So, the microphone is not working in Windows 10 and you are not sure what steps you need to take to solve such a problem? Let's sort it out in order.

The new version of the operating system contains a system-wide option that completely blocks or allows microphone access for the device. The OS Settings application also has several separate settings that are responsible for working with it for all or only specific applications.

In general, app permissions affect not only new ones from the official Store, also known as UWP apps, but desktop apps as well. Let's go directly to the “Parameters” of the system.

This can be done in the Start button menu or by pressing the Win + I keyboard shortcut. Next, select the “Privacy” group of settings and go to the “Microphone” section.

Make sure that on the right side of the window, the option “Allow access to the microphone on this device” is allowed. If Windows 10 says otherwise, click the Change button and set it to Enabled.

In the next section, from the list of all UWP apps installed on your computer, turn on the toggle for specific ones of your choice. There won't be a lot of them, for example Skype, Camera and Voice Recorder.

These are the basic steps to take. If they didn't help, let's move on.

MICROPHONE DOES NOT WORK IN WINDOWS 10

Other places to check. Some laptop and PC manufacturers allow you to disable the device in BIOS or UEFI. Check it out and fix it. You also need to go to the Device Manager snap-in Computer Management and check. Enable it, if necessary, using the context menu.

Windows 10 can automatically install or update device drivers. If you are having audio problems, you can go to your PC manufacturer's website and install the latest audio drivers available for your laptop or desktop PC. Also, if you are having problems with your USB microphone, you can try downloading the latest USB controller drivers from the manufacturer's website.

Check the physical connection separately. Unplug the cable and plug it back in to ensure a secure connection. Make sure it's connected to the correct audio jack on your computer.

Try using the sound control panel. We recommend using the “Recording” tab. To open it, right-click on the icon in the system tray of the Taskbar and select “Sound”.

You will see all the recording devices on your computer. If the microphone does not work in Windows 10 and does not respond to a signal, check its status. The device can simply be turned off, turn it on.

If you cannot get the microphone device to work in a certain application, you may need to open the settings window of the latter and see the individual parameters. For example, in Skype, go to Settings> Sound & Video and select your preferred from the drop-down list.

Alternatively, run the Windows troubleshooter. The system has a built-in tool that will try to find and fix problems. To access it, open System Preferences - Update & Security - Troubleshoot. Select Sound Recorder and follow the instructions on the screen.

If, after all this, the microphone still does not work in Windows 10, the cause may be a hardware problem. For an external microphone, try connecting it to another computer or laptop and check if it works. If it works, there might be a problem with your computer's audio jack. Thank you for the attention!

After switching to Windows 10, many users complain about problems with the operation of the sound subsystem of the computer and, in particular, the microphone. In today's article, we will look at the most common problems related to using a sound recording device in Windows 10, most of which are related to the drivers for the sound adapter.

Simple Solutions to Recorder Problems

So, if your microphone does not work, first of all try to remove it from the audio jack and reconnect it. If your device connects to a PC using a USB interface, use Safely Remove if available.

Make sure the device is connected to the correct port. It is colored pink and marked with a corresponding pictogram, sometimes with an inscription.

Microsoft adds drivers for the most common devices to the Windows 10 installation distribution. Even if your microphone was released quite recently, it is likely that its driver is compatible with the top ten and has been updated to the latest version. To verify this, do the following.

• Go to the "Device Manager", for example, through the context menu "My Computer".
• Expand the list of audio devices on your computer, which includes a microphone.

• Check for a red, yellow, or blue icon next to the microphone or sound card icon.

In the first cases, most likely, you will have to reinstall or restore the standard driver for the sound card or the microphone itself, and in the second, open the context menu and select the "Activate" item.

Your microphone in Windows 10 was turned off programmatically and now it works.

If your recorder has a volume control, make sure that the volume is not set to the “minimum” position or that the microphone is turned off altogether with the switch.

If the above steps did not help resolve the conflict, if possible, check the device on another device, preferably running Windows 10.

Driver problem

In most cases, the microphone in the top ten refuses to work because of the drivers: they may not be fully compatible with the new OS or raw. To fix the problem, install the latest software version: download the driver from the manufacturer's website and install it or update the software using the device manager.

• Launch the dispatcher using the context menu of the My Computer directory.

• We carry out a double click on the item "Sound, game, video devices".

• We call the context menu of the audio device and select "Refresh ..." from the drop-down list.

• We stop at the automatic search for a more suitable version of the sound driver.

• We are waiting for the application to detect and install a new driver, and then restart Windows 10.
• Check if the microphone is working. If not, move on to the next section.

Automatic troubleshooting tool

The next step in resolving the issue is to use a tool to automatically detect problems with sound.

• We call the "Control Panel", from where we run the "Troubleshooting".

• Click on the "Troubleshoot audio playback" option.

• In the "Sound Recording" window that opens, click "Next".

• We select the device in which it is necessary to fix the problem.

After the scan is complete, Windows 10 should display information about the problem it has found with a suggestion to take an action to resolve it.

• Click "Apply the fix" if it suits you, or click "Skip step" to further scan the system in search of errors related to audio recording on the computer.

Checking the sound configuration in the system

• We call the context menu of the sound icon and select "Recorders".
• In the "Recording" tab, right-click on the free part of the window and put a checkmark in front of both items.

Perhaps the use of a recording device was turned off at the software level and a microphone that was not previously visible will appear in the list.

If a green icon is displayed next to the device, then it is active and ready for use in Windows 10. Otherwise, check the microphone volume level.

• We perform a double click on its icon.
• Go to the "Levels" tab.

We check that the values ​​"Gain ..." and "Microphone" are not equal to zero or close to it.

Be sure to click on the speaker icon located next to the value in the "Microphone" line if there is a red crossed out circle at the bottom of the icon.

Avoiding the problems of using a recording device with several programs at the same time

Microphone problems in Windows 10 can occur when multiple programs use it at the same time. For example, when a user plays a network game and communicates with friends via Skype or RaidCall.

• Open the well-known "Sound" window by calling the context menu of the audio icon and selecting "Recorders".

• We call the "Properties" of the microphone.
• Go to the last tab "Advanced".
• Uncheck the box next to the item "Allow programs to use the microphone in exclusive mode".
• We click "Apply" to confirm the operation and close all windows using the "OK" button.

We hope that you have read to the end of the guide and helped solve your microphone problem in Windows 10.

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Has the microphone stopped working? This is not exactly a common problem, but it is not particularly rare either. There are many reasons why this happened, and a banal breakdown requiring replacement of equipment is just one of them. Sometimes things can be much easier. The article will consider the options for why the microphone stopped working on a laptop or computer, what can be done about it, and in the most tragic case, how the microphone is repaired.

Microphone not included

Oddly enough, but absent-mindedness is sometimes the cause of many troubles. So, the microphone may be in perfect condition and ready to work, but simply not be turned on.

How can you check if this is not the case and that the microphone has stopped working due to the forgetfulness of the owner of all the equipment? To do this, go to the "Recording Devices" tab (you can find it in the menu that appears when you right-click on the speaker image on the panel at the bottom of the screen), and the PC itself will display on the display all available microphones for recording and their current state.

The same can be checked in the "Device Manager" (you can find it by searching for "Windows").

Driver problem

Also, the microphone may stop working if the drivers on it are installed incorrectly, are outdated or are not available at all. You can check it manually - in the "Device Manager". But the program for the microphone can also help with this, which automatically finds the necessary executables on the Internet and installs them on the PC.

There is another advantage to using it. Microphone software (correctly chosen, of course) is able to diagnose the condition of recording devices, identify problems and give advice on how to fix them.

Weak microphone

How does the user know if the microphone has stopped working? You can't hear it on the recording. But there is an option that the performance is not impaired, the signal is simply insufficient and the voice (or any other sound), as a result, is not perceived by the device and, as a result, is not reproduced. You can solve this problem using an option in the settings of this equipment. You will need to check the box next to the function.

Incorrect software configuration

Maybe the microphone works when using the standard Windows Dictaphone recording tool, but doesn't want to do it in Skype at all? Then the problem is not in him, but in setting up this service.

The microphone in Skype is configured separately using the "Tools" tab in the top menu of the program. You should make sure that everything is correct there and that all the checkboxes are checked, so that later you do not wonder why the microphone stopped working.

Microphone not selected as primary device

If the microphone refuses to work in online recording services (voice recorders such as "Vokaru" or recording from an online webcam), then it may not have been selected as the main recording device. The best option is to agree with what the site itself has to offer. This means to enable the input device (in this case - recording) and check the boxes if the microphone is selected by default.

Broken line-in (for externally connected recording devices)

If an externally connected microphone stops working, the problem may not be with the microphone, but with the line-in. It is very easy to check this: firstly, try to use a "native" PC recording device, and secondly, you can connect an external microphone to another device (any other laptop, tablet, smartphone, computer, etc.). If the problem is with the line input - well, you will have to take it for repair.

Incorrect connection

This reason also applies to microphones that are connected separately. If there is only one on a laptop - for a headset, recording device and headphones, confusing it with some other is very problematic. But if there are two inputs - separately for headphones and for a microphone - it is quite possible. Make sure the connection is correct before starting to panic.

for performance

So, if the user is actively looking for the reason why the microphone stopped working, he will be forced to constantly check it. The standard capabilities of Windows (any version) allow you to do this in real time.

You just need to go to the "Recorders" tab (how to do this, it was already written in the same article a little earlier), select the appropriate one and find the "Listen" option in the parameters. Check the box next to it. Done - now all sounds that go to the microphone will be simultaneously output to the PC speakers.

There you can also find other configurations of the recording device: experiment with microphone gain, noise suppression, and everything else.

If it did happen

Another reason why the microphone stopped working, which was already mentioned at the very beginning, is not excluded. If it breaks down, this is also possible.

The likelihood increases if:

In this case, the microphone (if it comes separately from the PC) or the entire laptop will have to be carried to the service center, where they can provide professional assistance.

Repair of microphones can be prompt or lengthy (depending on the severity of the breakdown). The price also varies widely - depending on which recorder needs to be repaired and why it broke.

Finally

If the microphone stops working, the main thing is not to despair or panic, but instead go through the main points and figure out why this could happen. All of them are presented in the article. Careful and careful checking ensures (in most cases) the preservation of both the recorder and the nerves. For every case of a real microphone breakdown, there are ten troubles that happen out of sheer absent-mindedness.

User question

Hello.

A couple of days ago, my Windows 10 updated on its own (my heart felt that it was unnecessary, but I was not asked ...). Now my microphone does not work - no one hears me when talking. Is there anything you can do? I'm already thinking of demolishing it and installing Windows 7 (but on my laptop only drivers for Windows 10 were recorded on my laptop - it's also an ambush ...)

Good time!

Yes, unfortunately, Windows 10 is sometimes updated without the user's permission (but, judging by the latest news, they want to "soften" this policy ...). As for the microphone: in the vast majority of cases, it stops working due to privacy settings (funny. They introduce such "strict" privacy settings, and at the same time it is up to the user ...).

And so, now closer to the topic ...

Check your privacy settings

This is the first place to start. You need to open the Windows settings (do not confuse it with the Control Panel), section "Confidentiality" (see screenshot below).

Note: To open Windows Options, press the Win + i key combinations, or use the START menu.

1. allow applications to access the microphone (number-3 in the screenshot below);
2. allow access to the microphone for "Win32WebViewHost" (number-4 in the screenshot below);
3. Also check that the list of allowed applications includes the application in which your microphone does not work.

Privacy Settings in Windows 10 | Clickable

After making changes to the privacy section, restart Windows, try to reopen the application and test the microphone. In most cases, these "manipulations" return the microphone to work.

Setting up sound recording devices

Perhaps this is the second thing to pay attention to. The point here is that with certain settings, the sound from the microphone can become practically inaudible (i.e. it seems to be there, but barely audible).

To help! How to enter the control panel [incl. in Windows 10] -

Pay attention, by the way, if you have two or more microphones - is that microphone selected by default for recording? It's just that your microphone may not work due to the fact that Windows "selects" the wrong device by default ...

In the "General" tab, check that the "Use this device (Enabled)" status is lit next to the device.

In the "Listen" tab, check that there is a checkmark next to the item "Continue working when switching to battery power" (otherwise, in some cases, the microphone may be turned off to save battery power) .

Continue working when switching to battery power

In the "Levels" tab, check:

• microphone array: set the slider to 80-90;
• microphone gain: try moving the slider towards gain (for example, in my case the microphone behaves well at +12 dB).

Well, in the last tab "Advanced" try to change the bit depth and sampling rate: set it to, for example, 24 bit, 48000 Hz (studio recording).

Save the changed settings and re-test the microphone.

Are the native drivers installed? Driver settings

When installing (updating *) Windows 10 installs a "universal" microphone driver into the system, which does not always work correctly. Therefore, after installing the system, I always recommend updating the driver by downloading it from the official website of your hardware.

To check for a driver, just go to device Manager and see if there are any devices in yellow wax. signs, whether the model of the device is defined. See the screenshot below - the driver is installed. By the way, in the same place you can start an automatic driver update (just right-click on the device).

Note! To enter the device manager - press the Win + R key combination, in the Run window that appears, enter the devmgmt.msc command.

By the way, for comparison, I will give another screenshot below: note that there is no microphone in the sound devices tab, but there is one unknown in the "Other devices" tab. This means that there is simply no driver for the microphone in the system ...

Device Manager - no driver for microphone

How can I update my microphone driver:

PS: If your microphone is old enough, it is possible that there is simply no driver for it for Windows 10. In this case, you can either install an older operating system on your PC or buy a more modern microphone.

By the way, after updating and installing the drivers, do not forget to go to their settings and check the volume levels, effects, etc. parameters. They generally take precedence over Windows sound settings.

About Skype, Steam and other chatting applications ...

All of these apps have their own sound settings. After updating the Windows OS, it could become that the wrong device is now selected in these settings (that is, instead of your real microphone, it is indicated to receive sound from another device, which at the moment may not be connected at all!).

Also, if you touch the same Skype, pay attention to the checkbox "Allow automatic microphone settings". This "trick" does not always work correctly. I recommend trying to remove it and adjust the sound manually.

On Steam, in my opinion, there are even more settings for the microphone (section "Voice"). You can adjust the volume (including the output), check its operation, you can set a specific key for sound transmission, manually specify the microphone (important if you have several of them).

What else to pay attention to

1) 1 headphone input

If you have a headset jack on your laptop (that is, you have 1 jack for simultaneously connecting a microphone and headphones), then connecting a "regular" classic microphone to this port - there are not many chances that it will work.

Note!

In general, a whole article is devoted to this problem on my blog. I recommend that you familiarize yourself. "One input for headphones and a microphone in a laptop - how to connect them":

2) Try running the debugging and troubleshooting tool

One thing to thank the Windows 10 developers for is the proliferation of troubleshooting wizards. The essence of this wizard is that Windows will automatically try to find and eliminate the cause of the malfunction. In many cases it helps to solve the problem.

To run the debug tool: open the Windows settings (the combination of Win + i buttons), then open the "Update and Security / Troubleshooting" section, the "Sound Recorder" tool (see the screen below).

Within a minute or two, Windows will "think" and then suggest solutions (see the screenshot below for an example).

3) Check the condition of the jacks, cable

If the microphone shows no signs of "life" at all - pay attention to the plug, jacks and the cable itself. Often, in appearance, everything may be in order with the cable, but due to frequent bends, the copper veins inside can be broken. It would be nice to test the microphone on another device.

4) Pay attention to the phone (may cause noise / interference)

If your mobile phone is near the microphone, it can affect the sound quality (phoning). This will cause crackling, noise, hissing, etc. (it may become that due to these interference, you will not hear yourself ...).

Note that this can also happen because of radio phones, walkie-talkies, various gadgets and set-top boxes. You can, of course, try to shield the devices, but it's better to just place them on different sides of the table ...

Additions to the solution of the question - are welcome ...

Board comments:

Please help out ... the microphone stopped working (the microphone itself is working. I am not heard when I speak, and the microphone is not heard from this (computer) device) --- changed Windows (it was windows 8 became windows 8.1) DIDN'T HELP! the realtek r2.73 driver did not help, changed the motherboard did not help, bought new headphones (there were others and those without the supplied drivers) DID NOT HELP !, I checked absolutely everything in the settings (everything described in this article and even a little more) NOT HELPED! in principle, nothing else can be .. but what the devil is not joking with .. for this I am asking for help .. thankful in advance

Nikita, the synthesizer in Russian does not work at all like ... For this it is better to download separate programs for speech synthesizers. Windows version is inconvenient nonsense))

I have a problem with the language, I go to the transformation of the text into speech and there is a choice of voice and there is only English what to do?

Please tell me what to do. I reinstalled different Windows several times. all the same. I have a working microphone, but when I want to use Skype or RK, no one hears me with this speaker, moreover, the computer does not recognize the microphone. it is, as it were, turned on in 7ke, there is a check mark but the voice does not work, but there is sound. what to do?

I have such a problem. When reinstalling Windows, the driver was not installed on the microphone. How to install it, and which driver you need. In the settings, the microphone is turned on, but the display on the front panel indicates that it is turned off.

Ekaterina, in "recording devices" right-click and select "show disconnected / disconnected devices". If they are displayed, then enable them. Or you can restore the system to the date when everything worked. And if this does not help, then you need to reinstall the drivers on the webcam and in general on sound devices.

Hello, in my (recording devices) everything has disappeared except for the speakers, it is written that the sound devices are not installed, and the microphone on the webcam stopped working after that, please tell me what to do ???

Artyom, please advise what can be done. My Windows Vista laptop already has a built-in microphone with a Skype camera. Recently, the microphone has begun to junk: they can barely hear me, otherwise the sound disappears altogether from time to time .. Moreover, the camera works well as before. I bought a separate microphone Genius MIC-01A, plugged in the plug, but in the Skype settings it is not even visible! When connecting, no window popped up, it seems that even the computer does not recognize it .. What can be done?

Vlad, this usually happens due to the lack of necessary drivers. Update them through Device Manager.

I have a front and rear and a stereo mixer says what is currently unavailable what to do with ??

xaris, these are the system folders that appear on the Start menu. Click Start and look for the Standard sub-item there. Here's a screenshot of http://s3.uploads.ru/2wcIU.jpg

I have XP, but how to enter, as you write, start- "standard-entertainment (??) - I can’t volume. What is, firstly, standard and secondly entertainment. I can’t find it. HELP !!!

I can't connect the microphone to the back panel. OS Windows 7 is professional. In the settings it says connection through the front panel. But I don't have it at all. The headphones are connected through the back panel and everything works fine. Tell the paganist what can I do?

I put everything as it should, save it, go back to the same place and look at what is worth playing back to Playback Realtek HD audio output (as it was), put it back as it should: Record Realtek HD audio Input (after that there are settings and I can not do anything set up except for (Level) put everything, go back and forth Realtek HD audio outpu. What the hell. Help pliz

I can't connect the microphone to the back panel. OS Windows 7 max. In the settings, the connection is written through the front panel. But I don't have it at all. Headphones are connected through the back panel and everything works fine. Tell me what can I do?