How to Turn On Your PC Microphone in Windows and macOS

Check if your microphone is physically connected and powered

Before you change any settings, make sure your microphone is actually plugged in. If you are using a USB microphone, connect it to an open USB port on your computer. If you are using a 3.5mm jack microphone, plug it into the microphone port — usually a pink or red jack on the back or side of your tower, or on the bottom of a laptop.

Some microphones need power. If yours has an on/off switch, turn it on. If it requires phantom power (common with condenser microphones), you will need an audio interface or mixer that supplies it — your microphone manual will say which. Wait a few seconds after plugging in for your computer to recognize the device.

Key Takeaways

Windows and macOS both mute microphones in Settings, not just in individual apps, so you must unmute at the system level first.
In Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > System > Sound, scroll to Input, and check that your microphone is not muted and the volume is above zero.
On macOS, open System Settings > Sound > Input, select your microphone from the list, and verify the input volume slider is not all the way down.
If your microphone does not appear in the input list, restart your computer or reinstall the audio drivers for your device.
Test your microphone in the same Settings menu by speaking and watching the input level meter respond in real time.

Turn on your microphone in Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click System on the left side, then click Sound. Scroll down to the Input section.

You will see a list of input devices. Click the dropdown that says "Choose your input device" and select your microphone from the list. If you do not see your microphone, it may not be recognized yet — try unplugging it, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. Then refresh this page by pressing F5.

Below the device dropdown, you will see a volume slider labeled "Microphone". If the slider is all the way to the left, move it to the right — somewhere between 50 and 100 is typical. Below that, look for a toggle or checkbox labeled "Mute" or "Microphone muted". If it is turned on, click it to turn it off. Speak into your microphone and watch the input level meter below the volume slider — you should see green bars move as you speak.

Turn on your microphone in macOS

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click Sound in the left sidebar, then click the Input tab at the top.

You will see a list of input devices. Click your microphone in the list to select it. If you do not see your microphone, try unplugging it, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. Then click the refresh icon or close and reopen System Settings.

Below the device list, you will see a slider labeled "Input volume". If it is all the way to the left, drag it to the right — between 50 and 75 is a good starting point. Speak into your microphone and watch the input level meter on the right side of the window — you should see the meter respond as you speak. If the meter does not move, your microphone may not be working or may not be selected.

Unmute your microphone in individual apps

Even if your microphone is turned on in Settings, individual apps like Zoom, Discord, or Google Meet can mute it separately. Before a call or recording, look for a microphone icon in the app — it often appears in the bottom left or top right of the window. If the icon has a line through it or appears grayed out, click it to unmute the microphone for that app.

Some apps ask for permission to use your microphone the first time you open them. If you see a popup asking "Allow [app] to access your microphone?", click Allow or Yes. If you clicked Deny by mistake, you will need to change the permission in Settings. In Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and toggle the app on. On macOS, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and check the box next to the app.

Update or reinstall audio drivers if your microphone does not appear

If your microphone is plugged in but does not show up in the input device list, your computer may not have the right driver software. On Windows, right-click the Start button, click Device Manager, and look for Audio inputs and outputs. Expand that section and right-click your microphone, then click Update driver. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and let Windows search online.

If that does not work, uninstall the driver instead: right-click your microphone in Device Manager, click Uninstall device, and check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device". Then unplug your microphone, restart your computer, and plug it back in. Windows will install a basic driver automatically.

On macOS, drivers are usually built in and update automatically. If your microphone still does not appear after restarting, visit the manufacturer's website and read the latest driver for your specific microphone model and macOS version. Follow the installer instructions and restart your computer.

Test your microphone before an important call or recording

The input level meter in Settings is the fastest way to test. Open Settings > Sound > Input (Windows) or System Settings > Sound > Input (macOS), select your microphone, and speak at normal volume. You should see the meter move and reach the green zone. If the meter barely moves, increase the input volume slider. If it jumps to red when you speak, lower the slider so you have room to get louder without clipping.

For a more realistic test, use the voice recorder app built into your computer. On Windows, press the Windows key, type "Voice Recorder", and press Enter. Click the microphone icon to start recording, speak a few sentences, and click the stop button. Then click the play button to hear what was recorded. On macOS, open Launchpad, search for "Voice Memos", click the app, and click the red record button. Speak, click the stop button, and click the play button to listen back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my microphone work in one app but not another?

The app may not have permission to use your microphone. In Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and make sure the toggle for that app is on. On macOS, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and check the box next to the app. You may also need to restart the app after changing the permission.

My microphone is on but sounds very quiet in video calls

Increase the input volume slider in Settings. In Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound > Input and drag the Microphone slider to the right. On macOS, go to System Settings > Sound > Input and drag the Input volume slider to the right. Test again with the voice recorder app to hear the difference before your next call.

How do I know if my microphone is broken?

Plug it into a different USB port or try a different computer if you have one available. If it still does not appear in the input device list or the input level meter does not move when you speak, the microphone may be faulty. Check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting steps specific to your model.

Can I use my headphone microphone instead of a separate microphone?

Yes. Plug your headphones into the microphone jack or USB port, then go to Settings and select them from the input device list. Some headphones have a built-in microphone that works automatically once you select them. Test with the voice recorder app to make sure the microphone is picking up sound.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.