Microphone not working

Alyssa Basinal 0 Reputation points
2026-11-06T04:30:23.2233333+00:00

i plugged in dual earphones in my pc. Audio is working just fine but the mic its not picking up any sound. I tried everything but still its not fixed.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings
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  1. Kapil Arya 38,701 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-11-06T07:59:41.3733333+00:00

    Please try these suggestions:

    -Check and confirm if Microphone access is enabled at Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.

    -You can try setting your microphone as default. Run mmsys.cpl command, and then select your microphone. Click on Set default.

    -Go to Settings > System > Sound, click on the Input devices option present under the Troubleshoot common sound problems.

    Let us know if this helps!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-06T04:31:18.54+00:00

    If headphone audio works but the microphone does not, first match the earphone plugs to the PC’s jack layout—using the wrong headset adapter can carry audio while leaving the microphone disconnected.^1^

    1. Check the physical connection

    • Earphones have two plugs—normally one headphone plug and one microphone plug:
      • If the PC has two separate jacks, connect each plug to its matching headphone or microphone jack.
      • If the PC has one combined headset jack, use an adapter that combines the two plugs into one TRRS headset plug.
    • Earphones have one plug with three insulating rings (TRRS):
      • If the PC has one combined headset jack, connect it directly.
      • If the PC has separate headphone and microphone jacks, use a TRRS-to-dual-TRS headset splitter. A headphone-only splitter will not carry the microphone signal.^2^

    If the PC jack only shows a headphone symbol rather than a headset/headphone-and-microphone symbol, it may not accept microphone input. A USB audio adapter that has separate headphone and microphone sockets is an alternative.

    2. Check whether Windows detects the microphone

    1. Keep the earphones connected.
    2. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound.
    3. Under Input, open Choose your input device.
    4. Select the headset microphone, then speak and watch Test your microphone.

    If the meter moves, Windows is receiving sound; select the same microphone inside the calling, recording, or gaming application.^3^

    If no headset microphone appears:

    1. Open Sound Control Panel or More sound settings.
    2. Select the Recording tab.
    3. Right-click an empty area and enable Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices.
    4. If the microphone appears, right-click it and choose Enable, then Set as Default Device.^4^

    3. Check microphone permission

    Open Start → Settings → Privacy → Microphone, then turn on:

    • Allow access to the microphone on this device
    • Allow apps to access your microphone
    • Allow desktop apps to access your microphone

    Afterward, close and reopen the application using the microphone.^3^

    4. If the headset is detected as headphones only

    If your PC uses Realtek audio:

    1. Open Realtek Audio Console, if installed.
    2. Find Connector Retasking or the jack configuration.
    3. Change the connected device from Headphones to Headset.
    4. Return to Settings → System → Sound → Input and test again.

    If Realtek Audio Console is missing or fails to open, install the correct Realtek audio package supplied by the PC or motherboard manufacturer. This can restore the Headphones/Headset prompt when connecting the plug.^5^

    5. If Windows still detects no microphone

    Reinstalling drivers removes the existing audio driver, so save open work before restarting.

    1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.
    2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    3. Right-click the main audio device, such as Realtek Audio, and select Uninstall device.
    4. Select Delete the driver software for this device, then uninstall.
    5. Restart the PC so Windows attempts to reinstall the device.
    6. If it remains missing, install the Windows 10 audio driver from the PC or motherboard manufacturer.^3^

    If another microphone works in the same PC jack but these earphones do not, the earphones or adapter are incompatible or faulty. If no analog microphone works after the correct OEM driver is installed, the microphone jack may require hardware service.

    References

    1. pc picks up headset but not microphone - Microsoft Q&A
    2. my splitter mic do not work - Microsoft Q&A
    3. Fix microphone problems | Microsoft Support
    4. no input for sound - Microsoft Q&A
    5. how do i fix my computer not taking any audio input anymore - Microsoft Q&A
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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