How to Fix Microsoft Teams Audio Problems in Windows 11?

Why Is Your Microsoft Teams Microphone Broken After Windows 11 24H2 Update?

I know how frustrating it gets when your microphone stops working right after a Windows update. You’re not alone in this struggle. The Windows 11 24H2 update has caused serious headaches for many users, especially with Microsoft Teams microphone functionality.

Let me walk you through what’s happening and how to fix it step by step.

What’s Going Wrong?

The 24H2 update changed how Windows handles audio devices. This means your microphone might not work properly during Teams meetings. You might hear others fine, but they can’t hear you. Or your mic cuts in and out randomly.

This happens because the update messed with:

• Audio driver compatibility
• Device permissions
• Power management settings
• Teams app configuration

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before we dive into the detailed solutions, try these simple steps:

1. Unplug and reconnect your microphone – Remove the USB or 3.5mm cable completely, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in
2. Close Teams completely – Right-click the Teams icon in your system tray and select “Quit,” then restart the app

If these don’t work, let’s move to the more thorough fixes.

Solution 1: Install the Latest Windows Updates

Microsoft knows about this problem. They’ve released patches to fix it.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Click Windows Update on the left side
3. Click Check for updates on the right
4. Let Windows download and install any available updates
5. Restart your computer when prompted

This fix works for most people. The newer patches specifically address the microphone issues that came with 24H2.

Solution 2: Stop Windows From Turning Off Your Microphone

Windows tries to save power by turning off devices it thinks you’re not using. Sometimes it gets this wrong and shuts off your microphone.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
3. Look for Generic USB Hub (or similar – yours might have a different name)
4. Right-click it and select Properties
5. Go to the Power Management tab
6. Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power“
7. Click OK
8. Now test your microphone in Teams again.

Solution 3: Check Your Teams Audio Settings

Sometimes Teams gets confused about which microphone to use.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Open Microsoft Teams
2. Click the three dots (⋯) at the top right
3. Select Settings
4. Click Devices on the left
5. In the Audio section, make sure your microphone is selected
6. If it shows “Default,” click the dropdown and choose your specific microphone
7. Use the Make a test call feature to check if it works

Solution 4: Update Your Microphone Driver

Old drivers cause problems with new Windows updates.

To update your microphone driver:

1. Right-click the Windows button and select Device Manager
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers
3. Find your microphone device
4. Right-click it and select Update driver
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers
6. Let Windows find and install the latest driver

Pro tip: Also check for optional updates:

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates
2. Look for any microphone or audio driver updates
3. Install them if available

Solution 5: Give Teams Permission to Use Your Microphone

Windows might be blocking Teams from accessing your microphone.

Here’s how to fix permissions:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Click Privacy & security on the left
3. Click Microphone under App permissions
4. Make sure “Allow apps to access your microphone” is turned ON
5. Scroll down and find Microsoft Teams
6. Make sure the toggle next to Teams is ON

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If none of the above solutions work, try these:

Check Your Default Audio Device

1. Right-click the speaker icon in your system tray
2. Select Open Sound settings
3. Make sure your microphone is set as the default input device

Run the Audio Troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
2. Find Recording Audio and click Run
3. Follow the on-screen instructions

Reinstall Teams

Sometimes a fresh install fixes stubborn problems:

1. Uninstall Microsoft Teams from Settings > Apps
2. Download the latest version from Microsoft’s website
3. Install it fresh

Why This Happened

The Windows 11 24H2 update changed how the system handles audio devices and permissions. Microsoft didn’t test this thoroughly with all microphone types and configurations. That’s why so many users experienced problems right after the update.

The good news? Microsoft has been quick to release fixes. Most users find success with the first solution – simply updating Windows again.

I’ve helped many people fix this exact problem. In my experience, updating Windows solves it about 80% of the time. The permission fixes handle most of the remaining cases.

Don’t get discouraged if the first solution doesn’t work. Try them in order. One of these methods will get your microphone working again.

Remember to test your microphone after each fix. Use Teams’ built-in test call feature or ask a colleague to do a quick audio check with you.

Your microphone problems aren’t permanent. With these solutions, you’ll be back to clear communication in your Teams meetings.