5 Solutions to Fix Microphone Not Picking Up Voice in Windows

We have already discussed about how to fix sound problems in PC, now its time to talk about the opposite ;
the microphone issues. The microphone is a device which amplifies sounds received from the user in order to transmit it to the computer. 

Whether you have to play online games or wanted to have a video chat, microphone is an essential component. Most laptops are equipped with internal mics that works well with operating systems. But there are chances where the external microphone which you have connected may be malfunctioning. Many at times when there is a microphone problem, it is related to the settings rather than any hardware issues. In fact Windows contains system settings that completely disables the mic. That is the reason why Windows doesn't cope up well with recording devices. 

But Windows provides the opportunity to configure these settings in order to make the microphone working. Apart from that there can be numerous reasons why your microphone fails to work. It is difficult to pinpoint one.  

In this article, I am going to tell you the 5 Solutions to Fix Microphone Not Picking Up Voice in Windows. Through this tutorial you will know how to fix mic problems in operating systems such as the windows 10.

Let's get started,

1. Enable Microphone

For the computer to capture the sound recordings it should have the microphone enabled. Some laptops with integrated microphone comes with mic disabled on default. There are other chances where the microphone is accidentally disabled without your knowledge. Therefore you have to find a way to enable them. 

To enable microphone,

           1. Right click on the small sound icon
           2. Select Recording
           3. Right click on microphone
           4. Choose enable

Sometimes in particular applications there can be no permission given for using the microphone. Therefore also ensure that the relevant permission is given to use the microphone.

2. Check the Connections

Most of the microphone jacks are 3.5mm that securely gets connected to the PC. Even so the connection can get loose. Even though it looks fine, it can effect the communication between the microphone and the PC. Therefore make sure it is tightly connected. If the connection looks fine, unplug the jack and plug it again. This way windows will notify you with a sound that a new device is connected. Overtime dust and other particles too can accommodate microphone ports. If possible clean the microphone ports though a can of compressed air.

3. Set Microphone Default

Default recording device is the device used by the computer to record or receive a sound. Whatever the recording device you connect only which is selected as default will be used by the computer. Some laptops comes with builtin microphones, in case if you connect a external mic there will be 2 different microphones. Therefore you have to set the right microphone device as default.

To set the microphone as default,

            1. Right click on the small sound icon
            2. Select Recording devices
            3. Select the right microphone
            4. Press Set default

4. Unmute the Microphone

When the microphone is muted, the device will be temporarily disabled for the recordings. This can happen from both the system and through the physical buttons. Some microphones are equipped with buttons that helps you to mute and increase the sensitivity of the mic. Make sure that these buttons are not pressed. Apart from that there is an inbuilt mute buttons for the windows operating system. Therefore you have to unmute them as well.

To unmute the microphone,

           1. Right click on the small sound icon
           2. Select Recording devices
           3. Select the Microphone
           4. Press Properties
           5. Head to the Levels tab
           6. Ensure that the microphone is unmuted and the volume is set to maximum

5. Run Troubleshooter

To fix most of the issues related to the microphone, Windows has an inbuilt troubleshooting service. Minor issues in the microphone can be fixed by the troubleshooter. And also it is a good way to use Windows troubleshooter to identify internal and external microphone problems.

To run Windows troubleshooter

          1. Press Windows + R key
          2. type '' Control Panel ''
          3. Press Troubleshooting
          4. Press Troubleshoot audio recordings