When using a meeting app or recording software, if you are wondering why the microphone is not working as expected, then chances are that it’s off. Windows Privacy has the advantage of letting you grant or refuse any app access to your microphone. It enables you to block access to all other apps while allowing your trusted apps to use the microphone. This post will guide you on how you can turn microphone on when using Windows PC or Laptop.
How To Turn Microphone On (Windows)
Follow these methods to Turn Microphone on and use it with any app. You can also switch to a different Microphone.
- Select the Right Microphone
- Enable Microphone Access in Windows Privacy Settings
- Troubleshoot Microphone issues
- Enable Microphone from Device Manager
You may need admin permission for some of these.
1] Select The Right Microphone
The first thing you have to do is to select the right microphone. Your PC or laptop has a microphone, and if you have an external webcam connected to your PC, that will also have a microphone.
The app you are using may be using the Webcam’s Microphone while trying to configure the Laptops microphone and wondering what is wrong with the setup and if the microphone on the laptop is off.
You can go to Settings > Sound > Input. Under the option Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the microphone you want to use for the PC. In simple words, here, we need to change the default Microphone.
We suggest further testing your microphone to ensure there is no quality or technical issue.
2] Enable Microphone Access in Windows Privacy Settings
Windows Privacy allows you to control which app can use the Microphone. You can configure it for all or a particular app and even control to enable it for Desktop Apps.
Enable for All
To access the microphone, select Start > Settings > Privacy & security. Scroll, locate and then click on the Microphone option.
Turn on the toggle next to the Microphone. It will allow anyone using the device to choose if the apps can use the Microphone.
Enable mic for a Particular App
You must enable permissions in the Microphone settings for apps to use your microphone. You must first check the app permissions to use your microphone with apps. Check the following steps on how to give permission:
- To permit apps to use your microphone, go to Privacy & security > Microphone > Let apps access your microphone and toggle it on.
- You can alter the settings for each app after granting it access to your microphone. Choose which Microsoft apps may use your microphone in the Microphone Settings and turn on the applications you want to use.
Enable Access for Desktop Apps
In the Microphone setting app, scroll down. You will find the Allow desktop apps to access your microphone option. For desktop apps to access the microphone, toggle on the Allow desktop apps to access your microphone option.
3] Troubleshoot Microphone issues
Here we will run the recording audio troubleshooter. To run the troubleshooter:
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooter
- Click on the Run button next to Recording Audio troubleshooter
- Select the device you want to troubleshoot and proceed through the troubleshooter.
4] Enable Microphone from Device Manager
- Press Win + X and click Device Manager from the list displayed.
- Expand the section titled Audio inputs and outputs.
- Please search for your disabled microphone, right-click it, and select Enable device from the menu.
Conclusion
So, in this article, you can follow the four simple methods to turn the microphone on your Windows 11/10 PC. Always remember to choose the right microphone as given 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 potential causes, including broken hardware, missing device drivers, muffled audio input, and more. Running the Windows troubleshooter, checking your microphone’s mute button, ensuring your computer can detect your microphone in Device Manager, turning off other Bluetooth devices, etc., are some fixes if your microphone is not working.
How Do I Stop Desktop Apps From Having Access to My Microphone?
Open Settings (Win + I) > Privacy > Microphone. Scroll down and toggle off the Allow desktop apps to access your microphone option.
How To Enable The Microphone Only for Specific Apps?
Open Settings by pressing Win + I and go to Privacy, and choose Microphone. Make sure that the option Allow apps access your microphone is toggled on. Next, choose which applications you wish to have access to your microphone.
