If your microphone suddenly stops working everywhere on Windows (Zoom, Teams, Discord, browser calls, voice recorder), it’s usually one of three things: a physical mute, a Windows privacy/permission block, or a driver/device issue.
We’ll try the safe fixes first, then draw a clear line for when it’s time to stop and contact support.
1. Confirm it’s not physically muted (fastest win)
Before changing settings, check the hardware layer—because Windows can’t override a physical mute.
- Headsets: look for an inline mute switch or a button on the earcup.
- Laptops: check for a mic-mute key (often with an LED indicator).
- USB mics: check for a mute button and any gain knob turned all the way down.
If you’re not sure, unplug the mic/headset and plug it back in (preferably into a different USB port).
2. Make sure Windows is listening to the right microphone
When multiple inputs exist (webcam mic, headset mic, dock, monitor), Windows might be using the wrong one.
- Go to Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Input, choose your intended mic from the dropdown.
- Speak and watch the input volume meter—if it never moves, Windows isn’t receiving signal.
- If you see your mic listed but it’s quiet, raise Input volume.
Also check More sound settings (classic panel) > Recording tab, and confirm the correct device is set as Default.
3. Check Windows privacy permissions (common after updates)
Windows can block microphone access globally, even if apps look configured correctly.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
- Turn on Microphone access.
- Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
- For desktop apps, ensure Let desktop apps access your microphone is enabled.
If you’re on a work/school PC and these toggles are missing or locked, that’s a strong sign a policy is enforcing the block—skip ahead to the “contact support” guidance.
4. Test with a built-in app to isolate “app problem” vs “Windows problem”
This step prevents you from chasing browser/meeting-app settings if Windows itself can’t capture audio.
- Open Sound Recorder (or Voice Recorder) and record 5 seconds.
- If the recording is silent, the issue is at the device/driver/Windows level.
- If it works there but fails in one app, focus on that app’s input device selector and permissions.
One clean test can save a lot of time.
5. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter and reset audio services
These are safe, reversible checks that fix many “it was working yesterday” situations.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Run the troubleshooter for Recording Audio (wording can vary by Windows version).
- Restart your PC afterward, even if it says it “fixed” something.
If you use a docking station or USB audio interface, also power-cycle it (disconnect from power/USB briefly) before retesting.
6. Disable “audio enhancements” and exclusive mode (they can break input)
Enhancements and exclusive control sometimes conflict with drivers, especially with Bluetooth headsets and USB audio devices.
- Go to Settings > System > Sound > choose your mic.
- Look for Audio enhancements and set to Off (if present).
- In classic sound settings: Recording tab > your mic > Properties > Advanced and uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control.
If this change helps, keep it—there’s no downside for most people.
7. Update or roll back the microphone/audio driver (do this carefully)
Driver changes are where it’s smart to slow down and keep the “safe boundary” in mind.
- Open Device Manager > expand Audio inputs and outputs and Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your mic/audio device > Update driver.
- If the problem started right after an update, check Properties > Driver for Roll Back Driver (if available).
Safe boundary: avoid downloading random “driver updater” tools from the web. If Windows Update and the device manufacturer don’t provide it, that’s often a sign you should contact the OEM (Dell/HP/Lenovo, etc.) or your IT team.
8. Know when to stop and contact support (the safe boundary)
At a certain point, pushing further can waste hours—or make things worse if the issue is policy- or hardware-based.
- You can’t change microphone privacy settings (toggles missing/managed): contact your IT admin or organization support.
- Mic is missing everywhere (not listed in Sound settings or Device Manager): likely hardware, BIOS/firmware, or dock/interface failure—contact the device manufacturer or dock/audio interface support.
- You hear crackling, dropouts, or the mic disconnects repeatedly across ports/devices: contact OEM support; this can be failing hardware or a known driver/firmware issue.
- Driver rollback is unavailable and updates don’t help, especially on a managed PC: contact IT (they may need to re-push the correct driver package).
- Privacy/security concern (mic seems active when it shouldn’t): stop troubleshooting and contact support. In the meantime, disable the mic device in Device Manager or use a physical mute switch.
If you do contact support, it helps to share: Windows version, exact mic model, whether Sound Recorder records audio, and whether the device shows in Device Manager.
Final thoughts
Most Windows microphone failures come down to the wrong input device, blocked privacy permissions, or a driver mismatch. The checklist above fixes the majority without risky changes.
When settings are locked, devices disappear, or the problem looks hardware-related, stopping early and contacting support is often the fastest (and safest) solution.