Solved: How do I fix microphone not detected by Windows issue

Problem Symptom

Windows may fail to detect the microphone even if it is plugged in. Here are some simple fixes to help you resolve the microphone issue happen on Windows.

Content Summary

Potential Causes
Solution 1: Inspect the microphone and ports
Solution 2: Disconnect other devices
Solution 3: Change the default audio device
Solution 4: Disable and enable again microphone
Solution 5: Update microphone’s driver
Solution 6: Check app permissions
Solution 7: Execute the Speech Troubleshooter

Potential Causes

• Malfunctioning port or microphone.
• Damage on microphone’s jacks and wires.
• Outdated driver.
• Windows interfering with the microphone’s driver.
• Interference with other connected devices.
• Default audio input device set to other.
• You have disabled the microphone.
• Microphone doesn’t have permission to operate.

Solution 1: Inspect the microphone and ports

Step 1: Check the microphone’s wire for any damage, especially at the ends where it connects to the PC.

Step 2: Plug the microphone into any other device (if available) to test if it works. If the microphone cable is in good condition but it fails to connect to a different device, that means it’s likely a problem with the microphone. This needs to be inspected by the technician.

Step 3: Check the connecting jack for any bending or burning.

Step 4: Check whether any other device (if it is available) works on the same port on the computer. If there is no damage to the microphone’s jacks and wires, and the microphone works properly with other systems, and your PC does not respond to other devices connected to the same port, then there is a problem with your computer port.

Solution 2: Disconnect other devices

Disconnect other devices that may eliminate any interference with the microphone’s connectivity. Try plugging back in the microphone after disconnect all other devices to see if your PC recognizes it this time.

Solution 3: Change the default audio device

Step 1: Press Windowns + I key to open the Settings window.

Step 2: Navigate to System settings from the list of options.

Step 3: Click on the Sound in the menu on the left sidebar.

Step 4: Open up the Input devices dropdown menu and select your microphone.

Solution 4: Disable and enable again microphone

Step 1: Press Windowns + I key to open the Settings window.

Step 2: Navigate to System settings from the list of options.

Step 3: Click on the Sound in the menu on the left sidebar.

Step 4: Click on Manage sound devices under the Troubleshoot button in the Input devices settings.

Step 5: Scroll down to locate your microphone device under the Disabled section, and enable your microphone by click on the Enable button.

Solution 5: Update microphone’s driver

Step 1: Go to the Windows desktop and right-click on the This PC.

Step 2: Select the Manage option from the context menu.

Step 3: Click on Device Manager on the left sidebar in Computer Management windows.

Step 4: Expand the Audio inputs and outputs category.

Step 5: Locate the microphone from the list of audio input and output devices.

Step 6: Right-click on your microphone and select Update driver option from the contex menu.

Step 7: Click the Search automatically for updated driver software option in the new popup window. It will automatically look for any updated microphone drivers available and install them for you. If you have downloaded the drivers from the manufacturer’s website, you can manually install it by clicking on the Browse my computer for driver software option in the popup window.

Solution 6: Check app permissions

Step 1: Click on the Windows icon in the lower left-hand corner of the taskbar.

Step 2: click on the Settings option.

Step 3: Navigate to Privacy settings.

Step 4: Locate Microphone in the left sidebar under the App permissions.

Step 5: Check if the microphone access for this device is On or Off. Turn the toggle to the right to turn it back on if it’s already Off.

Solution 7: Execute the Speech Troubleshooter

Step 1: Click on the Windows icon in the lower left-hand corner of the taskbar.

Step 2: click on the Settings option.

Step 3: Locate Time & Language and open the settings.

Step 4: Select Speech from the menu on the left sidebar.

Step 5: Click on the Get started button under the Microphone section.

Step 6: The new window with several troubleshooting options will open. Choose the Cortana can’t hear me option.

Step 7: Select your microphone to troubleshoot. Click on the Next button after selecting the device.

Step 8: The troubleshooter will then proceed to detect problems, and once they are identified, select and implement the recommended action.