Why is my microphone not working on Windows 11?

Windows 11 blocks microphone access by default. The usual fix is to enable microphone access in Settings, Privacy and security, Microphone, then select the correct input device under Sound settings.

How do I give an app permission to use my microphone on Windows 11?

Go to Settings, Privacy and security, Microphone. Turn on Microphone access, enable the toggle for the specific app, and make sure Let desktop apps access your microphone is on.

Why did my mic stop working after a Windows update?

A feature update can replace or break the audio driver. Open Device Manager and either roll back the driver or reinstall it from your PC maker website, then restart.

Microphone Not Working on Windows 11? How to Fix It

Quick answer: On Windows 11, a microphone that is not working is almost always blocked by privacy permissions or set to the wrong input device — not broken. Turn on microphone access in Privacy settings, select the right input, then update the driver if it still fails.

First, confirm whether Windows hears your mic at all: open the microphone test and speak. If the meter stays flat, work through the fixes below.

How to fix a microphone on Windows 11

1. Turn on microphone permissions

This is the number-one cause on Windows 11, which blocks mic access by default. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. Turn on "Microphone access", turn on the toggle for the specific app, and make sure "Let desktop apps access your microphone" is on too.

2. Select the right input device

Go to Settings → System → Sound and, under Input, pick the microphone you are actually using — Windows often defaults to the wrong one when a USB mic or headset is connected. Raise the input volume to around 80%, and check your headset for a physical mute switch.

3. Run the audio troubleshooter

Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters and run the recording/audio troubleshooter. It catches permission and routing errors and can reset the audio service.

4. Update or roll back the audio driver

Open Device Manager and expand "Audio inputs and outputs". Right-click your microphone and choose Update driver. If the mic broke right after a Windows update, choose Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver instead, then restart.

Why did my mic stop working after a Windows 11 update?

Feature updates sometimes replace or break the audio driver — the 24H2 update did this for many people. The fix is to roll back the driver in Device Manager, or reinstall the latest version from your PC maker's support page (Realtek or Intel Smart Sound are the common ones), then restart.

Windows says my mic is detected but it still does not work

If Windows lists the mic but no sound comes through, it is usually a permission still switched off, or the problem is app-specific. If the mic passes the microphone test but fails in one program, fix it in that app — see our guide on a mic not working on Zoom .

Confirm your mic works

After the fix, run the microphone test again. When the meter moves as you speak, your mic is working at the system level.