Microphone not working on Windows 10
If your microphone isn't working on Windows 10, it's almost always one of three things: the wrong input device is selected, the mic is muted, or an app doesn't have permission. Work through the steps below, then confirm with the live test.
Step-by-step fix
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Open Settings → System → Sound and pick the correct microphone as the default input.
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Make sure it isn't muted — in software and on any hardware mute switch.
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Grant microphone permission to your browser and app in Settings → Privacy → Microphone.
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Run the CheckMyMic microphone test and speak — watch for the live meter and a green "your mic works" verdict.
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Still nothing? Update or reinstall your audio driver, then restart Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my mic detected but silent on Windows 10?
Usually the input level is at zero or the wrong device is selected. Raise the input volume in Settings → System → Sound and confirm the active device matches the mic you're speaking into.
How do I know which microphone Windows 10 is using?
Open the CheckMyMic mic test, press Start, and use the device dropdown — the mic that moves the meter when you speak is the active one. It should match the default input shown in Settings → System → Sound; if it doesn't, Windows 10 is capturing from a different device than you expect.
I've tried every step and my mic still doesn't work on Windows 10 — what now?
Isolate the fault: try the mic on another device or port, and try a different mic on this machine. If the CheckMyMic mic test stays silent only on Windows 10, the fix is in software — recheck Settings → System → Sound and Settings → Privacy. If it fails only inside one app, our dedicated Zoom, Teams and Discord mic guides cover the app-side settings.
Does Windows 10's exclusive mode break microphones?
It can. Open Control Panel → Sound → Recording, double-click your mic, and on the Advanced tab untick "Allow applications to take exclusive control". Also confirm Settings → Privacy → Microphone has both "Allow apps to access your microphone" and your specific app switched on — Windows 10 keeps separate toggles for Store apps and desktop apps.