Immediately need the microphone to work and it is not working? I know how that feels, as I have been in the same situation too while having a team meeting this week.
Whatever might be the reason, we will try to get it resolved using the methods below:
First let’s get into the fact why the issue might have caused and then we dive deep into solving the problem:
Why Is The Realtek Mic Not Working On Windows 11?
Several reasons can lead to the Realtek audio mic not working issue. Some of those reasons are listed below:
- Issue with the operating system
- Compatibility issues between the audio enhancements and the Realtek audio driver
- The audio port or the microphone of your device isn’t working
- The audio driver isn’t installed correctly
- Missing, outdated, or corrupted audio driver
- Microphone is disabled
- The microphone is turned off or muted
- Incorrect selection of microphone in Windows
- The audio device isn’t correctly connected
Realtek Audio Manager Not Opening is equally a matter of concern, and to get hold of some easy fixes, read this detailed guide.
How To Fix Realtek Mic Not Working In Windows 11?
This article will walk you through some of the most common solutions for the Realtek audio mic not working issue.
Here are a few of those:
1) Restart The PC
Restarting the PC solves minor technical glitches, so if you face any issue with the Realtek microphone not working, then go for a simple restart of your computer.
This will close all the programs that run in the background and start them again, which can fix the problems caused by corrupted or outdated files.
Click on the restart button to restart your PC.
If this does not solve the problem go top the next step.
2) Run Microphone Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has an in-built Windows troubleshooter known to fix the Realtek microphone not working issue. This tool automatically detects and fixes common sound-related problems, including microphone issues.
Therefore, running the sound troubleshooter is a good idea to resolve the issue.
This is how it can be done:
- Right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar’s right corner and then select “Troubleshoot sound problems.”
- The troubleshooting will immediately detect the issue you’re facing with your audio device and suggest a solution.
- Wait until it finishes reading the prompts, and then select your best option.
- Check if the issue has been resolved.
If this does not solve the problem go to the next step to fix the issue.
3) Restart Windows Audio Service
Windows Audio Service is known to fix audio-related issues, including microphone issues. Restarting it at times helps clear glitches or conflicts affecting your microphone.
If the Audio service gets stopped, it will surely affect the sound devices; hence, the peripherals won’t work properly.
Therefore, it is essential to check that the services are enabled and running correctly.
This is how you can do it:
- Press the Windows + S keys simultaneously.
- Type “services.msc” in the “Search” box and press “Enter.”
- Search for “Windows Audio” and check the status of the service.
- Ensure it is running, and for more assurance, right-click on the service and select the “Restart” option.
Finally, restart your Windows device and check whether the error is gone.
If the error persists go for the updating the sound driver. Find below how to do it.
4) Update The Sound Driver
If your Realtek microphone isn’t working correctly, then updating the sound driver will be helpful. An outdated or corrupt driver is sometimes responsible for triggering the Realtek microphone issue.
The driver can be updated directly from the manufacturer’s website or the Windows Device Manager.
Follow the steps to update the sound driver:
- Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager”.
- Expand the “Sound, video, and game controllers” category.
- Right-click on the Realtek sound card driver and then select the “Update Driver” option.
- Select “Search automatically for updated drivers.”
- Soon after this, Windows will search for the latest driver for your sound card and install it.
- After the driver is updated, restart your computer and test the Realtek microphone.
5) Now check If The Microphone Is Set As Default Or Disabled
If your Realtek microphone isn’t set as a default device or is disabled, then this problem can occur.
This is how you can set the Realtek microphone as a default device:
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Scroll down and select “More Sound Settings”.
- Move to the recording tab and right-click on a gap in the tab.
- Now, check Show Disabled Devices to make sure that the microphone is included in the device list.
- Choose the “Set Default” option and verify whether the Realtek microphone works.
6) Increase Microphone Volume
If you muted the volume of your audio device some time back and you forgot to turn it on, this issue is bound to happen.
So, if you encounter this problem, first check the audio device’s volume. If the sound is muted or low, increase the volume of the sound device.
To increase the volume, follow the steps:
- Type “Settings” in the Windows Search bar.
- Click on System>Sound.
- Under the “Input” section, select a microphone for viewing its properties.
- Under “Input volume,” adjust the slider to increase the volume.
- Setting the microphone to mute will solve the problem.
- If not, then click the “Start Test button” next to the “Test Your Microphone” label.
7) Check For Updates
Checking for updates will ensure you have the latest version of the Realtek driver installed on your device. Running an outdated or incompatible driver with your microphone is possible if you do not check for updates.
Check whether all the Windows update is active and whether all the current updates are installed.
This is how you can update your Windows:
- In the Search bar, type “Check for updates” and then click on the first option.
- Click on the “Check for updates” button.
- If there is any availability of pending updates, download and install those.
- If there aren’t any Windows updates available, then modify the privacy settings of your microphone.
8) Modify the Privacy Settings Of Your Microphone
It is essential to check the privacy settings of your Realtek microphone if it isn’t working.
Certain apps are being blocked from accessing the microphone; in this case, the microphone stops working without your knowledge.
Here is what you need to check the privacy settings of your microphone:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the “Settings” app.
- Click on “Privacy and Security”.
- Scroll down, search for the “Microphone” option, and click on it.
- In the next window, enable the “Microphone access” toggle and check whether the “Let apps access your microphone” toggle is enabled.
- Next, scroll down, choose which apps can access your microphone, and ensure that all apps you want to access are switched on.
9) Connect And Use A Different Microphone
If the problem lies with the microphone, then connecting and using a different microphone will resolve the Windows mic not working issue.
if you can’t fix the problem with the original microphone, use a different microphone to resolve your issue. This can be helpful until you get the original microphone fixed or replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How Can I Check If My Realtek Microphone Is Properly Connected?
Check whether the microphone is plugged securely into the correct audio jack on your computer. Also, you can try to use a different microphone, or you can also test the present microphone on another device to find out the hardware issues.
- What Should I Do If My Realtek Microphone Is Detected But Not Recording Any Sound?
If the Realtek microphone is detected but not recording any sound, you need first to check the volume levels and microphone settings.
Also, ensure the microphone is not muted, and the correct input device is selected.
- Why Does My Realtek Microphone Work On Other Devices But Not On Windows 11?
If your Realtek microphone is working on other devices but not on Windows 11, the issue lies with your Windows 11 system. This case can be due to driver conflicts, software settings, or even unique hardware configurations.
Bottomline
Realtek microphone not working on Windows 11 can cause distress for those who rely on their microphones for the sake of communication, gaming, and other activities.
Tell us which troubleshooting method helped you to solve the Windows mic not working issue on your system. Also, if there are any underlying doubts, write to us in the comment section below.
