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ProblemAudio input and app permissions

Microphone not working in Windows

The microphone does not capture your voice, or an app cannot receive it. Start with physical mute and input selection, then distinguish device detection from app permissions.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~2 min

  1. Check mute and inputMake sure you are testing the intended microphone.

Find your situation

See all the clues. Choose the one that matches what you observe.

Windows captures voice, the app does not

Check that app’s permissions and microphone selection.

Microphone is not listed

Check the connection and driver; permissions cannot install an absent device.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Check mute and input

  • Estimated time: 2 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Make sure you are testing the intended microphone.

  1. Unmute the microphone or headset physically and check its external connection.

  2. Open Settings > System > Sound and select the intended device under Input.

Sources:
02

Test input in Windows

  • Estimated time: 3 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

A local test separates the app from the device.

  1. In Windows 11 open that input’s properties in Sound and run the microphone test; speak normally and play the sample. In Windows 10 check the input test indicator.

  2. Adjust input volume if needed. If the test works, check that the app uses the same microphone.

Sources:
03

Check the required permissions

  • Estimated time: 3 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Allow access only where it is needed.

  1. In Windows 11 open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone; in Windows 10 open Privacy > Microphone. Check device-wide and app access.

  2. For desktop programs, check desktop-app access and their internal input selector. Not every program has an individual Windows permission switch.

Sources:
Advanced

Advanced checks

Continue if the earlier steps did not help. Read each procedure’s precautions first.

04

Check a missing device’s driver

  • Estimated time: 10 min
  • Intermediate
  • Low risk
  • Administrator required
  • Restart required

Use support for the specific PC or microphone.

  1. If the input is still absent, check the audio device in Device Manager and look for a driver update.

  2. For an integrated microphone, use support for the PC model; for an external one, use device support. Use an official Windows-compatible driver.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

Tell support whether the local test fails or only one app is affected, and whether the device appears under Input. Do not share recordings containing private information as test evidence.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.

Related problems

windows
Problem

No sound in Windows

Audio playback is silent in Windows. Check the output and its controls before changing drivers. Use the dedicated guide if only Bluetooth headphones or microphone input is affected.

View solution