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Where did my microphone go?

Janet Bryan 0 Reputation points
2026-05-31T00:36:19.25+00:00

My microphone is not active, and I could not comment with in a zoom meeting today.

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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  1. EmilyS726 236.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-31T01:44:34.6133333+00:00

    Hello,

    Can you launch the Sound Recorder app, and see if you can test record yourself, then play it back, and see if it works. It is important to do this first, to see if this is unique to Zoom only, or it is mic issue across all apps.

    If it doesn't work for the Recorder app either, hold down Windows + R keys, type in mmsys.cpl and hit enter. Then go to the Recording tab. Do you see the Microphone? If so, please make sure it is not disable (you can right click to enable it). Also make sure it is set as default device. Then double click on the microphone, go to Levels tab, make sure it is not muted.

    Go to Windows Settings > Privacy > Microphone, make sure allow apps access is turned on.

    Install audio driver from computer manufacturer website. If you need help finding driver, please type msinfo32.exe in the search on the taskbar and hit enter, then share a screenshot of the pop up please.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-31T00:36:32.8633333+00:00

    Try these steps in order on Windows.

    1. Check physical mute and connections
    • If using a headset, make sure any hardware Mute switch or button on the headset or laptop keyboard is not active.
    • If it is a wired headset, ensure it is fully plugged into the correct jack or USB port.
    • If it is Bluetooth, make sure it is paired and connected.
    1. Make sure apps can use the microphone
    • Windows 11:
      1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
      2. Turn Microphone access On.
      3. Turn Let apps access your microphone On.
      4. Turn Let desktop apps access your microphone On so apps like Zoom can use it.
    • Windows 10:
      1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy.
      2. Select Microphone under App permissions.
      3. Turn Microphone access for this device On.
      4. Turn Allow apps to access your microphone On.
      5. Under Allow desktop apps to access your microphone, turn it On.
    1. Set the correct default input device and test it
    • Windows 11:
      1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Under Input, choose the device to use under Choose a device for speaking or recording (for example, your headset or internal mic).
      3. Select > next to the device, then under Microphone test select Start test, speak, then Stop test and Play the sample to confirm it hears the voice.
    • Windows 10:
      1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Under Input, select the correct microphone in Choose your input device.
      3. Speak and check Test your microphone to see if the bar moves.
    1. Turn up microphone volume
    • Windows 11:
      1. Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Under Input, select the microphone.
      3. Adjust the Input volume slider higher and test again.
    • Windows 10:
      1. Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Under Input, select the microphone, then Device properties.
      3. On the Levels tab, increase Microphone and Microphone Boost, select OK, then test.
    1. Run the built-in troubleshooter
    • Windows 11:
      1. Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      2. Scroll to Advanced and choose Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
    • Windows 10:
      1. Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
      2. Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter.
    1. Reinstall audio drivers if the mic still does not appear or is not detected
    2. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
    3. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    4. Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device (or Delete the driver software for this device) and select Uninstall. Repeat for other audio devices if needed.
    5. Restart the PC. Windows will reinstall audio devices automatically. If not, in Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers and select Scan for hardware changes.
    6. After restart, in Device Manager, right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.

    After these steps, open Zoom’s audio settings and select the same microphone that was tested in Windows as the input device.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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