trouble to access my microphone

Select the correct microphone in Windows 11 Sound settings and run the built-in recording test to determine whether the problem is in Windows or only in the calling app.^1^

Select and test the microphone

1. Check that the headset’s physical Mute button is off and that the microphone is connected.
   • For Bluetooth headsets, verify that the headset is paired and connected.
2. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound.
3. Under Input → Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the microphone you intend to use.
4. Select the > arrow beside that microphone.
5. Under Microphone test, select Start test, speak normally, and then select Stop test → Play.

Continue with the matching result below.

If the recording plays correctly

Windows is receiving sound, so check the affected calling app:

1. Open the app’s audio or device settings.
2. Select the same microphone that worked in the Windows test.
3. Confirm that you are not muted inside the call.

Also check Windows permissions:

1. Open Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.
2. Turn on Microphone access.
3. Turn on Let apps access your microphone, then enable the affected app.
4. For desktop applications such as Teams or Zoom, turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone. Desktop apps do not appear as individual switches.^2^

If the recording is silent or too quiet

1. Return to Settings → System → Sound → Input and select the microphone.
2. Increase the Input volume slider.
3. Reposition the microphone closer to your mouth and repeat the test.
4. Run the recording troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings → System → Sound.
   • Scroll to Advanced.
   • Under Troubleshoot common sound problems, select Input devices.
   • Follow the displayed recommendations.^1^

If Windows does not show the microphone

Reinstall the audio driver only when the microphone is not detected:

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
4. Select Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then choose Uninstall.
5. Restart the computer; Windows should reinstall the audio device automatically.
6. If it does not return, open Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
7. Once detected, right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.^1^

References

1. Windows 11
2. Windows 11