Fastest first step
Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. Turn on Microphone access, app access, and desktop app access.
1. See whether the browser receives sound
A moving input meter confirms that Windows, the browser, and the selected microphone can communicate.
Run the private microphone test
Audio is analyzed live in your browser and is not recorded or uploaded.
Start microphone test2. Turn on Windows microphone access
- Open Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.
- Turn on Microphone access.
- Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
- Turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone for browsers and desktop call apps.
3. Choose and test the correct input
- Open Settings → System → Sound.
- Under Input, select the microphone you want.
- Open its properties and start the microphone test.
- Speak normally, stop the test, and play the recorded sample.
- Raise Input volume if the sample is too quiet.
4. Check physical and wireless controls
- Turn off any mute switch on the headset or cable.
- Reconnect the plug or USB device.
- For Bluetooth, confirm the headset is paired, connected, and selected as the input.
- Inside the meeting app, select the same microphone you tested in Windows.
5. If Windows does not detect the microphone
Run the input audio troubleshooter from Sound settings. If the device is still absent, restart the computer and check Device Manager for an audio driver update. Driver removal or reinstallation is a later step; use it only after permissions, connections, and input selection have been ruled out.
Based on Microsoft’s official microphone troubleshooting guidance.