Windows 11 microphone not working? 6 fixes to try

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

If people cannot hear you in a call, Windows is usually listening to the wrong microphone, the volume is at zero, or the app is not allowed to use the microphone. All three are set in two places.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Allow apps to use the microphone

   Open Settings with Windows + I, click Privacy & security, then Microphone. Switch on Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone, and check the app in the list. For programs from outside the Microsoft Store, switch on Let desktop apps access your microphone.

   Done

2. Choose the right microphone

   Open Settings, System, Sound. Under Input, at Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the microphone or headset you want to use.

   Done

3. Raise the input volume

   Click the microphone in the Input section. Under Input settings, move the Input volume slider up.

   Done

4. Test the microphone

   On the same page, click Start test under Microphone test, speak for a few seconds and click Stop test. Play the recorded sample. If you hear yourself, Windows is fine and the problem is in the app.

   Done

5. Check the mute button

   Many headsets have a mute switch on the cable or the ear cup, and many laptops have a microphone mute key. Also check the microphone button inside the call app.

   Done

6. Run the troubleshooter or reinstall the driver

   In Settings, System, Sound, scroll to Advanced and click Input devices next to Troubleshoot common sound problems. If that does not help, right-click Start, open Device Manager, open Sound, video and game controllers, right-click the audio device and choose Uninstall device. Restart the PC, and Windows installs the driver again.

   Done

Good to know

Call apps such as Teams and Zoom have their own microphone menu. The device chosen there overrides the one in Windows.

A Bluetooth headset has to be connected as a headset, not only as headphones, for its microphone to work. See Windows 11 Bluetooth not working: 8 fixes to try.

If you also hear nothing: no sound on Windows 11: 7 fixes to try.

In short: Privacy settings, right input device, input volume, Start test, mute button, troubleshooter or driver.