Windows 10: Microphone not working - after connecting laptop to an external monitor

Not sure this is the best place to ask this question, but let's give it a shot. My microphone is not functioning properly. I've tried testing it out on Zoom, Skype, and even the voice recorder app that comes pre-installed with my laptop. All of this was working before. Oddly, when I try to use Cortana it works and when I open up the sound settings and test the microphone I see it's responding to any sounds I make.I can't make heads or tails of this. It's probably worth noting that everything was working fine up until I got a new monitor and started connecting my laptop to it USB-C. Eve

:)

 

Surface Laptop 3 with external monitor

Hi All,

Has anyone come across an issue with an external monitor blacking out while connected to a Surface Laptop 3? I have the laptop connected to a widescreen laptop with the Surface Dock. Both work fine however, once every hour or so the external monitor blacks out and comes back.

I've completed the following:

• Updated laptop drivers and firmware
  • Updated monitor drivers
  • Swapped out monitor

[/LIST]

 

connection problems External Monitor for laptop

If you're trying to use a wired external monitor is it connected to the laptop's HDMI output connector or the mini DisplayPort connector?

If you're using a wired external monitor and don't see any output, right-click on an empty spot on the Desktop and select Screen Resolution -> Detect

In addition, you may need to press the F7 key and select the mode in which the display will function. There are 4 modes:

• Disconnect (or Computer only): display only on the laptop's screen
• Duplicate: the same display on the laptop's screen and the external monitor
• Extend: extends the output so that you can drag things from one screen to the other
• Projector only (or Second Screen Only): displays only on the external monitor

Or are you trying to use wireless (Wi-Di or Miracast)?

 

Laptop screen will only work once it has been connected to an external monitor, even if that monitor is switched off

Having an issue whereby I cannot see or use the Laptop screen without first plugging it into an external monitor.

• 
  Upon Windows startup unconnected to any external monitor
  
  • 
    DELL opening logo can be seen on Laptop screen
    
  • 
    Screen goes black with backlight
    
  • 
    Mouse pointer can be seen onscreen if moved to the right, as though a second monitor is connected on the left hand side.
    
  • 
    Attempting to press enter and type in password in the correct order as though the screen was functional does not do anything
    
• 
  Upon connecting to an external monitor (even if switched off)
  
  • 
    Laptop screen will suddenly appear, all functionality restored
    
• 
  Upon disconnecting again from external monitor
  
  • 
    Laptop screen remains visible and functional
    
  • 
    Lock screen /unlock screen no problem
    
• 
  Upon shutting and opening the laptop lid
  
  • 
    Screen black with backlight, same results as windows startup, mouse pointer can be seen and moved as though a second screen is connected on the left
    
  • 
    No functionality until reconnected, even for a second, with an external monitor.
    

Troubleshooting:

• 
  Restarting multiple times, checking multiple display screen is not activated:
  
• 
  

***Post moved by the moderator to the appropriate forum
category.***