How to quickly fix microphone problems on Windows 10

Although setting up a microphone on Windows 10 is a straightforward process, sometimes, the peripheral may just stop working right before a Skype call or before you start recording a podcast, or Windows 10 may just refuse to detect it.

Whatever the problem it might be, and you’ve covered all your basics troubleshooting steps, such as double-checking connectivity and restarting the device, Windows 10 offers a tool to quickly fix many common problems with microphones.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to troubleshoot and fix your microphone when it’s not working on Windows 10.

How to fix microphone problems using Settings

On Windows 10, there are at least two ways to access the troubleshooter to fix microphone problems automatically using the Settings app.

Fix microphone with Sound settings

To resolve microphone issues using Settings, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

2. Click on System.

3. Click on Sound.

4. Under the “Input” section, click the Troubleshoot button.

   Microphone troubleshoot on Sound settings

5. Continue with the on-screen directions.

Once you complete the steps, the troubleshooter should detect and fix the problem with the microphone.

Fix microphone with Troubleshoot settings

To fix problems with the microphone you can also access the settings from the Troubleshoot page using these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Update & Security.

3. Click on Troubleshoot.

4. Select the Recording Audio option.

5. Click the Run the troubleshooter button.

   Microphone troubleshoot on Troubleshoot settings

6. Continue with the on-screen directions.

After you complete the steps, the microphone should start working again on Windows 10.