The microphone on the computer does not work, what should I do?

For many users, the microphone has become an integral part of working on a PC. If the device suddenly breaks down (nothing is heard) or other problems appear, these issues, as a rule, are successfully resolved. We will talk about possible problems and ways to eliminate them in our article.

Why doesn't the computer see the microphone?

The main reasons for the lack of communication may be the following:

• The power button on the device is not activated,
• connection errors,
• incorrect settings,
• outdated or malfunctioning software,
• breakdown of headset elements (faulty cord or plug),
• failures in the operating system.

It matters how the microphone is connected to the PC:

• headphone input,
• common connector
• two sockets are used (in devices with two plugs),
• USB,
• Bluetooth.

Depending on the connection options, the following faults may occur:

The PC audio connector is incorrectly selected. The microphone port is pink, the headphone port is green. Laptops may have uncolored inputs, but they are marked accordingly.

ON A NOTE. Some computer models provide a single input for headphones and microphones, which eliminates error.

1. The device plug does not match the diameter of the audio input, it dangles in it, so there is no contact.
2. The connector is dirty or its individual elements are damaged.
3. The Bluetooth option is not turned on or the batteries have run out.

Microphone does not work through external sound card

The audio card has a number of features. It must be connected to the computer correctly (where to insert it). During its operation, a number of troubleshootable problems may arise:

• The USB port connecting the module to the PC does not work correctly,
• there is no support for the “Phantom Power” option (48 volts), which is necessary for the operation of many studio microphones,
• driver problems.

IMPORTANT. When purchasing a headset, consider its compatibility with the sound card.

Why doesn't the computer see the microphone from the headphones?

Such gadgets are popular among gamers and those who like to communicate online, since it is more convenient to use one audio device instead of two. They differ in connection type and power supply in the same way as microphones.

Possible problems:

• Incorrect connection.
• Typically, combined models have one wire, standard or USB. In the first case, the plug is plugged into the headphone jack (on a desktop computer this is a green socket).
• Two connection cables (separate for microphone and headphone) may cause user error when selecting the appropriate ports.

Ways to make the microphone work on the computer

Before we begin restoring the functionality of the device, let’s check its functionality. You can use another PC (or laptop) for this.

REFERENCE. You can check the microphone's operation in the standard Windows Sound Recorder program.

• We go through the verification stages sequentially.
• We will conduct an external inspection of the device.
• Some models have a separate lever or key that activates the operating mode. Its presence can be determined visually or by looking at the product passport. Turn on the button.
• We check for any visible damage to the cable and plug.

IMPORTANT. Detecting damage to a wire or connector is not always easy. Repairs can be made using soldering, which will require good skills in this area. If you are unsure of your own capabilities, there are several ways: contact a service center, exchange a product under warranty, or purchase another device. The cost of repair shop services is not always justified, so it makes sense to use the option if the price of the microphone is quite high.

We diagnose and fix possible problems with the audio port:

• Make sure that the connection is made correctly (the correct connector is selected).
• If the contact between the plug and socket is poor, use an adapter.
• If contamination is found, carefully clean the entrance from foreign matter; damage to the entrance will require repair work.
• The connector is mechanically damaged and may need to be replaced. A way to temporarily solve the problem is to connect to the input on the back of the PC.
• The USB connection can be checked by connecting other equipment (such as a flash drive) to the port. This method also applies to an external sound card. Use a different input if a problem is detected.
• Steps to take if you have a wireless device.
• Make sure that the batteries are fully charged, the Bluetooth option is activated, or the appropriate external module is connected to the PC to provide communication.
• To check the tool, go to Start – Control Panel – Printers and Hardware – Bluetooth. Move the slider to enable the function.
• In the same window, look at the list of devices and, if the microphone you are looking for is missing, use “Add a new device.” Select the headset and press the “Add” button.

REFERENCE. After the Control Panel, you can go to the Hardware and Sound section (Windows 7, Vista), or Start - Settings - Devices (Windows 10).

A separate point regarding external sound cards: look in the microphone data sheet for the requirement for phantom power. As a rule, budget audio cards do not support this option. If necessary, you will have to purchase a special unit. Having checked that all the specified elements are in good condition, we move on to software regulation.

Damaged or missing drivers can be detected using the following scheme: Control Panel - System - Device Manager. In the last window, use the Sound, gaming and video devices section. Make sure all external equipment is recognized. The presence of an “Unknown Device” designation or a yellow exclamation mark next to the microphone name indicates a problem with the driver.

REFERENCE. This option also works for an external audio card.

There are three methods to correct the situation:

• Install the software from the driver disc that came with your microphone.

If it is missing, go to the PC manufacturer’s website and enter the name of the computer model in the search. Let's use the information page and open the section with additional programs, where we look for the necessary utility according to the version of the operating system and its bit depth.

IMPORTANT. There are no microphone-specific applications listed, as they are part of the audio driver.

• Restart the system and make sure the device is working.

There is another way to solve the problem programmatically. It is suitable for beginners who are just starting to master the computer. All Windows have a special utility for solving various problems, including sound problems. Let's run it manually.

Windows 8 and 10 versions. Go to Start - Settings - Update and Security - Troubleshooting. In the right pane of the window, click Play sound and activate the “Run the troubleshooter” option. Depending on the result, the program may offer to fix detected problems, which are fixed automatically.

The Windows XP version is equipped with the Add Hardware Wizard option. It can be opened by going through the sections Start - Printer and other equipment - Installing equipment. A list of available devices will be generated in the window. Devices without drivers or operating with errors will be marked with question marks. If the desired microphone is listed among them, select it and click “Next”. An automatic search for software for the headset will begin. If it is not in the list, use the “Add a new device” item.

The Troubleshooting Wizard is used on Windows 7. Go to Start – Control Panel – Troubleshooting. In the window that opens, for details, click “View all categories” (located on the left side) and specify the required element. Launched by double-clicking the mouse, the utility will diagnose the selected equipment and, if problems are detected, offer to fix them automatically.If you enable the “Automatically apply fixes” option, the system will fix detected problems by default.

ON A NOTE. An automated way to solve a problem may not always help.

Next, we check the correctness of the settings related to the sensitivity of the headset. In the task area, use RMB on the speaker icon and select “Recording devices” in the context menu. Highlight the line with the name of the model and click the Properties button, in the new window we will go to Levels. We look at the position of the sliders; if they are in a low position, move them to the right. Save the changes made. Software glitches can lead to various problems, including turning off audio equipment.

Troubleshooting:

We restart the computer. We use the speaker icon RMB, go through “Recording devices”. If the microphone is not in the list, right-click in the free space of the window and apply the items “Show disconnected devices”, “Show disconnected devices”. Right-click on the headset icon and select the “Enable” line. If we see the inscription “Disable”, then click on it and then activate the device. The device will reboot.

Diagnostics will help identify spyware and other programs that interfere with the performance of the OS:

• scanning with an antivirus utility and removing dangerous objects,
• launching a full scan followed by the elimination of malicious applications.

IMPORTANT. In case of serious problems with the system, it may require restoration or reinstallation.

In our article, we examined in detail the causes and solutions to problems with the microphone. We hope our article helped you solve your problem.If the malfunction remains, then after weighing all the pros and cons, contact the service center.