Do you frequently use a headset for meetings, gaming, or recording sessions on your Windows PC? It can be frustrating when your computer fails to detect the microphone on your headset. Whether you’re a podcaster, gamer, or someone who relies on an external microphone, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best ways to fix the headset mic not working issue on your Windows PC, ensuring that you can get back to your activities without any interruptions.

Check Cable and Bluetooth Connection

Before we dive into troubleshooting, let’s start with the basics. If your Windows PC is not detecting the microphone on your headset, there might be a hardware issue. Take a moment to inspect the microphone’s cable for any signs of damage. Additionally, you can try connecting your headset to another device to see if the microphone works properly. If it does, read on for further troubleshooting steps. You can also attempt using a different port on your PC.

Don’t Cover the Headset Microphone

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. If the recipient of your audio is having difficulty hearing you, make sure that you’re not accidentally covering the headset microphone. A muffled sound can occur if the microphone is obstructed.

Change the Default Microphone on Windows

If you’re using a Windows laptop and connecting an external headset, it’s essential to adjust the default microphone settings.

• Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to launch the Settings app.
• Select “System” from the left sidebar and choose “Sound” from the right pane.
• Under the “Choose a device for speaking or recording” menu, select your headset microphone. If it doesn’t appear, pair a new input device from the same menu.

Restart the Headset and Try Again

Low battery levels can sometimes cause issues with Bluetooth headsets, including microphone and audio problems. To resolve this, turn off your headset, connect it to a power adapter, and try using it again.

Run Microphone Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter to resolve microphone issues. Here’s how you can use it:

• Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app.
• Click “Time & language” from the left sidebar and select “Speech” from the right pane.
• Click the “Get Started” button under the Microphone section.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

Enable Microphone

If you’ve disabled the input device on your Windows PC, you’ll continue to experience issues with the headset microphone. Let’s enable it from the settings:

• Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app, select “System” from the left sidebar, and choose “Sound” from the right pane.
• Select “All sound devices.”
• Choose your headset under the input devices.
• Click “Allow.” You can test your headset microphone from the same menu.

Update Audio Drivers

Outdated audio drivers can often cause problems, such as Windows PC not detecting the microphone on your headset. To address this, check for any driver updates and install them on your Windows PC:

• Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app, select “System” from the left sidebar, and choose “Sound” from the right pane.
• Under the Input devices section, select your input device.
• Check for driver updates and install any pending updates from the menu.

Disconnect Other Devices From the PC

Sometimes, connected devices can interfere with the proper functioning of your headset’s microphone. To troubleshoot this issue, disconnect any USB drives, SSDs, or other devices from your PC and try again.

Close Other Apps Using the Microphone

If you’re experiencing issues with the headset microphone in a specific app, it’s possible that another app is using the microphone in the background. Unfortunately, unlike iOS or Android, Windows doesn’t indicate active microphone usage. Identify any such apps and close them on your PC to resolve the problem.

Check App Permission

Certain applications, like Teams or Zoom, require microphone permissions to detect the microphone on your headset. To address this issue, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings and select “Privacy & Security” from the left sidebar. Choose “Microphone” from the right pane.
• Enable the Microphone access toggle. Additionally, turn on the permission for essential apps from the same menu.

Restart Windows Audio Service

If all else fails, you can try restarting the Windows audio service to detect the microphone on your headset once again:

• Press the Windows key to open the Start menu, type “Services,” and hit Enter.
• Right-click on “Windows Audio” and select “Restart.”

Use an External Microphone on Windows

A microphone is an essential tool for many users. Before considering a switch to another device or operating system, give these troubleshooting tricks a shot. Let us know which method worked for you so that we can create a better experience for all users.

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