Audio issue My microphone is working but I cannot hear incoming

Jeanne Price 20 Reputation points
2026-10-24T18:45:39.8966667+00:00

My microphone is working but I cannot hear incoming

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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Answer accepted by question author
Kapil Arya 38,726 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-10-25T08:15:27.8+00:00

Best option you can try is running Playing Audio troubleshooter from Settings app > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Let us know what it reports back. 

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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 91,020 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-24T19:19:56.9766667+00:00

    Hi, @Jeanne Price

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. Are you unable to hear audio from all applications, or only a specific app, such as Teams, Zoom, or a browser?
    2. Are you using headphones, a Bluetooth headset, external speakers, or your PC's built-in speakers?
    3. Did this start after a Windows update, driver update, or change to your audio settings?

    In the meantime, please try these steps:

    • Restart your PC to refresh the audio services and resolve temporary audio issues.
    • Check the audio output device. Go to Settings > System > Sound and under “Output,” select the correct speakers or headset.
    • Check the volume. Make sure the system volume is turned up and not muted.
    • Check the Volume mixer. Under Settings > System > Sound > “Volume mixer,” make sure the affected application is not muted and is assigned to the correct output device.
    • Run the audio troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then select “Run” next to “Audio.”

    After trying these steps, check whether you can hear sound again.

    Click “Add comment” to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-24T18:45:52.61+00:00

    If the microphone works but incoming audio cannot be heard, check the output side and Windows audio settings:

    1. In Start > Settings > System > Sound, run the built-in sound troubleshooting options under Advanced:
      • Select Output devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
      • If needed, select All sound devices under Advanced for more options.
    2. Restart the core audio services:
      • Search for services from the taskbar.
      • Restart these services:
        • Windows Audio
        • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
        • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
    3. Try a different playback format:
      • Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
      • On the Playback tab, right-click the Default Device and select Properties.
      • On the Advanced tab, change Default Format, select OK, and test audio again.
    4. If the issue is in Skype for Business, make sure the correct playback device is selected from the lower-left side of the main window under audio device selection.

    If the issue started after a driver change or update, updating the audio driver in Device Manager can also help.

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

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