Windows 10: Headset with Microphone not working

I've gotten this new gaming headset for my Windows 11 PC. Whenever I plug it into the top of the PC itself, it transmits audio through the earpieces, but it never transmits my voice. I've tried unplugging it and plugging it back in, changing the microphone input in the settings, but no matter what, it never seems to pick up my voice.

:)

 

headset microphone not working

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Given the steps you've already taken, it seems you've covered the basic troubleshooting methods. However, there are a few more things you could try before concluding that the headset's microphone is broken:

1. Test the Headset on Another Device:
   
   • If possible, plug your headset into another computer or a compatible device. This can help determine if the issue is with the headset itself or your computer.
     
2. Inspect the USB Port:
   
   • It's possible the USB port might have been damaged when the headset was tugged out. Try using the headset with a different port, which you've done, but also check if other devices work correctly in the same port where the headset failed.
     
3. Disable USB Selective Suspend:
   
   • Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
     
   • Click on “Change plan settings” next to your current power plan.
     
   • Click on “Change advanced power settings”.
     
   • Expand “USB settings” and then expand “USB selective suspend setting”. Set it to Disabled.
     
4. Check Sound Settings in Control Panel:
   
   • Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
     
   • Under the Recording tab, right-click an empty space and make sure "Show Disabled Devices" and "Show Disconnected Devices" are checked.
     
   • If your microphone appears, enable it and set it as the default device.
     
5. Try a Different USB Cable (if detachable):
   
   • If your headset uses a detachable USB cable, the cable itself may be faulty. Try a different USB cable if possible.
     
6. Update Motherboard USB Drivers:
   
   • Sometimes, the issue might not be with the device but with the USB drivers of your motherboard. Visit the motherboard manufacturer's website to download and install the latest USB drivers.
     
7. Check if the Microphone is Disabled in BIOS/UEFI:
   
   • Although not common, some BIOS/UEFI settings might have options to disable microphone input for privacy reasons. Check your BIOS/UEFI settings to make sure the microphone or audio input is not disabled.
     
   • Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.
     
     If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.
     
8. Use a USB Hub with External Power:
   
   • In some cases, the problem might be due to insufficient power being supplied to the USB ports. Using an externally powered USB hub could help in such situations.
     

If after trying these steps, the microphone still doesn't work but is recognized by your PC, it could indeed be a hardware issue with the microphone component of the headset. Given that the audio playback works fine, it points towards a problem isolated to the microphone. In such a case, contacting the manufacturer for a warranty claim (if applicable) or considering a new headset might be the next steps.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Headsets microphone not working

Hi,





To better assist you, we would like to ask some questions for clarification to know the best possible resolution to offer.

• Were you able to use the microphone of your headset before on your computer?
• If yes, can you try if the microphone of the headset would work on a different computer?
• Does the port for the jack on your computer is capable of supporting microphone?

We look forward to your

 

Headsets microphone is not working

Hi

I'm Jen, a fellow user and an Independent Advisor.

Here's what you can try:

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Microphone

2. Click the Change button, then make sure Microphone for this device is turned on.

3. Make sure Allow apps to access your microphone is turned on.

If you still continue to have the same problem after doing the troubleshooting steps, then proceed to the steps below:

1. Navigate to Control Panel > Sound

2. Select the Recording tab, then right click on any empty place inside the device list and tick Show Disabled Devices.

3. Right click the Headset Microphone and click Enable.

4. Right click it again and select Set as Default Device.

5. Right click Headset Microphone and click Properties.

6. Click the Levels tab, then drag the volume slider towards the largest value.

7. Click OK

Hopefully this resolves your issue.