The other day while attempting to collaborate with a friend via video conferencing, I ran into an unexpected issue where the microphone started acting up – weirdly – out of the blue. At times, the mic would disconnect intermittently. At other times, it would get into a distortion loop and refuse to return to normal. Before I could even get a clear sense of the chaos, the microphone issue had gripped my entire PC. Fortunately, just a little bit of digging revealed that a large number of PC folks are also looking for reliable ways to fix microphones not working on Windows 11.
Having performed deep research, jotted down the viable solutions (and of course already resolved my problem), I would like to share the best tips and tricks to fix the Windows 11 microphone not working issue. Keep reading to…
How to Fix Microphone Not Working on Windows 11 After Update
So, what has derailed the microphone on your Windows device? From what I have found after extensive digging and tinkering, these are the major microphone villains on a PC –
- Loose connection
- Hardware damage
- Disabled microphone
- Outdated drivers
- Corrupt drivers
- Low microphone volume
- Permission restrictions
- App-specific misconfiguration
- Audio enhancements conflict
- Faulty USB port
- Exclusive mode enabled
- Disabled in BIOS
In most cases, you can take control of your malfunctioning microphone by eliminating these very usual suspects. With that in mind, let’s get into the troubleshooting mode with a clear mind and a little bit of patience!
1. Check the Physical Connections
It’s no secret that loose or unstable connections can hinder a microphone from being detected and functioning properly. Therefore, make sure to check the physical connections of your microphone and ensure that they are up to the mark.
- So, take a close look at your microphone and ensure that they are securely plugged into the correct audio jack or USB port on your Windows device.
2. Test the Microphone on Another Device
To find out whether the problem is with the microphone hardware itself or your Windows 11 device, I would recommend you test the microphone on another device. To get it done, connect the microphone to another PC to check its functionality. If it’s able to work without any glitches, your Windows device is at fault.
3. Set the Microphone as the Default Device
Bear in mind that if the microphone is not set as default on your Windows 11 device, apps might not be able to access and use it, regardless of whether it’s connected to the device.
- To get it done, launch the Control Panel on your PC > Sound > Recording tab.
- After that, right-click on your microphone and choose Set as Default Device.
4. Check Microphone Permissions
It’s worth pointing out that Windows can entirely block microphone access for apps if you have not granted clear permissions. Therefore, make sure to check your microphone permissions and ensure that they are on the expected lines.
- On your PC, navigate to the Settings app > Click on the Privacy & security tab in the left sidebar > Microphone.
- After that, be sure that the toggle for app access is active.

5. Increase Microphone Volume
Low microphone volume settings can trigger a ton of confusion, making you wonder whether or not the microphone is in action.
- On your PC, head over to the Control Panel > Sound > Recording tab.
- Now, select your microphone and click Properties in the menu.
- Next, fine-tune the volume slider under the Levels tab.
6. Test Using Voice Recorder
Try testing your microphone with the voice recorder to identify if the issue is system-wide or app-specific.
- Launch the Voice Recorder app and start recording a sample to check if the audio is captured.
- If the audio is being captured, the problem is app-specific.
7. Check App-Specific Settings
It’s important to mention that some apps require manual configuration to identify the correct microphone. Therefore, have a close look at the app-specific settings to make sure they have been perfectly fine-tuned.
- To do so, open the app using the microphone on your PC.
- Then, verify that you have allowed the correct microphone in the app’s settings.
8. Check Audio Enhancements
Audio enhancements can sometimes interfere with microphone functionality, causing distortions or failures.
- Navigate to Control Panel > Sound > Recording tab, select your microphone, click Properties, and disable enhancements under the Enhancements tab.
9. Update Your Problematic App
If you are unable to use the microphone inside a specific app, update the app as I suspect that the outdated version is playing the spoilsport. To update apps on your PC, dive into the Microsoft Store > Library tab in the left sidebar.

10. Disable Exclusive Mode
Exclusive mode is designed to let only one app control the microphone. While this is a pretty handy feature, in some cases, it might block access to other apps.
- On your computer, go to the Control Panel > Sound > Recording tab.
- Now, choose your microphone > Properties.
- Up next, uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device under the Advanced tab.
11. Inspect Hardware for Damage
Now is the right time to inspect whether or not your microphone’s hardware is damaged. If there is any hardware failure, it could be causing intermittent connection loss or preventing the microphone from functioning with the needed efficiency.
- Check the important things like your microphone cable, connectors, and port for physical damage.
12. Use a Different USB Port
Do not overlook the faulty or low-power USB ports as they are equally responsible for preventing the microphone from being detected or working with the needed proficiency. If your microphone is USB-based, pair it with another USB port to see if it comes back on track.
13. Repair the Problematic App
Even after you have updated an app; if it’s still unable to access and use the microphone on your PC, take advantage of the native repair tool to repair the app.
- Go to the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Find the app and hit its triple-dot menu > Advanced Options > Repair.

14. Reset the Problematic App
Can’t make the app use your device microphone? Reset it to flush out the corrupted cache and bring it back on track.
- Launch the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Locate the app and click on its triple-dot menu > Advanced Options > Reset.

15. Reinstall the Problematic App
More often than not, a fresh installation proves to be the definitive answer to an app that is embroiled in too many issues.
- Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 device > Apps > Installed Apps > Locate the app and hit the ellipsis menu > Uninstall and confirm.
- To reinstall the app, head into the Microsoft Store > find the app and install it.
16. Ensure the Microphone is Enabled
Check if the microphone is disabled on your PC. If it’s inactive, turn it on.
- Simply, right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
- After that, expand the Audio inputs and outputs and right-click your microphone.
- Now, choose Enable device and then restart your PC.
17. Update Microphone Drivers
Outdated microphone drivers tend to invoke a number of frustrating issues, making life difficult for your device microphone to function properly.
- On your computer, launch the Device Manager.
- Now, right-click on your microphone > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
18. Reinstall Microphone Drivers
The best way to deal with the corrupt drivers is to reinstall them.
- Head into Device Manager on your PC -> Right-click your microphone and select Uninstall device.
- Next up, reboot your PC to reinstall drivers automatically.
19. Run the Audio Troubleshooter
Windows 11’s built-in troubleshooter excels in detecting and fixing audio issues. Thus, we should make sure to bring it on to diagnose the problem impacting the microphone of your device.
- Open the Settings app on your PC > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Now, run the Recording Audio troubleshooter to detect and flush out the problem.

20. Ensure Windows is Updated
Is your PC updated with the latest version of Windows? If the answer is negative, make sure to upgrade the software on your PC as there is a high chance that the outdated version of Windows is causing the problem for the microphone.
As most updates often come along with a wide range of bug fixes and driver improvements, it wouldn’t be wrong to bet on the software update to resolve microphone-related issues.
- On your PC, fire up the Settings app > Windows Update > Check for updates > go ahead to install any pending updates.

21. Restart Audio Services
For a handful of users, rebooting the audio services has restored the malfunctioning microphone on Windows 11. Considering how effective and secure this method is, we shouldn’t give it a miss either.
- Press Win + R to fire up the dialog > type services.msc, and restart the Windows Audio as well as Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services.
22. Disable Audio Effects in Sound Settings
Believe it or not, sometimes, the audio effects tend to interfere with microphone performance by causing unwanted delays or vexing distortions.
- Open Settings on your PC > System > Sound.
- Then, select your microphone under Input and disable the audio effects.

23. Enable the Microphone in BIOS
Be aware of the fact that some systems provide a native way to deactivate the microphone at the BIOS level, which disallows it from working within the operating system.
- Restart your PC > get into BIOS/UEFI settings. Then, make sure that the microphone is enabled in the hardware settings. Not sure how to trigger the BIOS? Go through the quick steps below –
24. Access BIOS/UEFI Through Advanced Startup
- Open Settings: Press
Win + I
to launch the Settings app. - Navigate to Recovery Options: Head into the System > Recovery.
- Restart into Advanced Startup: Under Recovery options, choose the Restart now option next to Advanced startup and confirm the restart.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI:
- Once your PC has rebooted, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Up next, select Restart, and let your device boot into the BIOS/UEFI interface.
25. Reset Audio Settings
Resetting audio settings allows you to restore the default configurations, which often works wonders in resolving potential misconfigurations affecting the microphone.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your Windows 11-driven PC > System > Sound, and scroll to Advanced.
- Select Reset sound devices, and hit Reset.

Wrapping Up…
So, that concludes this exhaustive guide about resolving the microphone issues on Windows 11. I hope your mic is back to normal and so is your top-notch Windows experience. Do you have any feedback to share? If yes, take a look at the readily available comments section and use it to shoot your thoughts.