Windows 10: My microphone stopped working. But which "microphone" was it? The only way I can know is to...

Microsoft seems to be making one questionable business move after another. But that's their problem.I appreciate the free help that Microsoft gives us, but do the people giving us the help actually solve our problems?They're very nice people, but I don't think they do.

:)

 

Microphone not working

The microphone on my laptop stopped working. I have done a lot of trouble shooting without success. Before I conclude that it is a hardware problem, can I ask if there is anything else I should do.

My System:

• ASUS S500CA laptop
• Windows 10 Home X64 version 1909
• VIA HD Audio - (for speakers and microphone)

Here's what happened:

• The microphone was working perfectly (on Skype).
• The next day it didn't work on a Skype call

Here's is a brief summary of what I have done:

• The only thing that changed between these two Skype calls were a couple of Windows updates
• I tried to remove all the recent Windows updates - didn't fix it
• One update (4577670) couldn't be uninstalled so I restored the system to a date prior to the successful SKYPE - didn't work
• I ran the Win trouble shooter - it reported no problem
• I tried to update the sound/microphone driver - reported that I had the best driver
• Checked the driver version (Provider - Microsoft, Date - 2019-03-18, Version, 10.0.18362.1)
• Checked driver details (Report- No driver files are required or have been loaded for this device)
• Updated to the latest Win 10 version (20H2) - didn't help
• The speakers are working correctly.
• I tried all of the above with the internal microphone as well as an external microphone (I tested all microphone alternatives in the setup - headset, external other)

Is there anything else that I should try before giving up?

 

Microphone suddenly stopped working

My microphone is still not working. I even checked the BIOS as someone had suggested but there is no listing for the microphone in there.

 

Easy enable/disable microphone?

My bro just got a microphone and I was wondering if there's an easy way to enable or disable it. I know you can right click on the volume icon, click on select recording devices then select the microphone, then click properties, then click on levels, and mute it - but that's just way too many steps, I'm looking for a more obvious and much easier way to do it.