I am unable to give input

Select and test the correct microphone in Windows Sound settings first; the result will show whether the problem is system-wide or limited to the calling app.

1. Select and test the microphone

First, check whether a headset or laptop microphone has a physical mute button or switch.

Windows 11

1. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound.
2. Under Input, select the microphone under Choose a device for speaking or recording.
3. Select the arrow beside that device.
4. Under Microphone test, select Start test, speak, and then select Stop test → Play.

Windows 10

1. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound.
2. Under Input, select the microphone in Choose your input device.
3. Speak and watch Test your microphone for movement.

These are Microsoft’s documented checks for the “others can’t hear me” symptom.^1^

• If Windows records your voice: the microphone works at the system level. Open the calling app’s Audio, Voice, or Devices settings and select that same microphone rather than “Default.” Also verify that you are not muted in the call.
• If Windows records nothing: continue below.

2. Allow microphone access

Windows 11: Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.

Turn on:

• Microphone access
• Let apps access your microphone
• Access for the affected app, if listed
• Let desktop apps access your microphone for traditional desktop programs

Windows 10: Open Settings → Privacy → Microphone, turn on device microphone access, app access, and desktop-app access.^1^

Test the microphone again in Sound settings.

3. If the microphone is missing, enable hidden devices

Before changing drivers:

1. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound → More sound settings.
2. Select the Recording tab.
3. Right-click an empty area and enable:
   • Show Disabled Devices
   • Show Disconnected Devices
4. If the microphone appears disabled, right-click it and select Enable.
5. Set it as the default recording device, and test again.^2^

For an external microphone, reconnect it directly to another USB or audio port. For Bluetooth, verify that the headset is paired and connected. Testing it on another device can distinguish a Windows configuration problem from microphone hardware failure.

4. Run the recording troubleshooter

• Windows 11: Settings → System → Sound → Advanced → Troubleshoot common sound problems → Input devices
• Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Recording Audio

Apply any recommended change and repeat the microphone test.^1^

5. If Windows does not detect the microphone, repair the driver

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.
2. Check both:
   • Audio inputs and outputs
   • Sound, video and game controllers
3. Right-click the microphone or main audio device and select Uninstall device.
4. Restart the computer. Windows should attempt to reinstall the audio device automatically.
5. If it does not return, open Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
6. Right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.^1^

The uninstall dialog may offer Attempt to remove the driver for this device in Windows 11 or Delete the driver software for this device in Windows 10. Removing it is more disruptive because Windows may need to download the driver again; leave that option unchecked on the first attempt.

Also check Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates for an audio driver. If Windows still does not detect an internal microphone after reinstalling the manufacturer’s audio driver, the device may require hardware inspection.^3^

References

1. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/drivers/fix-microphone-problems#others-can't-hear-me)
2. no input for sound - Microsoft Q&A
3. Microphone not working - Microsoft Q&A