Check if your microphone is physically connected or built in

Before you adjust any settings, confirm that your microphone is actually plugged in or present on your device. Most laptops have a built-in microphone near the top of the screen or along the keyboard edge. If you're using an external microphone, check that the cable is firmly connected to the audio jack (usually a pink or red port) or the USB port, depending on your microphone type.

Look for a small hole or grille on your device — that's often where the microphone sits. If you're using a headset with a microphone, make sure the headset itself is connected and the microphone arm is positioned in front of your mouth, not folded away.

Key Takeaways

  • Your microphone may be built into your laptop or connected by cable, so check the physical connection first before changing any settings.
  • Windows and Mac both have microphone settings in their system preferences that you can access in under a minute.
  • Many applications have their own microphone permission settings that override your system settings, so you may need to turn on the microphone twice — once in your operating system and once in the app.
  • A red circle with a slash through a microphone icon means the microphone is muted in your system settings and needs to be unmuted.
  • If your microphone still does not work after turning it on, restart your computer and check that the microphone driver is up to date.

Enable the microphone in Windows settings

Open the Windows Start menu and type "Sound settings" into the search box, then click the result that appears. In the Sound window, scroll down to the "Input" section. You should see your microphone listed under "Choose your input device." If it shows a microphone name with a green checkmark, it is already turned on and detected.

If the microphone is listed but appears muted or inactive, click on it to select it, then look for a volume slider or an unmute button. Some Windows versions show a small speaker icon with a slash through it — clicking that icon will unmute the microphone. Test the microphone by speaking into it; you should see the input level bar move in response to your voice.

If you do not see your microphone listed at all, scroll down to "Advanced" and select "Volume mixer" or "App volume and device preferences." This shows which applications have permission to use the microphone and lets you turn on access for specific apps.

Enable the microphone on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older Mac versions). Navigate to "Sound" in the left sidebar, then click the "Input" tab. You should see a list of available microphones. Click on the microphone you want to use — usually "Internal Microphone" for a built-in mic or the name of your external microphone.

Check the input level slider at the bottom of the window. If the slider is all the way to the left, move it to the right to increase sensitivity. Speak into the microphone and watch the input level meter — it should show activity when you talk. If the meter does not move, the microphone may not be working or may need a driver update.

Turn on microphone access for individual applications

Even if your microphone is turned on in your system settings, individual applications like Zoom, Discord, Google Meet, or Skype may have their own permission settings that block microphone access. Open the process you want to use the microphone with and look for a settings or preferences menu.

In Windows, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Microphone and make sure the toggle is turned on. You can also see which apps have permission to use the microphone and turn access on or off for each one individually. On Mac, go to System Settings > Privacy and Security > Microphone and check that the applications you use are listed and have permission enabled.

Some applications ask for permission the first time you try to use the microphone — a pop-up window will appear asking "Allow [app name] to access your microphone?" Click "Yes" or "Allow" to grant permission. If you accidentally clicked "Don't Allow," you will need to go back into your system settings to turn it on.

Unmute the microphone if it is muted

Look at your keyboard for a microphone icon, usually on one of the function keys (F1 through F12). On many laptops, holding the Fn key and pressing the microphone key will toggle the microphone on and off. If the microphone is muted, the icon may light up red or show a slash through it.

Check your system tray (the icons in the bottom-right corner of Windows or top-right corner of Mac). If you see a microphone icon with a red circle or slash, click it to unmute. Some external microphones also have a physical mute button on the device itself — look for a small switch or button and make sure it is in the "on" position.

Restart your computer if the microphone still does not work

If you have turned on the microphone in your system settings and in your process, but it still is not working, restart your computer. A restart refreshes the connection between your operating system and the microphone hardware, and often fixes temporary glitches.

After restarting, go back to your Sound settings and check that the microphone is still listed and selected. If it has disappeared from the list, the microphone may not be properly connected or the driver may need updating. Visit the manufacturer's website for your microphone or your computer and read the latest driver software. On Windows, you can also right-click the microphone in Device Manager and select "Update driver" to search for updates automatically.

Test your microphone before an important call or recording

Most applications that use a microphone have a built-in test feature. In Zoom, for example, open Settings > Audio and click "Test Speaker and Microphone." Speak a few words and you should hear your voice played back. This confirms that both the microphone input and speaker output are working.

If you do not hear your voice played back, or if the test shows no input level, go back to your system settings and double-check that the correct microphone is selected. If you have multiple microphones connected (for example, a built-in mic and a USB headset), make sure you have chosen the one you actually want to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my microphone show up in settings but does not work in my process?

The process may not have permission to use the microphone. Check your system privacy settings and make sure the process is listed and has microphone access turned on. You may also need to restart the process after granting permission.

How do I know if my microphone is muted?

Look for a microphone icon on your keyboard or in your system tray — if it has a red circle or slash through it, the microphone is muted. You can also check your Sound settings; if the input level does not move when you speak, the microphone is likely muted or not working.

Can I use multiple microphones at the same time?

Your system can only use one microphone as the default input device at a time. However, some applications let you select a different microphone in their own settings, so you could use one mic for Zoom and another for Discord if you configure each app separately.

What if my external microphone is not showing up in my device list?

Unplug the microphone, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If it still does not appear, try a different USB port or audio jack. You may also need to install or update the microphone driver from the manufacturer's website.

Do I need to turn on the microphone every time I restart my computer?

No. Once you turn on the microphone in your system settings, it should stay on after you restart. However, process-level permissions may need to be set again if you uninstall and reinstall an app.