A malfunctioning microphone can be incredibly frustrating—whether you’re joining an online meeting, recording audio, or chatting with friends. Fortunately, Windows 11 includes multiple built-in tools and settings that make it easy to diagnose and fix mic issues.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through all the reliable methods to get your microphone working again.

Table of Contents

1. Check Physical Connections First

Before diving into Windows settings, confirm that everything is connected properly.

Make sure the microphone cable is securely plugged into the correct port.
If you’re using a USB mic, try unplugging and plugging it back in.
For headsets with detachable mics, ensure the mic is firmly attached.
Test a different port to rule out port issues.

Tip: If your mic has a mute switch or volume slider, double-check that it isn’t muted.

2. Set the Correct Microphone as the Default Device

Windows may be using the wrong input device.

Open Settings.
Go to System > Sound.
Under Input, choose the microphone you want to use.
Speak into the mic—if the input bar moves, Windows is detecting audio.

If not, continue to the next step.

3. Adjust Microphone Volume & Boost

Low volume settings can make the microphone seem broken.

In Settings > System > Sound, select your mic under Input.
Move the Volume slider to at least 70–100%.
For advanced adjustments, click More sound settings, then:
- Go to the Recording tab
- Right-click your mic → Properties
- Open the Levels tab
- Increase Microphone Boost if needed.

4. Allow Apps to Access Your Microphone

If apps don’t have permission, your mic won’t work.

Open Settings.
Select Privacy & security.
Click Microphone.
Turn on:
- Microphone access
- Let apps access your microphone
- Scroll down and enable access for specific apps like Teams, Zoom, or Chrome.

5. Run the Windows 11 Microphone Troubleshooter

Windows can automatically detect and fix several issues.

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Recording Audio.
Click Run.

Follow the prompts and apply any recommended fixes.

6. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of microphone problems.

Update Drivers

Right-click the Start button → Device Manager.
Expand Audio inputs and outputs.
Right-click your microphone → Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

Reinstall Drivers

In Device Manager, right-click the microphone → Uninstall device.
Restart your PC—Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

7. Disable Exclusive Mode

Some applications take exclusive control of your microphone, preventing other apps from using it.

Open More sound settings from Windows Sound settings.
Go to the Recording tab.
Select your microphone → Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Uncheck:
- Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device
- Give exclusive mode applications priority

Click Apply.

8. Turn Off Enhancements

Audio enhancements may interfere with your microphone quality.

Open your mic’s Properties.
Go to the Enhancements or Advanced tab (name varies).
Disable all enhancements.
Click Apply.

9. Restart Audio Services

Windows audio services must run correctly for your microphone to function.

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Find the following services:
- Windows Audio
- Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
Right-click each → Restart.

10. Test Your Microphone Online or in an App

After applying the fixes, test the microphone:

Use Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord’s built-in mic test.
Try an online tool by searching for Microphone Test.
Use Windows’ built-in test under Settings > System > Sound > Input.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a microphone on Windows 11 is usually simple once you know where to look. By checking physical connections, adjusting sound settings, updating drivers, and using Windows’ troubleshooting tools, you can quickly restore clear and reliable audio input.

If your microphone still doesn’t work after following all these steps, the issue may be hardware-related, and testing the mic on another device can help confirm that.

How to Fix Microphone on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide