Cannot find the microphone

Quin mks 0 Reputation points
2026-10-09T12:36:58.4666667+00:00

My system isn't detecting my microphone. Initially, I had audio issues—no sound output and the headphone jack wasn't being detected—but updating the drivers and Windows fixed that. However, I've now realized that the internal microphone isn't being detected anywhere. Believe me, I've tried everything suggested, but I still can't find the internal microphone; if there are any other solutions, please let me know.

I've checked System > Sound settings, Device Manager, and even the mmsys.cpl sound settings, but the microphone still isn't detected. Please help.

Windows for home | Other | Performance and system failures
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  1. David-M 127.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-09T13:08:48.5233333+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    Please open the Device Manager (Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager") and see if there are any devices labeled "Unknown Device" or with a warning sign. Click the arrow to the left of each category icon to expand it and see the devices it contains.

    Share a screenshot of what you find.

    Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

    • Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

    Maximize the window and use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-09T12:37:23.9933333+00:00

    Since sound output and the headphone jack started working after driver and Windows updates, the remaining issue is likely limited to microphone detection. The supported next steps are:

    1. Check whether the audio device is hidden or disabled in Device Manager.
      • Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • If an audio device appears, right-click it and select Enable device if that option is available.
      • If nothing relevant appears, select View > Show hidden devices, then Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    2. Reinstall the audio driver.
      • Warning: this temporarily removes the audio device until Windows reinstalls it after restart.
      • In Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
      • On Windows 11, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device.
      • On Windows 10, select Delete the driver software for this device.
      • Restart the PC.
      • If Windows does not reinstall it automatically, return to Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
      • Then right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.
    3. Install the latest audio driver from the PC or sound card manufacturer.
      • Go to the manufacturer’s support site.
      • Download the latest audio driver for the installed Windows version.
      • Install it and restart the PC.
    4. Run the built-in audio troubleshooter.
      • On Windows 11, run the automated Audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
      • On Windows 10, run the automated Audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
    5. Verify microphone input settings after the driver is restored.
      • Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Sound > under Input, select a microphone if one appears, then use Start test and adjust Input volume.
      • Windows 10: Start > Settings > System > Sound > under Input, ensure the microphone is selected in Choose your input device, then open Device Properties and adjust Microphone and Microphone Boost on the Levels tab.
    6. If the microphone still does not appear anywhere, use the generic Windows audio driver.
      • In Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the sound card or audio device.
      • Select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
      • Windows 11: select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
      • Windows 10: select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
      • Select the audio device driver and complete the installation.
    7. Restart the PC again after each driver change.
      • Restarting can resolve temporary detection issues.

    References

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

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  3. Horace Wiggins 535 Reputation points
    2026-10-09T13:16:22.43+00:00

    @Quin mks

    In Device Manager what do you have showing? Example image below.

    User's image

    In the Control Panel under Sound what is showing for Sound>Recording? If your Microphone is showing, is it set as your default device? If you test the Microphone by speaking, do the bars on the right-side show that it is working?

    User's image

    When was the last time the Microphone worked? Have you checked the User Manual for your computer? What is the make and model of your computer?

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