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You need to have a microphone to make audio or video calls on a PC. However, there are some privacy concerns when using one, which is why Windows can sometimes restrict access to audio recording devices.
When apps or audio devices can’t use the microphone, you might think the microphone is not working. However, you might need to enable it by making some changes to your PC.
Today’s guide will show you how to enable a microphone in Windows 11 to get unrestricted access to it on your apps.
Why can’t I enable my microphone?
There are numerous factors to consider if you can’t enable your laptop microphone in Windows 11. Below are some of the prominent ones:
Microphone disabled in Device Manager: If you can’t configure or enable your headset microphone to work on Windows 11, it might be because it is disabled in Device Manager. This can sometimes happen to new devices. You can easily get past this by enabling the device.
Wrong privacy setting: In some cases, if you have not granted access to your microphone, you might not be able to turn on the microphone in your apps. The way out here is to change the privacy setting
How do I enable my microphone on Windows 11?
1. Change Privacy Settings
Click the Start button and select Settings from the menu.
Select Privacy & security from the left pane. In the right pane, select Microphone.
Make sure that Microphone access is enabled.
The first thing to do to be able to enable your microphone is to change the privacy settings to access the microphone on Windows 11. This will make it accessible on other apps.
2. Change Sound Settings
Click the Start button.
Select Settings from the list of apps.
In the left pane, make sure that the System is selected in the right pane, and select Sound.
Select your microphone from the Input section.
Now click the Allow button in the Audio section to enable your microphone.
Keep in mind that if you disable your microphone from this section, this is the only way to enable it properly once again.
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3. Use Device Manager
Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
Expand the Audio inputs and outputs section. Locate your disabled microphone, right-click it and choose Enable device from the menu.
Using the Device Manager is one of the simplest ways to enable your microphone in Windows 11, but depending on your settings, it doesn’t always work.
To disable the microphone in Windows 11, follow the same steps, but choose Disable device instead of Enable.
While in Device Manager, we advise you to update your drivers. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your hardware is working correctly. If you want to do so for all your drivers quickly, we suggest using specialized software.
Most common Windows errors and bugs can result from faulty or incompatible drivers. An outdated system can lead to lags, system issues, or even BSoDs.
You can prevent these problems by using an automatic tool that will search and install the correct drivers on your computer with just a few clicks. That's why we recommend you use Outbyte Driver Updater.Here's how to do it:
Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
Launch the software.
Wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
Afterward, it will show you a list of the drivers found to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the newest versions.
Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
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Disclaimer: You may need to upgrade the app from the free version to perform specific actions.
That’s about it for this guide. To deal with microphone issues, the first thing that you should do is to check if your microphone is detected by the PC using some advanced microphone test tools.
Alternatively, check out our post that will give a detailed response to the how do I fix my Discord microphone in Windows 11question.
Are you having any issues with your input device? Let us know in the comments section below.
Loredana HarsanaWindows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you'll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
To troubleshoot microphone issues on Windows 11, start by checking the hardware connection and ensuring the microphone is compatible. Update the audio drivers by going to Device Manager and selecting 'Update driver. ' Set the microphone as the default recording device in the Sound settings and adjust the volume.
Select the audio interface that your microphone is connected to and click “properties”.In the Properties window, select the Listen tab, then check the “Listen to this device” box. This will allow you to hear yourself on your microphone in Windows 11.
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Ensure Microphone access is on and the toggle next to the app (if you see it) is turned on so it can access your mic.
Open the app you want to use the mic with. Confirm that the correct mic is chosen.
In Sound settings, go to Input and under Test your microphone, look for the blue bar that rises and falls as you speak into your microphone. If the bar is moving, your microphone is working properly. If you aren't seeing the bar move, select Troubleshoot to fix your microphone.
Under Advanced, select More sound settings and select either the Playback (output) or Recording (input) tab. Select your device and then select Properties. Next to Device usage, check that Use this device (enable) is selected from the list for the output and input devices.
To enable the microphone on Windows 11, first, open Settings by pressing Windows+i. In Settings, from the left sidebar, select "Privacy & Security." On the right pane, in the "App Permissions" section, click "Microphone." At the top of the "Microphone" page, enable the "Microphone Access" option.
Starting with Microsoft Teams today, you'll find a microphone icon automatically added to your taskbar when you're actively in a call. You can see your call audio status, what app is accessing your microphone, and quickly mute and unmute your call at any time.
If your microphone is not picking up any sound, try these steps: Make sure you have allowed access to the microphone. Make sure you aren't muted; check the mute switch on the cord if using a headset. Make sure you speak loud enough (or turn up your microphone in your computer settings)
Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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