Additional device properties' to open the classic dialog. In the Levels tab, confirm the microphone is not muted and set the level to 80-100.
4. Update audio drivers. Right-click the Start button and select 'Device Manager'. Expand 'Audio inputs and outputs' and locate your microphone. Right-click it and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers' and let Windows install any available updates. Restart your computer after installation completes.
5. Run the audio troubleshooter. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Click 'Run' next to 'Recording Audio'. Follow the prompts and let Windows detect and fix common microphone problems automatically. Test your microphone after the troubleshooter completes.
6. Disable audio enhancements. Return to Sound settings and click 'Device properties' for your microphone. Click 'Additional device properties' then navigate to the Advanced tab. Uncheck 'Enable audio enhancements' if present. Click Apply then OK. Test your microphone to see if this resolves audio quality issues.
7. Reset audio services. Press Windows + R, type 'services.msc' and press Enter. Find 'Windows Audio' in the list, right-click it and select 'Restart'. Repeat this process for 'Windows Audio Endpoint Builder'. Close the Services window and test your microphone again.