Unable to record with built-in microphone or external microphone.

David Stewart-Hunter 20 Reputation points
2026-03-17T04:55:12.9+00:00

Unable to record with built-in microphone or external microphone.

No audio input from built-in microphone.

System - Sound - Input - No input devices found

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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Answer accepted by question author
Vikki-T 13,480 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-03-17T10:55:12.26+00:00

Dear David Stewart-Hunter, 

I understand how inconvenient this issue can be, especially when both the built-in microphone and an external microphone are not detected, and Settings > System > Sound > Input shows “No input devices found.” 

To help narrow this down, could you please share a few additional details? 

  • What is the exact model of your device? 
  • Did this start after any recent change, such as a Windows update, driver update, BIOS update, or connecting a new audio device? 
  • When you open Device Manager, do you see anything listed under Audio inputs and outputs and Sound, video and game controllers 
  • For the external microphone, is it connected by USB, 3.5 mm jack, or Bluetooth? 
  • If this is a laptop, does the device have any microphone mute key / function key / hardware privacy switch that may currently be enabled? 

In the meantime, please try the steps below: 

  1. Check Microphone Privacy Settings 
  • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone 
  • Make sure the following are turned On: Microphone access, Let apps access your microphone and Let desktop apps access your microphone 
  • After that, return to Settings > System > Sound > Input and check whether any input device appears. 
  1. Check Device Manager for Hidden or Disabled Audio Input Devices 
  • Right-click Start > Device Manager 
  • Select View > Show hidden devices 
  • Expand Audio inputs and outputs and Sound, video and game controllers 
  • Please check whether you see any microphone or audio device that is: Disabled, greyed out or marked with a warning icon 
  • If you find a disabled device > Right-click it > Select Enable device 
  1. Restart the Windows Audio Services 
  • Press Windows + R 
  • Type services.msc and press Enter 
  • Locate these services: Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder 
  • For each one, confirm the status is Running 
  • If available, right-click and choose Restart 
  • Then check Settings > System > Sound > Input again. 
  1. Check Optional Updates and Manufacturer Drivers 
  • Windows Update 
    • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates 
    • Check whether there are any available driver updates related to audio, chipset, or system devices 
    • Install any relevant updates and restart the PC 
  • Manufacturer Support Page 
    • Please also visit the support page for your device manufacturer and check for the latest versions of: Audio driver, Chipset driver and BIOS / firmware. 
  1. Run System File Repair 
  • Please open Command Prompt as Administrator, then run each of the following commands: sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
  • Once both commands finish, restart the device and check the microphone again. 
  1. Test with Another Port / Another External Device 
  • For the external microphone, please also test the connection type: 
    • If it is USB, try a different USB port 
    • If it is 3.5 mm, confirm it is connected to the correct audio combo jack 
    • If it is Bluetooth, remove and pair the headset again 
  • If possible, test the same external microphone on another device as well. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope these steps help bring back microphone detection and restore normal audio input on your device soon. Wishing you a smooth experience with your Windows 11 system. 

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-17T04:55:26.3+00:00

    Follow these steps in order, checking after each major step if input devices appear under System > Sound > Input.

    1. Set and verify the default input device
    • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
    • Under Input, open Choose a device for speaking or recording and select the built‑in mic or the external mic as the input device.
    • If using a communications app (Skype, Teams, etc.), also set the communications recording device:
      • In Settings > System > Sound, select More sound settings.
      • Go to the Recording tab, select the desired mic, then select Set Default Communication Device.
    1. Adjust microphone levels If a device appears but seems dead or very low:
    • In More sound settings, open the Recording tab.
    • Select the mic, choose Properties.
    • On the Levels tab, adjust:
      • Microphone slider (start around 50).
      • Microphone Boost (if present, start around +24.0 dB).
    • Apply and test again.
    1. Check app and Windows access to the mic
    • In Settings > System > Sound, ensure the selected input device shows Allow apps and Windows to use this device for audio as allowed.
    • If using a Bluetooth headset/mic, make sure it is correctly paired and connected.
    1. Reinstall audio drivers if no input devices are detected If System > Sound > Input still shows No input devices found, reinstall audio drivers:
    2. Right‑click the Start button and select Device Manager.
    3. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    4. For each audio device listed:
      • Right‑click it and select Uninstall device.
      • Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select Uninstall.
    5. Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall audio devices and drivers automatically.
    6. If nothing appears after restart:
      • Open Device Manager again.
      • Right‑click Sound, video and game controllers and select Scan for hardware changes.
    7. Once devices reappear, in Device Manager:
      • Right‑click the audio driver and select Update driver.
    8. Run basic mic tests
    • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
    • Under Input, select the mic, then under Input settings select Start test, speak normally, then Stop test and Play the sample.
    • Adjust Input volume if needed.

    If using a Surface device and the mic still does not appear after driver reinstall:

    • Manually update or reinstall Surface audio drivers and firmware using the guidance in Download drivers and firmware for Surface.
    • Optionally use the Surface app: open it, go to Help & support, and select Check for updates to ensure all Surface drivers and firmware are current.

    References:

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

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