[2025 Guide] Microphone Not Working in Zoom or Teams? Try These 7 Solutions

Having trouble with your microphone in Zoom or Microsoft Teams? If others can’t hear you or your mic isn’t being detected at all, you’re not alone.

This guide walks you through 7 easy and effective solutions to fix microphone issues on Windows 10 or Windows 11, including cases where the built-in mic disappears from the device list.

Common Causes

• Corrupted or outdated drivers
• Privacy settings or disabled permissions
• Blocked by antivirus software
• Disabled in BIOS/UEFI settings
• Hardware damage (e.g., internal cable disconnected)

These issues often occur after system updates or security software changes — even without any manual setting changes. It’s not always user error!

Step 1: Check Device Manager for Microphone Detection

• Press the Windows key → search for Device Manager
• Click View → Show hidden devices
• Expand Audio inputs and outputs to see if your mic appears
• Also check under Sound, video and game controllers

If you see a yellow exclamation mark, it means the driver has an issue.

Step 2: Update or Reinstall the Mic Driver

• Right-click the mic in Device Manager → select Update driver
• If that doesn’t work, uninstall the device and restart your PC
• Windows should reinstall the driver automatically

Driver issues are common after Windows updates. A clean reinstall often helps Windows detect and reconfigure the microphone correctly.

Step 3: Review Microphone Settings in Windows

• Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone
• Make sure Microphone access is turned ON
• Also enable access for desktop apps

Then go to Settings → System → Sound → Input and make sure your mic is selected as the default input device.

Step 4: Set Your Mic as Default Recording Device

Go to Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Sound, then open the Recording tab. Right-click your microphone and choose Set as Default Device.

Step 5: Run Windows Troubleshooter

• Settings → System → Troubleshoot
• Click Other troubleshooters → Run the one for Recording Audio

This built-in tool can detect hidden audio conflicts and fix common configuration issues automatically — especially helpful for beginners.

Step 6: Check Antivirus Software

Some antivirus programs like Bitdefender, Avast, or Kaspersky block microphone access by default. Check for settings like “Microphone Protection” or “Privacy Shield” and disable them temporarily to test.

Step 7: Check BIOS/UEFI for Disabled Mic

Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2 or Del while booting). Look for an entry like Internal Microphone under “Onboard Devices” or “Advanced” — make sure it’s enabled.

Hidden Trick: Force Windows to Rediscover the Mic

If your mic isn’t showing up at all, try these “soft resets” to force Windows to detect it again:

• In Device Manager → Disable and then Re-enable your mic under “Audio inputs and outputs”
• Run Win + R → type mmsys.cpl → right-click inside the Recording tab → check “Show Disabled Devices”
• Temporarily plug in a USB mic → wait → unplug it (this often triggers detection of internal mics)

These steps may look simple, but many users have restored their mic with these actions after everything else failed.

Still Not Working?

• Download the latest chipset drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s website
• Consider a clean install of Windows (backup required)
• Try using an external USB or Bluetooth microphone

If your internal mic is still missing or not functioning after trying everything, the issue may be physical (e.g., broken cable or motherboard). In this case, contact your device support center, especially if your PC is still under warranty.

📢 Improve Sound Quality with an External Mic

If the built-in mic continues to have issues, switching to an external USB or Bluetooth microphone is a reliable and practical solution — especially for online meetings and recording.

Many affordable, high-quality microphones are available that improve clarity and reduce background noise, making your calls more professional.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Summary

Microphone issues in Zoom or Teams are frustrating — but usually fixable. Whether it’s a settings glitch, driver error, or antivirus interference, following the steps above can help restore your mic and get you back to work.

If you’ve tried everything and the mic still won’t work, don’t stress — use an external mic or reach out for support. You’re not alone, and solutions are available!

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タグ: Zoom troubleshooting, update audio driver, Teams microphone issue, internal mic not working, Windows 11 audio fix, BIOS mic disabled