Microphone not working.

Select and test the AIO’s built-in microphone in Settings → System → Sound → Input, because Windows may currently be using the working headset microphone as its input device.

1. Select and test the built-in microphone

1. Disconnect the headset.
2. Open Start → Settings → System → Sound.
3. Under Input → Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the built-in device, commonly named Microphone Array, Internal Microphone, or Microphone (Realtek Audio).
4. Select the arrow beside that device.
5. Under Microphone test, select Start test, speak normally, then select Stop test → Play.
6. If the recording is faint, increase Input volume on the same page.

This is Microsoft’s documented Windows 11 selection and test procedure.^1^

Also check the AIO for a physical microphone-mute button, keyboard mute key, or privacy switch.

2. If the microphone works in the test but not in an app

Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone, then turn on:

• Microphone access
• Let apps access your microphone
• The switch for the affected Microsoft Store app
• Let desktop apps access your microphone for desktop programs such as Teams or Zoom

Desktop apps are controlled collectively rather than with individual switches.^2^

Afterward, open the affected application’s audio settings and explicitly select the built-in microphone instead of Default or the headset microphone.

3. If the built-in microphone is missing from Input

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.
2. Check both:
   • Audio inputs and outputs
   • Sound, video and game controllers
3. If the internal microphone is disabled, right-click it and select Enable device.
4. If it is absent or has a warning symbol, expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click the audio device, and select Uninstall device.
5. If offered, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then choose Uninstall.
6. Restart the AIO. Windows should reinstall the audio device automatically.
7. If it does not return, open Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.^1^

Removing the driver temporarily disables the AIO’s audio devices until Windows reinstalls them.

4. If reinstalling the Windows driver does not help

Install the Windows 11 audio driver supplied specifically for the AIO model:

1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and install available audio-driver updates.
2. If none are offered, obtain the latest Windows 11 audio driver from the AIO manufacturer’s support page using the exact model number.
3. Install it and restart the computer.

Microsoft notes that a newer model-specific driver may exist even when Device Manager says the best driver is already installed.^3^

If the built-in microphone remains absent from both Sound → Input and Device Manager after installing the manufacturer’s audio driver, contact the AIO manufacturer for hardware diagnostics. A working headset confirms that Windows can accept microphone input, while the remaining failure is isolated to detection or operation of the built-in microphone path.

References

1. Windows 11 (#tab/windows-11)
2. Windows 11 (#tab/windows-11)
3. Windows 11 (#tab/windows-11)