Microphone Not Working

Answer a couple of questions and get the exact fix.

What exactly is happening with your microphone?

Why does this happen?

A microphone the computer won't pick up is almost always a privacy toggle, the wrong input device, or a quiet level. The fixer below handles each of the three common patterns.

Common causes

Microphone privacy permission is off.
The wrong input device is selected.
Mic volume or boost is too low.
A missing audio driver.

Symptoms

Apps report no microphone.
The mic doesn't appear in Sound settings.
You can barely be heard.
It worked before a Windows update.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't apps use my microphone?

Check Settings â Privacy & security â Microphone and make sure access is On for both the system and the specific app, then restart the app.

How do I make my microphone louder?

Open Sound settings â Input, raise the volume, and enable microphone boost if it's very quiet.