Why Is My Microphone Not Working? A Practical Fix List
Microphone failures are often simple: the wrong input is selected, permission is blocked or the device is muted. Test the input directly before changing drivers or reinstalling apps.
1. See whether the browser receives any sound
Open the Microphone Test and grant access. Speak normally and watch the input meter. If the meter responds, the microphone works and the problem is probably inside the calling app or its selected input device.
2. Check every mute control
A headset can have a hardware mute button, Windows can mute an input, and the meeting app has its own mute state. Check all three. Some laptop keyboards also include a microphone privacy key with an indicator light.
3. Select the correct input
Bluetooth headphones, USB microphones, webcams and laptop microphones can all appear as separate inputs. Open your meeting app’s audio settings and select the same device that works in your browser test.
4. Review microphone permissions
The browser needs site permission, and the operating system may separately control whether browsers or desktop apps can access the microphone. If you previously clicked Block, change the permission and reload the page.
5. Check the input level
A working microphone can still sound silent if the input gain is extremely low. In operating-system sound settings, confirm that the selected microphone has a sensible input level and is not disabled.
6. Reconnect Bluetooth devices
Bluetooth headsets can switch profiles or reconnect without becoming the default microphone. Disconnect and reconnect the headset, then reselect it in the app. If possible, compare with the laptop’s built-in microphone to isolate the problem.
7. Test the rest of the audio path
Use the Speaker Test to confirm output audio separately. This prevents a speaker problem from being mistaken for a microphone problem during a call.
8. Check the full laptop setup
If you are preparing for a meeting, use the Laptop Check after fixing the microphone. The Device Information is also useful for recording browser and device details if the issue keeps returning.
Related guides
Useful MyLaptopTools checks
Use these free browser tools to check the parts of your setup discussed in this guide: