Updates don’t just bring about fixes and new features, but they also tend to cause some issues or interfere with other features of the device. The latest microphone issues on Windows laptops have been occurring after an update. The issues are minor and nothing that cannot be fixed. So, if you find your Windows 10 microphone not working, then we have a list of solutions for you.
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Allow Access to Microphone on Your Laptop
Sometimes updates can reset or change certain options, or you might have toggled the feature off erroneously. So, go to the Settings to check whether access to the microphone is allowed.
Press the Windows Logo and I together to open Settings on your screen
Next click on Privacy
On this screen locate Microphone and click on it
Check the option which says “Allow apps to access your microphone” – ensure it is toggled ON
Next scroll down to the option which says “Choose which apps can access your microphone” – check if the app that you are working on has the microphone access toggled ON.
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Check the Sound Settings
If you still find your laptop microphone not working, then as a next solution, you must check the sound settings of the laptop.
Press the Windows Logo and I together to open Settings on your screen
Next click on System
On this screen locate Sound and click on it
Scroll down to “Input” and click in the drop-down. Make sure the microphone you are using has been selected. If there are no microphones listed at all then the problem may lie with the driver.
Next, go down to “Device properties” below the microphone setting. Check if the “Disable” box is unchecked. Now, restart your computer and then check if the microphone in your laptop is working.
Update the Audio Driver
If the audio driver becomes incompatible with the hardware of the device and the OS, then you must update it.
In the Windows search box type Device Manager and click on the top result displayed
You will find Audio inputs and outputs option right at the top. If you double click on this option it will expand to reveal the microphones
Right click on Microphone and then click on Update Driver
You will get a prompt in a new window asking you to either “Search automatically for updated driver software” or “Browse my computer for driver software”.
You must select the first option “Search automatically for updated driver software” and ensure that you are connected to a stable internet connection.
The system will check for the latest audio driver for you and update it
Once the process is complete, restart your computer and check if the audio of your microphone is back.
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Configuring the Microphone Settings from Control Panel
If the laptop microphone is not working even after the above solution, then you need to check the microphone settings from the control panel. Here is what you need to do:
Press the Windows logo + R keys together. This will open the Run window where you need to type “mmsys.cm” and press enter.
A sound window will open on this command. You need to click on the Recording tab and locate the microphone of your system. Double click on it to open its properties.
On the General tab of the properties, ensure that the Device Usage option is enabled.
Next, go to the Listen tab and from the drop-down select the relevant microphone. Just below you will find “Continue running when on battery saver” option you must click it and then finally Apply
The next tab is Levels, check and see if the Microphone Level is 100.
The final tab is Advanced and here you will find two options below Exclusive Mode – the first is “Allow application to take exclusive control of this device” and second is “Give exclusive mode application priority”. Both options must be unchecked. Apps with such permissions will not let your microphone work with any other apps. Apply the changes and exit.
Restart your laptop to check if the laptop microphone issue has been resolved.
These solutions have worked and users have been able to set their microphone right using them. If the problem persists, you can get in touch with an authorized workshop of the brand of laptop you are using.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
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