Windows 11
Fix Microphone Not Working on Windows 11
Run the online Mic Test, then enable permissions and pick the right input so apps hear you on Windows 11.
Updated 2025-12-09
Run the DevicePrep Mic Test to see a live input meter before you change settings.
Windows 11 blocks microphones fast when privacy toggles are off or the wrong device is selected. Start with a live Mic Test so you know if the browser hears you, then line up Windows and app settings until one mic is chosen everywhere and the meter moves.
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Flip any hardware mute switch on the mic or headset and raise its gain knob if it has one.
- Unplug the USB mic, wait 10 seconds, and plug it into another USB port to refresh drivers.
- Press the laptop keyboard mic mute key if lit and confirm it turns off.
- Restart the calling app after you change devices so it reloads inputs.
- Close other recording apps like Discord or OBS so they release the microphone.
- If you use a USB hub, move the mic directly to the laptop to rule out power issues.
Step-by-step fix
- Run the DevicePrep Mic Test; if the meter stays flat, keep this tab open and continue the steps.
- Settings -> Privacy & security -> Microphone -> turn on both "Microphone access" and "Let apps access your microphone".
- Settings -> System -> Sound -> Input -> pick your microphone and speak; confirm the input meter moves and set volume near 70.
- Open Zoom, Teams, or Meet and pick the same microphone so the app does not fall back to the laptop mic.
- Sound -> More sound settings -> Recording -> select your mic -> Properties -> Advanced -> clear both exclusive control checkboxes.
- Check Device Manager -> Audio inputs and outputs or Sound, video and game controllers; update the driver or scan for hardware changes if the mic vanished.
- Restart the PC after driver changes, then rerun the Mic Test to confirm the fix.
Deep fixes
Confirm the mic can be heard
Keep headphones on while you test to avoid feedback. If the meter is flat, close Discord, OBS, Xbox Game Bar, and other tabs that may hold the mic. A working meter here proves the hardware and browser are fine; any silence after this point is down to Windows or the calling app.
Turn on Windows 11 microphone permissions
Open Settings -> Privacy & security -> Microphone and switch on both toggles. Allow Zoom, Teams, browsers, and screen recorders in the list. Browser versions of meeting apps also need the browser allowed under desktop apps. After changing permissions, close and reopen any app that failed earlier so it refreshes the grant.
Pick the right input and gain
In Settings -> System -> Sound -> Input, select the mic you intend to use and watch the input level as you talk. Raise the Input volume slider until peaks land in the green. If the meter stays dead, swap cables, try a different USB port, or test with a basic 3.5 mm headset. Laptop privacy shutters and function keys can mute array mics; open the shutter and retest.
Match the mic in your calling apps
Zoom and Teams often default to "Same as system". When Windows switches devices, the app may follow the wrong one. Open the app audio settings and pick the mic by name. Disable auto volume controls while you debug so the slider stays steady. When you change devices mid-call, leave and rejoin after saving the new selection to avoid stuck routing.
Handle drivers and hardware flags
In Device Manager, a warning icon means the driver failed. Right-click -> Update driver -> Search automatically; if it fails, choose Uninstall device and reboot so Windows reloads it. Clear "Allow applications to take exclusive control" under Recording -> Properties -> Advanced. For USB mics with their own control panels, set sample rate to 44.1 or 48 kHz. If every app fails even after these steps, try the mic on another computer to confirm hardware health.
Quick checklist
- Mic Test meter moves in the browser
- Windows mic access toggles are on
- Correct input picked and volume above 70
- Exclusive mode disabled in Advanced properties
- Same mic selected in the calling app
- No warnings in Device Manager
FAQs
Can Windows privacy blocks stop desktop apps?
Yes. If "Let apps access your microphone" is off, Zoom and Teams stay silent even if the device is connected.
Why does the meter move but nobody hears me?
The app is likely listening to another device. Reopen the app audio settings and pick the same mic shown in Windows Sound.
Do I need the manufacturer driver?
Most USB and 3.5 mm mics work with Windows drivers. Install the vendor driver only if Device Manager shows errors or buttons on the mic need special software.
Why does the input meter move but people hear static?
Static often means a loose cable, a powered USB hub issue, or gain set too high. Re-seat connections, move the mic to a laptop port, and set gain near the middle before retesting.
Wrap up
Rerun the DevicePrep Mic Test after each change so you know exactly which step fixed the issue. When the meter looks healthy, join a quick test call in your app and then run the Pre-Call Test to confirm camera and speakers too.