How to turn on the microphone (Windows)

If you’re wondering why the microphone isn’t working properly while using a meeting app or recording software, it’s most likely muted. The advantage of Windows privacy is that you can grant or deny any application access to your microphone. This allows you to block access to all other applications by allowing your trusted applications to use the microphone. This post will tell you how to turn on the microphone when using a Windows PC or laptop.

How to turn on the microphone (Windows)

Follow these methods to enable the microphone and use it with any application. You can also switch to a different microphone.

• Choose the right microphone
• Turn on microphone access in Windows privacy settings
• Troubleshooting the microphone
• Enable microphone from device manager

For some of them, you may need administrator permission.

1] Choose the right microphone

The first thing you need to do is choose the right microphone. Your PC or laptop has a microphone, and if you have an external webcam connected to your PC, it will also have a microphone.

The app you are using may be using the webcam microphone when trying to set up the laptop microphone and wondering what is wrong with the setting and if the microphone is muted on the laptop.

You can go to Settings > Sound > Input. In the “Select a device to talk or record”section, select the microphone you want to use for your PC. Simply put, here we need to change the default microphone.

We recommend further testing your microphone to ensure there are no quality or technical issues.

2] Enable microphone access in Windows privacy settings.

Windows Privacy allows you to control which application can use the microphone. You can set it up for everyone or a specific app, and even turn it on for desktop apps.

Enable for everyone

To access the microphone, select Start > Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll, find and tap on the “Microphone”option.

Turn on the switch next to the microphone. This will allow anyone using the device to choose whether apps can use the microphone.

Enable microphone for specific application

You must enable permissions in your microphone settings to allow apps to use your microphone. You must first check the app permissions in order to use your microphone with apps. Check the following steps to give permission:

• To allow apps to use your microphone, go to Privacy & Security > Microphone > Allow apps to use your microphone and turn it on.
• You can change the settings for each app after giving it access to your microphone. Choose which Microsoft apps can use your microphone in Microphone settings and turn on the apps you want to use.

Enable access for desktop apps

In the microphone settings app, scroll down. You’ll find the option Allow desktop apps to access your microphone. To allow desktop apps to access your microphone, enable the Allow desktop apps to access your microphone option.

3] Microphone troubleshooting

Here we will run the recording audio troubleshooter. To run the troubleshooter:

• Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooter.
• Click the Run button next to the Audio Recording Troubleshooter.
• Select the device you want to fix and go to the troubleshooter.

4] Enable Microphone from Device Manager

• Press Win + X and click “Device Manager “in the displayed list.
• Expand the Audio Inputs and Outputs section.
• Locate your disabled microphone, right-click it and select Enable device from the menu.

Conclusion

So, in this article, you can follow four easy ways to turn on the microphone on your Windows 11/10 PC. Always remember to select the correct microphone as mentioned in the first step, and you can always choose which apps can access your microphone in the “Privacy “option on the “Settings”page.

Why is my microphone not working?

If your microphone is not working on Windows, there are several possible causes including faulty hardware, missing device drivers, muted audio, and more. Running the Windows troubleshooter, checking the microphone mute button, checking that your computer can detect your microphone in Device Manager, disabling other Bluetooth devices, etc. are some fixes if your microphone is not working .

How do I prevent desktop apps from accessing my microphone?

Open Settings (Win + I) > Privacy > Microphone. Scroll down and disable the Allow desktop apps to access your microphone option.

How to enable the microphone only for certain applications?

Open “Settings “by pressing Win + I, go to “Privacy” and select “Microphone”. Make sure the option Allow apps to access your microphone is enabled. Then choose which apps you want to have access to your microphone.