Fix guide · Microphone test
Microphone not working on Windows 10: how to fix it
If your microphone stays silent on Windows 10, the cause is usually a privacy setting, the wrong input device or a driver. Press the live check, speak, and use the steps below until the level bar moves.
Quick fix checklist
- 1Open Settings > Privacy > Microphone. Under Allow access to the microphone on this device click Change and turn it on.
- 2On the same page turn on Allow apps to access your microphone, and scroll down to turn on Allow desktop apps to access your microphone.
- 3Open Settings > System > Sound. Under Input choose your microphone and check that the Test your microphone bar moves when you speak.
- 4Click Device properties and make sure Disable is not ticked and the volume is not zero. Open Additional device properties > Levels to unmute.
- 5Run Troubleshoot under Input, or open Device Manager > Audio inputs and outputs and update or reinstall the driver.
- 6Unplug and replug a USB or jack microphone, try another port, then restart the browser and test again.
Why Windows 10 shows no input
Windows 10 keeps three layers of permission: the device, apps and desktop apps. Browsers count as desktop apps, so turning on only the first two leaves websites without a microphone. Another common cause is a disabled device, which appears greyed out in the Recording tab of the classic Sound panel.
Still no sound?
Try the microphone on another computer or phone to rule out the hardware. A headset with a physical mute switch or a cable inline control may be muted. For app-specific problems, see Discord and OBS, or the full microphone test.
FAQ
Common questions
How do I turn on the microphone in Windows 10?
Open Settings > Privacy > Microphone, turn on access for the device, apps and desktop apps, then pick your microphone under Settings > System > Sound.
Why does Windows 10 show my microphone but the level never moves?
The device may be muted in Levels, disabled in the Recording tab, or blocked by privacy settings for desktop apps.
Do I need to reinstall the audio driver?
Only if the device is missing or shows a warning in Device Manager. Try updating or reinstalling the driver, then restart.
Is this test safe?
Yes. It runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded or recorded.