My Microphone Is Not Working In Windows 10!

“My microphone is not working in Windows 10!”

After upgrading to Windows 10, many users experienced such an issue with the microphone. They were unable to record sound or could not use Skype or similar apps. This issue affects all types of devices including desktops, laptops or tablets. So, when your microphone is not working, it might look like one of the biggest issues.

The possible reasons, as well as some effective solutions, are discussed here. You should be able to find a fix by applying them properly on your computer.

“My Microphone Is Not Working In Windows 10”- Reasons!

The microphone issue can appear due to several reasons. It might occur when you have the incorrect driver installed or some issues with Windows operating system or wrong settings. Sometimes a hardware problem might result in microphone issues.

You need to go through various checking and changes to detect where the problem is located. To do so, you need to follow the instructions provided below.

How To Fix The Microphone Stopped Working?

All the possible fixes are listed below to resolve the microphone issue. You should continue with the solutions one by one until you find the one works for you.

Solution 1: Ensure That Your Microphone Is Not Disabled

The first and primary solution to solve the microphone issue is to check that the microphone is not disabled on your computer. If you have previously disabled the microphone, you need to head back to the Device Manager to re-enable the microphone.

If you don’t know how to enable the option, follow these steps provided below:

• Press Win + R and type devmgmt.msc in the search box.

• Hit the Enter button to open the Device Manager window.
• Find your microphone under the Audio inputs and outputs option.

• Once you find your microphone, right-click on it and select Enable device option.

Note: If you notice that the Enable Device option is grayed out, then you already have the microphone enabled. You don’t need to do this again. In that case, jump to the next solution.

By following these steps, you can make the microphone enabled. Go and check the microphone if it is working now properly.

Solution 2: Check App Permission For Your Microphone

If the previous solution didn’t work for you, then you should check whether the microphone is turned off and the applications have the access to use the microphone. Sometimes it is possible that your microphone got turned off after a Windows update or you have mistakenly turned it off.

So, you need to ensure that your microphone is working properly. To see if it is enabled in Windows, follow these steps provided below:

• Click on the Start icon and type Settings.
• Select the Settings app that appeared in search results.
• Click on the Privacy option.

• In the Privacy settings window, locate the Microphone section on the left panel and select it.
• You will find an option “Let apps use my microphone” with a toggle button next to it.
• Enable the toggle button if it is disabled.

• If you are using the microphone for any particular app, check if that app has access to the microphone.

Now check if this change resolves the problem with your microphone. If it doesn’t work, continue to the next solution.

Solution 3: Set Microphone As A Default Device

When there is an external microphone connected to your computer, it might be the case that the microphone is not set as the default input device. It can trigger the USB microphone not working. You should make it default device manually by following the steps below:

• In Windows 10, click on the Start icon and search Control Panel.
• From the Control Panel app, select the Hardware and Sound option.
• Now, click on the Sound option and select the Recording tab.

• Under the Recording section, Select your microphone and right-click on it.
• Select ‘Set as Default’ option from the context menu.

• Click on OK to apply and save the changes.

Now check if the problem with your microphone is fixed.

Solution 4: Check Whether The Microphone Is Muted

If your microphone stopped working, it is possible that your microphone’s volume is set to the lowest value or it is muted. Follow the instructions below to check if the microphone volume is set to maximum:

• Open the Recording tab following the steps stated above.
• Select your microphone and click on the Properties option below.

• In the Microphone Properties window, click on the ‘Levels’ tab.
• Ensure that there is no red sign beside the speaker icon.
• Also, check if the volume is set to 100 or change it to 100 by dragging the volume bar.

• Click on the Apply and OK button to save the changes.

Now check whether the USB microphone not working still continues.

Solution 5: Run The Audio Recording Troubleshooter

Windows built-in troubleshooter is a very useful feature to detect the problems and fix them automatically. In order to fix the USB microphone not working, you should run the audio recording troubleshooter. This is how you can run the troubleshooter on Windows 10:

• Click on the Start icon and type troubleshoot.
• Select the Troubleshoot settings option that appeared in the search result.
• Scroll down and find the Recording Audio option in the Settings window.
• Click on it and select the option ‘Run the troubleshooter’.

• Windows will automatically start scanning for problems and fix it if any error found during the scan.

Now check if the USB microphone not working still persists after running the windows troubleshooter.

Solution 6: Restart The Windows Audio Service

If still, your microphone is not working in Windows 10, you may try by restarting the Windows Audio Service. This process often works well to resolve issues related to audio service. The following steps describe how you can restart the Audio Service.

• Press the Win + R key from the keyboard and type services.msc to open the services list.

• Hit the Enter button and the Services window will appear.
• You will see a list of running Windows Services on your screen. Locate the “Windows Audio” service and right-click on it.
• Select the Restart option from the menu. You may also click on Stop and again right-click on the Windows Audio option to select the Start option.

Now check if the problem solves after restarting the Audio service. If you find the issue still continues, don’t worry, there are few more solutions you should try.

Solution 7: Update Microphone Driver

Sometimes when your microphone driver is outdated or corrupted, you might have the microphone stopped working. So, it is necessary to keep your device drivers up to date.

If you find the microphone icon is missing or the driver you have installed for your microphone is not compatible with Windows 10, you should update or reinstall the driver. You can update your microphone drivers using the Device Manager console. It is also possible to download the driver directly from the manufacturer’s website and install it.

To perform the driver update, click on how to Update Device Driver using Device Manager and follow the instructions there.

If the driver is already updated, there is another solution you should try to resolve the microphone issue.

Solution 8: Perform System Restore Using Restore Point

When the microphone is not working in Windows 10, you should restore your system. Performing System Restore brings back your system to the previously saved working condition without affecting saved files. If your microphone was working properly when you last used your computer, then you should try this solution.

To perform a system restore, follow these steps provided below accordingly:

• Press the Windows key + S and type system restore.
• Click on the Create a restore point option appears in the search result.

• On the System properties window, choose the System restore option and click on it.
• Now click the Next button on the system to restore the window.
• Check Show more restore point option if available to choose the desired restore point.

• Now click on the Next option and follow instructions on your screen to finish the restoration process.

Your problem should be fixed after performing the System Restore.

Conclusion

Now you know why your microphone stopped working and how to fix it performing some easy changes. You should not worry when the microphone is not working in Windows 10, you already have the solutions here. Let us know which one of the solutions worked for you by commenting below. If you still have queries or still your USB microphone not working, feel free to tell us here.