If you are experiencing issues with an internal or external microphone in Microsoft Windows, review the troubleshooting options below to test and resolve the issues.

Third-party software

Ensure the microphone is not working in Sound Recorder. If the microphone works in Sound Recorder, but not another program, that program is likely at fault and not the microphone.

Before following the steps below, read our general microphone troubleshooting at: How to troubleshoot microphone issues.

Incorrect microphone device setup

  • Open the Control Panel.
  • In the Control Panel, double-click the Sound icon.
  • Click the Recording tab and ensure the default recording device is set as the microphone.
  • If your microphone is not set as the default recording device, right-click it and select Set as Default Device.

If your microphone is not displayed on the Recording tab, the microphone or sound card is likely defective. You can try reinstalling the sound card to see if that corrects the problem.

Volume for microphone is muted or not turned up

Verify the volume for the microphone is not muted and is not turned down. Check this by opening the sound properties by double clicking the sound icon () on the computer Systray. If you do not see the sound icon, refer to our sound card troubleshooting steps.

  • How to fix missing or lost sound in Windows.

In sound properties, ensure the Microphone option is not checked on mute and the volume is turned up to the highest setting. If you do not see the Microphone option within sound properties, click Options and then click Properties. In the Properties window, check the Microphone option.

Sound drivers are corrupt or bad

If your microphone continues not to work or you are experiencing other issues, such as error messages when attempting to record, we recommend you reinstall your sound card drivers.

  • See our microphone definition for further information and related links.
  • Microphone and headset help and support.